Crown prince opens Madinah festivities today

Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, will launch today yearlong celebrations to mark Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture.
The celebrations, which coincide with the historic expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque and the newly announced multibillion-dollar development projects in the holy city of Madinah and its suburbs, will be led by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman.
“The opening ceremony will be attended by a large number of top government officials, ministers, royal family members, foreign dignitaries from Arab states and abroad as well as diplomats,” said Sheikh Saleh bin Awad Al-Maghamsi, secretary-general of the events organizing panel of the governorate.
He said more than 130 Islamic cultural personalities, including scholars from around the world, will participate in the celebrations.
Al-Maghamsi said that more than 40 Saudi government agencies will participate. These agencies, he said, will also be working closely through the year to present a series of cultural and historical programs in Madinah.
Madinah is known for its centers of spirituality, faith, knowledge and science. This modern city in western Saudi Arabia is the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah. The city, which is also home to the three oldest mosques in Islam — the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque and the Mosque of the Two Qiblahs — was the power base of Islam during the times of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He said about 400 cultural, scientific and heritage related programs will be staged on 30 different locations in Madinah during the year.
“The cultural, historical, social and economic features of Madinah qualify the ancient city for the status of the cultural capital of Islam besides making it a symbol of the unity of Muslims around the world,” said Al-Maghamsi.
According to organizers, the events will include two major exhibitions: The first is titled “Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah” to be staged near the Prophet’s Mosque. This exhibition will feature the life and works of the Prophet (pbuh), whereas the second show will explain the history of Madinah.
Other functions will include a documentary film on Madinah as the capital of Islamic culture. A series of lectures will be delivered on the occasion. An important lecture on the Prophet (pbuh) and another on “young Muslims and aspirations” will be delivered by scholars.
A series of expedition tours will be organized to the city’s landmarks for local and foreign visitors. A photo contest will be organized to show the religious and historical aspects of the city in addition to a story writing contest for children. The events will also witness a special honoring ceremony for scholars of the city.