French culture to add color to Janadriyah
Published: Mar 16, 2010 01:06 Updated: Mar 16, 2010 01:06
RIYADH: French culture will be in abundance at the upcoming Janadriyah 2010, the country’s ambassador has said. It was recently announced that France was to be honored at the event.
Ambassador Bertrand Besancenot, addressing a press conference at the embassy on Monday, said performers from Pays Basque, folk dances from the 18th and 19th centuries and elegant dancers from Vannes province would be among the highlights at the Janadriyah.
Saudi spectators will also enjoy an evening of Arabic singing with the famous French singer Sapho and be charmed by accordion players on the sidewalks of Paris that have been replicated in the Pavilion.
“The walk through the Pavilion will take the visitor from one part of France to another,” said Besancenot.
Besancenot expres-sed his appreciation after Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah chose to honor France this year. He added that participation in the event, which is expected to be attended by one million people, would strengthen French-Saudi relations.
Janadriyah’s activities will not be exclusive to the Riyadh area as other parts of the Kingdom are also holding cultural events.
“All the more reason to show, not only regular visitors of France, but the average citizen of the Kingdom what the reality of France is,” said Besancenot
He added that the famous Spahi cavalry will pay their respects to the Saudi authorities.
The Pavilion will also exhibit the best in French technology such as a life-size model TGV train — one of the best and fastest in the world. Besancenot also expressed great gratitude to Janadriyah’s organizers and the National Guard, who were closely involved in the planning and participation through a special ad hoc committee.
“The French participation will respect the spirit of Janadriyah and of Saudi culture,” he said.
“For the first time, Janadriyah will have eight days dedicated to families and not three as was the case during the past few years,” says Abdul Aziz Al Al-Sheikh, a businessman and a cultural consultant to the French Embassy in Riyadh.
Besancenot indicated that France’s participation in Janadriyah this year could form the basis for establishing a French cultural center in the Kingdom and vice versa, as suggested by Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
“We have helped a number of Saudi artists from different places of the Kingdom through our cultural office as a way to keep in touch with the cultural movement of the country,” said Besancenot.
The French ambassador described French-Saudi relations as “very strong on many levels”, indicating that the two countries have been strategic partners for over 14 years. The relationship began with the late King Faisal’s historic visit to France in 1967.
Political, economic and security cooperation form the basis for such strong ties, but the French Embassy and Consulate are also among the most active embassies organizing cultural events, Ambassador Besancenot said. “Saudi Arabia’s archeological treasures will be presented in a huge exhibition at the Louvre on July 12, which is important for the image of the Kingdom.”
Comments
ABUL HAARITH
Mar 16, 2010 16:19
Report abuseJAFFER
Mar 17, 2010 09:33
Report abuseRENE
Mar 19, 2010 15:41
Report abuseASIM
Mar 20, 2010 10:51
Report abuseThere is a difference between Arab culture and Islamic culture, however your statements on the French government are inaccurate. It is more than evident that Sarkozy and his right wing allies clearly harbor Anti-Muslim sentiments whilst hiding behind the so-called liberation of oppressed women. This is why the discussions on a "burka ban" are even seeing the light of day.If the ban goes through, do you not think it is a fundamental violation of a woman's so-called "rights" which so-called democratic nations liberally use in discussions.
Furthermore, a large majority of women who wear the face veil in France are in fact French (white skinned) converts to Islam, which is quite ironic.
I would recommend that you thoroughly research the issue.
RENE
Mar 23, 2010 13:20
Report abuseThe majority of Muslim women outside the Persian Gulf (including other Arab countries like Morocco, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon to name a few) do not wear a face veil. Covering the hair is sufficient and in accordance with Islam. I suggest you study more about Islam. A person should require neither more nor less of another other than what is required in Islam. A woman with proper dress and her hair covered is allowed to have her face exposed and is still a faithful Muslim. Covering the face is neither compulsory nor forbidden. Therefore, if there is a law against it, Islam can have nothing to say about it.
The problem in France does not come about because of liberation of oppressed women as you suggest. The real issue is laïcité, or the idea of a secular society. A woman wearing a burka goes against the ideals of the French Republic. If one does not agree with that, he/she is free to move elsewhere. Just like if a foreign woman here doesn't want to wear the abaya, she can leave. You said most women who wear the face veil in France are French converts to Islam....but what would happen here in Saudi Arabia if Saudi women didn't want to wear the abaya and face veil?