Minister of Culture Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel Aal, and Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Dr. Salem ben Mohammad El-Malek inaugurated Sunday the activities of celebrating Cairo as the capital of culture in the Islamic World for 2022.
The inauguration ceremony also included launching an exceptional session of the “My Heritage” competition organized by the National Organization of Urban Harmony for photographers from Egypt and countries of ICESCO to inspire architectural heritage treasures. The ceremony was held at the Romanian Theatre in Cairo’s north gate.
The celebration was attended by Deputy Cairo Governor Dr. Hossam Fawzy, Secretary-General of the Cairo governorate Alaa Rashad, several Arab and foreign ambassadors, and members of Egypt’s Senate and House of Representatives.
During the ceremony, Abdel Aal said that Cairo is rich in its heritage, monuments, and the Azhar Mosque, stressing that the Egyptian state is keen to preserve and sustain heritage, which is evident in its efforts to develop Historic Cairo and the Fustat area. He added that the development does not only include restoring old buildings but also preserving traditional crafts to ensure their sustainability.
Moreover, Abdel Aal invited citizens of the member countries of ICESCO and the world to visit Cairo and enjoy its rich heritage.
The selection of Cairo as the capital of culture in the Islamic World reflects the greatness of the Egyptian civilization and Egypt’s important position throughout history. It also contributes to presenting and promoting the true image of Islamic civilization, which is a mutual goal of the Ministry of Culture and the ICESCO.
Moreover, the celebration of Cairo as the capital of culture in the Islamic World included several cultural and artistic activities and Egyptian traditional crafts workshops with the participation of the member countries of the ICESCO.
The celebration also included an exhibition entitled “Cairo, The Capital of Culture in The Islamic World,” a book fair, a plastic art exhibition, a documentary about Cairo, an Arabic calligraphy exhibition, and a performance by the Al-Hadra Sufi Troupe.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
