The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the first edition of Djéol Cultural Festival, organized by the Mauritanian Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament, in the historic city of Djéol, which is inscribed on the Islamic World Heritage List.

The festival, which concluded on Sunday (March 19, 2023), is part of the celebration of Nouakchott, Culture Capital in the Islamic World for 2023. It aimed to promote the cultural role of the city, preserve its heritage and valorize its developmental assets.

In his address during the launch ceremony of the festival, HE Mohammed Ould Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, expressed his pride in inscribing the ancient city of Djéol on the national heritage list and ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List, stressing his willingness to provide all kinds of support to preserve and to promote the cultural heritage of this city.

For their part, Mr. Mohamed Ould Soueidat, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Relations with Parliament of Mauritania, and Mr. Omar Lee Abdoulay, Mayor of Joule, expressed their happiness with this festival and the initiatives and programs geared towards investing in the development of the city.

The festival witnessed art, heritage, music and poetry performances, as well as exhibitions of handicrafts and written and oral cultural heritage.

ICESCO was represented at the ceremony by Dr. Nami Salihi, Supervisor of the Islamic World Heritage Center at the Culture and Communication Sector.