ABU DHABI, 12th September, 2023 (WAM) — The dynamic city of Madrid, Spain, is set to host a cultural symposium tomorrow celebrating the culture and arts of Andalusia, as part of the “Andalusia: History and Civilization” initiative, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court. The initiative presents an important platform to illuminate the rich history of Arab civilization and highlights a unique era that impacted the entire human civilization, in line with the UAE’s efforts to promote the values of tolerance, compassion and coexistence.
Mohammed Al-Murr, chairman of the “Andalusia: History and Civilization” initiative committee, said the symposium reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering cultural exchanges and promoting intercultural understanding between civilizations. He highlighted the deep-rooted relations between the UAE and Spain. Al-Murr further noted that the symposium, through its sessions and activities, devotes particular attention to highlighting the global impact of Andalusian civilization in various fields, including art, translation, science, astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, medicine and even business and architecture. .
The two-day symposium will feature a series of dialogue sessions and activities designed to highlight Andalusia’s central role in the evolution of science and the arts during one of the greatest historical periods.
The speakers of the opening session are Mohammed Al-Murr, Dr. María Jesús Viguera-Molins, from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), and Irene Lozano, general director of Casa Árabe. The first session entitled “Andalusian Society and Cultural Mixture” will encompass a wide range of topics, including “The Social Structure of the Islamic Community in South-West Europe”, “The Spaniards and their Andalusian Past”, “Andalusian Society and the bilingualism” and “Andalusia in modern Spanish thought”. Speakers for the session are Dr. Rachid El Hour, University of Salamanca, Spain; Eduardo Manzano Moreno, from the Higher Council for Scientific Research in Madrid; Ignacio Fernando, University of Cádiz, Spain; and Carmen Royth Prado, Autonomous University of Madrid, owner of the CantArabia publishing house. The session will be moderated by Fatima Roldán Castro, University of Seville.
The second day of the event will take place under the theme “Translation and its role in cultural and civilizational communication”. This will cover various topics, including “The role of Arabic translation in the introduction of Greek heritage”, “The School of Translators of Toledo and its role in the transfer of Arabic heritage”, the “Andalusian model in the Arab- European and global” and “The activity of modern Spanish translation of Andalusian literature”. Dr. Rafael Ramón Guerrero, Complutense University of Madrid; Dr Ignatio Sanchez, University of Warwick, UK; Emilio González Verín, University of Seville; and Professor Dr. Salbador Pena, from the University of Malaga, will be the speakers of the session. It will be moderated by Dr Mohamed Zahiri, from the Department of Arab and Islamic Studies at the Complutense University of Madrid.
The cultural symposium will also include a session entitled “Arts in Andalusia”. This session will address different themes, including “Andalusian cities, urban structure and services”, “Andalusian arts in their context: palaces and practice of knowledge”, “Specificities of Andalusian art: calligraphy, images and architecture”, “Metis Art in Spain and Latin America”, “Andalusian Kharjat, Azajal and Muwashahat (stanzas) and their influence on Arabic and Spanish literature”, and “Andalusian song and music and the contribution of Ziryab”. The session will see the participation of eminent personalities – including Dr Christine Mazouly Gentard, University of Nantes; Dr Susana Calvo Capilla, Complutense University of Madrid; Dr José Miguel Puerta, University of Granada; Dr Rafael López Guzmán, University of Granada; Dr Salah Jarrar, University of Jordan; Dr. Manuela Cortes, University of Granada. The discussions will be moderated by Professor Dr. Susana Calpo Capilla, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
Launched by the United Arab Emirates, this initiative aims to improve global understanding of the unique Andalusian civilization. The “Andalusia: History and Civilization” initiative covers a wide range of engaging exhibitions, enlightening symposia and various other artistic and cultural events, dedicated to raising awareness of the Arab civilization in Andalusia and its enduring cultural and historical legacy. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, rooted in the vast heritage of Arab civilization in Andalusia.
Al-Murr said: “Through its diverse cultural activities, the “Andalusia: History and Civilization” initiative offers a unique opportunity to showcase a civilization that has profoundly enriched humanity. Andalusia constitutes a shining example of harmonious coexistence between different peoples, marked by tolerance and mutual respect, which has allowed the flourishing of this civilization in various aspects of life.
In the UAE, the “Andalusia: History and Civilization” initiative will organize various artistic and cultural activities, including an exhibition of Andalusian art collections to be held at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, in addition to musical events Andalusian and a cultural conference which will take place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
