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    Category: News

    ICESCO Participates in High-Level Panel Discussion on Manuscripts and the Promotion of Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue in Portugal

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in a high-level panel discussion organized by the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) under the theme “From Manuscripts to Dialogue.” The event was held at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, Portugal, and brought together a number of leading specialists in religious manuscripts, history, cultural heritage, philology, and interreligious dialogue.

    The scientific session, held on Friday, 26 June 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center at ICESCO, who presented the keynote paper titled “The Aesthetics of Manuscripts: Bridges for Cultural Exchange and Foundations of Human Harmony.” In his presentation, he emphasized that manuscripts are among the foremost civilizational testimonies preserving the course of human knowledge throughout history. Far from serving merely as vessels for the transmission of science, literature, and the arts, they have also constituted spaces for civilizational interaction and cultural exchange among nations and peoples.

    Dr. Hanash explained that manuscripts represent one of the most significant manifestations of humanity’s civilizational memory, embodying intellectual, aesthetic, and cultural values. He stressed that they are not only vessels of knowledge but also works of art, cultural symbols, and mediums for communication and dialogue. Concluding his presentation, the Head of the Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center called for the organization of an international scientific forum on the aesthetics and cultures of manuscripts, to be jointly organized by ICESCO and KAICIID.

    For his part, Dr. Hani Al Balawi, Expert at ICESCO’s Center of Civilizational Dialogue, underscored the importance of strengthening international and regional partnerships in the preservation and digitization of manuscripts. He highlighted the complementary relationship between manuscripts and civilizational dialogue, while presenting the Center of Civilizational Dialogue’s flagship initiatives and projects aimed at fostering understanding among cultures and religions.

    ICESCO Extends Condolences to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over Victims of Aramco Incident

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) extends its sincere condolences and sympathy to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the victims of the Aramco helicopter crash in the city of Ras Tanura, which claimed the lives of several company employees while they were performing their duties.

    ICESCO also extends its heartfelt condolences to Saudi Aramco and to the families and relatives of the victims, praying that Allah grants them patience and solace.

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, expressed his deep sorrow over this tragic incident, praying that the Almighty grant the victims His infinite mercy and forgiveness, admit them into His eternal paradise, and preserve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with continued security, stability, and prosperity.

    Indeed, we belong to God, and indeed to Him we shall return.

    ICESCO Holds Third Lecture Series on Calligraphy and Manuscripts in the Islamic World

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held, on Monday, 29 June 2026, the third lecture in its Series on Calligraphy and Manuscripts in the Islamic World, titled “Codicological Study in the Service of Philology.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Mustapha Toubi, Professor of Manuscript Studies at Mohammed V University in Rabat, with the participation of a number of specialists, experts, and university professors, both in person and via videoconference.

    The lecture opened with remarks by Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General, who emphasized the importance of manuscript studies in preserving Arab-Islamic heritage and promoting academic research on the role of manuscripts in Islamic civilization. He noted that this scientific series contributes to enriching specialized debate and linking heritage studies with modern approaches to editing and research.

    Dr. Mustapha Toubi then delivered a presentation addressing the concepts of codicology and philology, explaining the relationship between the study of the physical components of manuscripts and textual analysis, and highlighting their role in supporting critical editions and ensuring accurate readings of heritage texts.

    During the lecture, moderated by Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of ICESCO’s Calligraphy and Manuscripts Center, Dr. Toubi discussed methodologies for dealing with manuscript copies according to rigorous scientific standards. These include evaluating complete and incomplete copies, clear and unclear texts, and old and recent versions, alongside the principles of textual criticism and the scholarly flexibility they offer for additions, omissions, and modifications within a disciplined framework.

    He also highlighted the Lachmann method, developed by the German scholar Karl Lachmann, for classifying manuscripts, which distinguishes between ideal, good, and poor copies. He further reviewed developments in modern philology, particularly those introduced by the French scholar Alphonse Dain, and the debates they have generated regarding the value of textual errors and their role in tracing the history of manuscript transmission.

    Dr. Toubi stressed that the physical components of manuscripts constitute a fundamental element in supporting philological findings, while cautioning against exclusive reliance on either material evidence or textual constraints alone. The lecture concluded with scholarly interventions and discussions underscoring the importance of advancing manuscript studies in the Islamic world.

    ICESCO Participates in Conference of the British Association of Teachers of Arabic in London

    Posted on by Mohamed Anwar

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the 6th annual international conference of the British Association of Teachers of Arabic, held on 25 and 26 June 2026 at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, with the participation of more than 50 researchers and academics from the United Kingdom and beyond.

    ICESCO was represented by Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, who delivered a keynote lecture at the opening session entitled “Arabic Language Teaching Curricula: Innovative Design and Continuous Improvement,” offering a critical assessment of the current state of Arabic language curriculum development.

    Dr. Adham Muhammad Ali Hamawiya, Head of the Language Development Department at the Center for Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers, also delivered a lecture titled “The Rational Institutionalization of Arabic Grammatical Heritage: An Epistemological Reading,” highlighting the reciprocal influences among the rational sciences within Arab-Islamic thought.

    This participation forms part of ICESCO’s ongoing cooperation with international associations dedicated to the Arabic language, aimed at enhancing its global standing and strengthening its presence in leading academic forums within and beyond the Islamic world.

    ICESCO, Arab World Institute Launch Program to Strengthen Cultural Exchange and Support Youth Initiatives

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Arab World Institute in Paris, held the third meeting of the “ICESCO International Network of Civil Society Organizations for Culture and Development” project, themed “Youth Inclusion Through Arts and Culture.” The meeting brought together experts, cultural actors, and international partners to discuss challenges related to youth and socio-cultural transformations.

    The meeting, held via videoconference on Thursday, 25 June 2026, opened with remarks by Dr. Chawki Abdelamir, Director-General of the Arab World Institute in Paris, who chaired the session. He emphasized that contemporary societies are undergoing profound transformations that require moving beyond theoretical approaches toward practical solutions underpinned by an understanding of young people’s aspirations and projects.

    In his opening address, Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, noted that youth represent a strategic priority for the Organization, stressing that the arts and culture have become economic sectors capable of creating jobs, developing skills, and generating added value.

    The meeting featured the announcement of a new cooperation program entitled “ICESCO–Arab World Institute: Shared Culture,” which aims to strengthen exchanges among cultural actors, support youth-led initiatives, encourage innovative international cooperation projects, and promote culture as a driver of social inclusion and employment.

    The session also featured presentations on several initiatives by participants and members of the ICESCO International Network. Mr. Frédéric Jambu, expert in cultural diplomacy at the Organization, underlined that economic, technological, and social transformations call for recognizing the arts and culture as genuine drivers of inclusion and innovation.

    Mr. Adel Mosa, Director of the Nubian Heritage Society in Egypt, reviewed initiatives implemented in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth in heritage promotion, theater, music, training, and the documentation of folk tales.

    In the same context, Mr. Faisal Kiwewa, Director of the Bayimba Cultural Foundation in Uganda, highlighted the importance of professionally training young artists through accredited programs in film, sound engineering, poetry, and cultural journalism.

    ICESCO Director-General Receives Sudanese Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received on Thursday, 25 June 2026, Dr. Ismat Qureshi Abdullah, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Republic of the Sudan, and his accompanying delegation at the Organization’s headquarters.

    The two sides reviewed the distinguished relations between ICESCO and Sudan and explored ways to further develop them, particularly at the current stage, as Sudan faces reconstruction and rebuilding challenges, especially in developing digital capacities. The Sudanese minister expressed his country’s aspiration for dedicated support from ICESCO in this regard.

    For his part, Dr. AlMalik welcomed the visit of the Sudanese delegation, affirming that the Organization will spare no effort in providing all possible support to develop digital capacities and other areas within ICESCO’s mandate, in the context of a promising partnership with strong prospects for further growth and development.

    The Sudanese minister and his accompanying delegation also visited the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO, where they were introduced to its significant resources. The visit concluded with a tour of the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization.

    The meeting was attended, on the Sudanese side, by Ambassador Abdul-Azim Mohamed Saddiq, Director of the Arab League Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. El Gayly Mohamed Abdelhamid, Consul at the Embassy of the Sudan in Rabat. On the ICESCO side, attendees included Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General, and Ambassador Khalid Fatahalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Center at ICESCO.

    ICESCO, Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism Explore Prospects for Cooperation in Deconstructing Hate Speech and Countering Media Disinformation

    Posted on by Soukaina Azzabi

    Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received, on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the Organization’s headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Reham Abdullah Salamah, Director of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism (AOCE), to explore prospects for cooperation in civilizational dialogue, dismantling hate and extremism discourse, and countering media disinformation.

    At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Benarafa reviewed ICESCO’s key initiatives in civilizational dialogue, education, culture, and communication, highlighting the Organization’s programs and international conferences that have contributed to launching pioneering projects aimed at enhancing intercultural understanding, consolidating the values of moderation and coexistence, and confronting extremist thought.

    The Deputy Director-General affirmed that ICESCO’s work is guided by a civilizational mission grounded in universal values and that it seeks to develop new approaches, including the concept of “civilizational rights,” which raises a fundamental question about ways to safeguard the contributions of different civilizations to humanity. Dr. Benarafa invited AOCE to participate in the international scientific conference titled “Al-Jami’ Al-Musnad As-Sahih by Imam Al-Bukhari: The Book of an Ummah,” scheduled for early next July in Uzbekistan, and the Wisdom Heritage Forum on Addressing Extremism Issues, set to be held in Azerbaijan later this year.

    For her part, Dr. Reham Salamah presented AOCE’s initiatives in raising awareness and protecting youth from extremist ideologies through in-field and digital programs that analyze and deconstruct hate and extremism discourse in more than 12 foreign languages, expressing the Observatory’s aspiration to cooperate with ICESCO in this regard.

    In the same context, Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector at ICESCO, underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Organization and Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, particularly in countering media disinformation and falsification, and called for the Observatory’s reports to be made available in both print and digital formats at the Sultan Qaboos Library at ICESCO headquarters for the benefit of researchers and readers.

    Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Head of the Office of the Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, highlighted the importance of promoting civilizational awareness through education and building a value-based identity, while Ambassador Khaled Fatahalrahman, Head of the Civilizational Dialogue Center at ICESCO, reviewed the Center’s programs, particularly its civilizational diplomacy and civilizational education initiatives.

    In the presence of the President of Uzbekistan, the Director-General of ICESCO Participates as Guest of Honor in the Opening of the Third Maqom International Art Forum

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    Dr. AlMalik Proposes Establishing Uzbekistan-ICESCO Academy for Maqom and Launching the Global Prize and Program “Maqom Without Borders”

    Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), announced a set of pioneering initiatives to advance the strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Republic of Uzbekistan, particularly in safeguarding and developing the art of Maqom. These include a proposal to establish the Uzbekistan-ICESCO Maqom Academy, launch a Global Maqom Prize, and strengthen the academic dimension of the International Maqom Art Forum by promoting scientific research and training new generations of researchers and artists specialized in this ancient art.

    He made these remarks during his participation as a guest of honor at the opening session of the Third Maqom International Art Forum, held on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in Namangan, under the auspices and in the presence of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event saw the participation of several ministers of culture, representatives of international organizations, and around 250 experts, researchers, and artists from more than 80 countries.

    Dr. AlMalik stressed that Uzbekistan, under the wise leadership of President Mirziyoyev, has demonstrated through its development vision that investment in culture and knowledge is among the noblest investments nations can undertake. He also noted that this vision has been instrumental in advancing the art of Maqom to its well-deserved place on the international cultural scene.

    ICESCO Director-General also proposed launching an international program titled “Maqom Without Borders,” aimed at presenting Maqom music on major stages, universities, and cultural capitals worldwide, enabling this authentic artistic heritage to reach new audiences and reinforcing its role as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and communication.

    Dr. AlMalik further explained that ICESCO will contribute its expertise in artificial intelligence and heritage to support the Global Digital Maqom Library, ensuring that this pioneering platform becomes an international reference for Maqom traditions and a knowledge space for preserving and making this artistic heritage accessible to researchers, artists, and cultural institutions.

    He concluded by emphasizing that the International Maqom Art Forum goes beyond a celebration of music to represent a celebration of civilization, identity, and memory, highlighting that Maqom art preserves artistic wisdom and transmits it from one generation to the next, reflecting Uzbekistan’s enduring heritage.

    ICESCO Concludes Arabic Language Training Program in Central Asia at Grand Ceremony in Baku

    Posted on by ABDERRAHMANE OUASSIF

    The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, and in cooperation with ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, held the closing ceremony of the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud International Program for Language Training: Arabic Language in Central Asia. The program benefited more than 200 educators and postgraduate students across six phases in Central Asia, covering Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan (two phases in Almaty and Turkistan), as well as Bashkortostan (Russian Federation).

    The closing ceremony, held on Monday, 22 June 2026, at ICESCO’s Regional Office in the Azerbaijani capital, was attended by ambassadors of several countries accredited to Azerbaijan, led by Mr. Essam bin Saleh Al Jutaili, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Baku, along with representatives of the universities that hosted the training program and several Azerbaijani government officials. The ceremony featured artistic performances reflecting the cultural heritage of Central Asia.

    The ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; Mr. Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Khulaifi, Director-General of the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation; Dr. Majdi Hajj Ibrahim, Head of the Arabic Language Center for Non-Arabic Speakers at ICESCO; and Mr. Farrukh Jumayev, Secretary-General of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture. All speakers commended the cooperation between ICESCO, the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, and the host universities.

    The speakers praised the training program for fostering scientific and educational exchange, promoting the status of the Arabic language and its civilization, and promoting cultural diversity through building bridges of communication among ICESCO’s Member States and their peoples, particularly in Central Asia.

    It is worth noting that this program was organized under a strategic partnership between ICESCO and the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Foundation, in cooperation with several universities in the host countries, namely Eurasian University in Baku, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Bishkek State University, Al-Farabi University, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi University, and the Russian Islamic University. Training was delivered by three experts from ICESCO’s Center for Arabic Language for Non-Arabic Speakers.

    Dr. AlMalik Visits Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, Affirms It as a Civilizational Destination That Draws Inspiration from the Past and Shapes the Future

    Posted on by MOHAMED.AQEIL

    On the sidelines of his participation in the International Maqam Music Festival, set in the presence of His Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), paid a visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent, inaugurated this year as one of the most prominent civilizational and cultural landmarks in the Islamic world.

    Dr. AlMalik was received by the Center’s Director, Dr. Firdavs Abdukhalikov, who accompanied him on a tour during which he was briefed on the Center’s various sections and galleries, as well as its rare manuscripts, collections, and historical documents. He also explored its innovative architectural design and advanced exhibition technologies, which present the Islamic civilization through a blend of authenticity and modernity.

    During the tour, Dr. Abdukhalikov reviewed the stages of the Center’s establishment, its vision and objectives, and the role it plays in preserving, safeguarding, and restoring manuscripts, protecting Islamic heritage, and showcasing it for future generations. He further emphasized how these efforts reflect the scholarly and civilizational contributions made by Muslim scholars to the advancement of human knowledge.

    Following the tour, the two sides discussed prospects for cooperation between the Center and ICESCO, and agreed to establish a joint committee tasked with developing implementation pathways for future cooperation and preparing joint programs, initiatives, and projects that serve the objectives of both institutions and contribute to strengthening the preservation and promotion of Islamic heritage and highlighting its civilizational values.

    Dr. AlMalik also stressed the importance of signing a cooperation agreement to define the general framework of the strategic partnership and open new horizons for collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage, manuscripts, scientific research, and capacity building.

    The meeting also addressed the international scientific conferences that the Republic of Uzbekistan will host from 7 to 10 July 2026, foremost among them the International Conference on Imam Maturidi and the International Conference on Imam Al-Tirmidhi, in addition to the International Conference on Imam Al-Bukhari, which will be held in Samarkand near the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center, with the participation of a distinguished group of scholars, researchers, and specialists from around the world.

    Dr. AlMalik commended the great attention that the Republic of Uzbekistan devotes to Islamic heritage and the preservation of the legacy of Muslim scholars, affirming that the Islamic Civilization Center represents a pioneering civilizational project that contributes to preserving the historical memory of the nation and presents new generations with a bright image of its scientific, intellectual, and cultural contributions.

    At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. AlMalik wrote a message in the Center’s Golden Book, expressing his deep admiration for this distinguished civilizational edifice. He praised the beauty of its architecture, the richness of its content, and the meticulous presentation of the history of Islamic civilization and the contributions of its scholars throughout the ages. He noted that the Center represents a pioneering model for preserving the civilizational memory of our nation and a bridge of knowledge connecting new generations with their rich scientific and cultural heritage. He also commended the efforts of the Republic of Uzbekistan to realize this inspiring civilizational project, which harmoniously combines the authenticity of history with the horizons of the future.