JEDDAH, 17 September 2005 — Some 500 events have been lined up as part of celebrations marking the selection of Makkah as the Islamic cultural capital of 2005, according to Um Al-Qura University President Dr. Nasser Al-Saleh. Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed will open the festivities at the university today.
“We have been working on these programs for the past 18 months in coordination with government and private agencies. We have contacted prominent literary personalities and intellectuals in the Arab and Islamic world,” Saleh said.
He said about 300 research papers will be presented at a three-day seminar on “International Cultural Role of Makkah: Past and Present” starting today. The seminar will focus on the effect of Haj and Umrah on the people of Makkah and the world.
An international book show and painting exhibitions focusing on Makkah will be held in November, Saleh said, adding that his university would publish about 100 books on Makkah and an atlas of the city.
Minister of Higher Education Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari will open a museum showcasing Makkah’s heritage at the university today.
