Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), took part in several cultural activities during his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to attend the launch of the Celebration of Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023.

These activities are part of the year-long celebration program, which features many activities, including intellectual and cultural fora.

In this regard, Dr. AlMalik took part in the symposium “Mauritanian knowledge as an ambassador,” held at the Palais des Congrès, in Nouakchott, on Friday evening, January 6, 2023.

This symposium discussed the roles of Mauritanian cultural diplomacy and the impact of Mauritanian scholars on science, culture and thought around the world.

In his opening speech, Dr. Mohammed El Mokhtar Ould Bah, chair of the symposium, whose writings and research have served the Chinguetti culture, expressed his gratitude to the Mauritanian authorities and ICESCO for having proclaimed Nouakchott as Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023.

He also called for the mobilization of all efforts so that the contribution of Mauritania to the Islamic and human civilizations is recognized.

The symposium included three sessions, the first on the image of Chinguetti in modern Arabic sources, the second on ” Pilgrims’ Route: Characteristics of Influence and Impact,” and the third on the concerns of the homeland and nation through scientific communication between Mauritania and the Islamic world.

Prior to the symposium, Dr. AlMalik and Ms. Fatimetou Bint Abdel Malick, President of Nouakchott Region, visited the Cultural Village, which represents a typical village of the Mauritanian lifestyle and includes Al-Mahdara tent, which is an important symbol of the traditional teaching mechanisms in Mauritania.

They also visited the artisans’ tent, which aims to support and preserve handicrafts, the tent of traditional Mauritanian gastronomy and other aspects of Bedouin life, traditions, customs, and ways of living.

Dr. AlMalik expressed his admiration for the valorization of Mauritanian intangible heritage in the cultural village, the opportunities it offers to artisans and the support it provides to the continuity of traditional crafts, stressing that the celebration of Nouakchott is an opportunity to highlight and strengthen these efforts.

During an artistic ceremony, organized by the National Union of Mauritanian Employers to welcome the guests of the celebration of Nouakchott, in the presence of a large number of officials, private sector as well as cultural and media figures, Mr. Mohammed Zinelabidine Ould Cheikh Ahmed, President of the Union, honored ICESCO Director-General and some prominent personalities in recognition of their efforts to serve the culture and preparation of the celebration.