Yemen Observer: http://www.yobserver.com
Posted in:
Culture & Society
Written By: Khalid al-Syaghi
Article Date: Mar 15, 2008 - 7:02:47 AM
A symposium was held this week in Sana’a on Islamic architectural art. The conference was organized by the National Committee for Education, Culture and Sciences in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Dr. Mohammed al-Qadasi, General Secretary of UNESCO, explained that the objectives of the symposium were to continue to highlight the cultural perspectives of Islamic architecture, to train employees who work in Islamic architecture protection fields, and to use information technology in addition to creating a digital data base for preserving and protecting these relics’ Islamic identity.
The aforementioned areas contribute to raising awareness about the importance of restoring and investing in Islamic art and encouraging the growth of cultural tourism.
Al-Qadasi drew attention to the dynamics of Islamic architecture and its wide range of both earthly and religious styles from the rise of Islam until today, encouraging projects which focus on linking the diversity of this art throughout the Islamic world.
The symposium, according to al-Qadasi, precipitated significant conclusions regarding the fate of Islamic architecture. Awareness must spread to bring about appreciation of Islamic relics, and committees will continue to promote Islamic architecture so as to develop tourism and highlight its role in setting cultural policies which promote relations.
The symposium was considered a great success and an important contribution to the development and promotion of Islamic architecture.