‘Islamic Culture’ programmes for 2018 announced
Manama : The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has lined up a list of programmes to be held under the banner “Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture 2018” throughout the year.
The programmes were announced during a press conference held at the Bu Maher Fort in the presence of Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Chairman of BACA, ambassadors and others interested in cultural affairs in the Kingdom.
The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (ISESCO) ninth session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers held in Muscat in 2015 had declared Muharraq the capital of Islamic culture for 2018.
Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa during her speech mentioned that the nomination of Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture by ISESCO is a recognition of the historical aspect of the city which has the pearling path as world heritage site.
She thanked His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the first supporter of culture in Bahrain, for his constant faith in the cultural work and for his generous support for “Muharraq Capital of Islamic Culture 2018” programme.
She thanked His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, for their unlimited support for cultural mobility in the Kingdom and acknowledged Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director-General of ISESCO, for his interest in the city of Muharraq and his confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will celebrate its guests from all over the world.
Sheikha Mai further stressed that the city of Muharraq was named the Capital of Islamic Culture for the year 2018 to enrich its urban fabric and its tangible material and intangible heritage, noting that the Culture Authority will present during the year cultural infrastructure projects that will enrich the city and enhance its splendour and beauty.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as a vibrant program of activities, celebrations and exhibitions throughout Bahrain that celebrates this important event in a way that enriches the richness of its ancient heritage.
“Through culture, we promote our high values and the authentic spirit of our Islamic religion, and we give the world a better picture of the countries of the Arab and Islamic worlds,” she said.
In announcing the Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri affirmed the history of Muharraq and its human heritage and Bahrain’s unique cultural components. He pointed out the need to preserve the cultural identity of historic cities, noting the role of the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority in safeguarding Bahrain’s cultural heritage.
Programme schedule
1, Revealing the most important events for 2018, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) said that it will officially celebrate Muharraq as the capital of Islamic culture on January 28 under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
2, On January 17, the 44th annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
The panel will also present on January 17 the 6th Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium.
3, On January 18, the National Museum of Bahrain will host the exhibition “Art in the Civilization of Muslim Countries - Al Sabah Group”, which is coming from the House of Islamic Antiquities in Kuwait.
4, On the occasion of the Arab Tourism Day, which coincides with the birth of the Arab Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta, the Bahrain National Theater will host a concert on February 25, specially prepared for this world concert by Abed Azriya entitled “The Epic of Gilgamesh”.
5, In March, the Bahrain National Museum will open the “Cemetery Hall” on March 18, in line with the International Day of Museums.
6, On March 28th, the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority will organize the 18th Bahrain International Book Fair.
7, On June 24, 2018, the World Heritage Committee will meet in Manama.
8, On September 27, the BACA will launch the second edition of the Passport for Cultural Tourism in conjunction with World Tourism Day.
9, The year will conclude on November 28 with the official launch of the Pearl Road: A Witness to an Island Economy, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
During the year, BACA will continue to present its usual cultural annuals: Spring of Culture Festival, Annual Heritage Festival, Bahrain Summer Festival, Bahrain International Music Festival, Youth Festival, Food Culture, Manama Sleep, Lectures and many more, which will be announced by the Bahrain Culture and Antiquities Authority (BCHR) through its website culture.gov.bh.
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