ALEPPO, 23 May 2005 — Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, is gearing up to celebrate its announcement as the “Capital of Islamic Culture for 2006,” the country’s Minister of Culture Dr. Mahmoud Al-Sayyed said here yesterday.
The minister said that the celebration will feature various cultural, religious, educational, and entertainment activities, including art exhibitions, seminars, screening historical and documentary films on the architectural aspects of Aleppo, in addition to launching an integrated website on the city.
“The declaration of Aleppo as the capital of Islamic culture for 2006 is due to its history which dates back to more than 5,000 years. Despite the city being exposed to many foreign invasions it has stayed steadfast to its culture.
The presence of great men of letters and scientists, who effectively contributed to enrich the city’s Islamic culture, also was a vital factor in the city retaining its Islamic heritage,” Dr. Al-Sayyed said.
He added that the Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) chose Aleppo last year as the upcoming capital for Islamic culture, while Damascus, the capital of Syria, is going to be the Islamic cultural capital in 2008.
Dr. Al-Sayyed stressed the importance of Aleppo as a haven for culture, heritage, sciences, trade, religious and social activities.
“Aleppo has been known for long for its distinguished castle, its archeological sites, old markets, and religious fraternity,” Dr. Al-Sayyed said.
The minister urged both public and private sector to work jointly as an integrated team to introduce the city in its perfect form and highlight its key role in enriching the historical and cultural life of the country.
“We want to make next year’s celebration in Aleppo a big success. Hence, we need to work out a colorful program to mirror the various social, cultural, historical, religious, and artistic aspects of the city,” said Al-Sayyed.
Cradled in a bowl of dry hills in northern Syria, the city of Aleppo has a grave and dignified front of a traditional Arab city. It has been a key point for passing travelers, who gained from its fine Arabic tradition, architecture and trade.
