Abu Dhabi Hosts 'Andalusia: A Forum Of Civilisations And Cultures' Symposium

The cultural symposium titled ‘Andalusia, a Forum of Civilisations and Cultures’ commenced in Abu Dhabi, drawing experts and professors globally to discuss the historical contributions of Andalusia to humanity's development. This event, taking place on the 20th and 21st of February, is part of the 'Andalusia: History and Civilisation' initiative, inaugurated in June last year under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The symposium aims to enhance understanding of the Andalusian civilisation, renowned for its values of peace and tolerance.

The discussions at the symposium span various topics, including Andalusian literature, sciences, knowledge, the Moriscos, and their artistic and literary heritage. Jaime Sanchez, a United Nations translator who spoke about translations in Andalusian literature, emphasized the importance of defending and protecting culture as a global imperative. He highlighted the significance of the UAE's initiative in promoting Arab studies and encouraging international cooperation for cultural dissemination.

Jose Miguel Puerta, a professor at the University of Granada and a prominent figure in Arabic studies in Spain, pointed out the central role of Al Andalus culture in human knowledge evolution. He credited advances in medicine, botany, philosophy, and mathematics to Arab scholars during this period. Puerta advocated for the promotion of Arabic studies and the establishment of centres linking Spain and the Arab world through Andalusia.

Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives, during the opening session, stated that the symposium's primary goal is to showcase Andalusia as a beacon of cultural convergence and tolerance. He noted that this event builds upon the success of a similar symposium held in Madrid, furthering the dialogue on Andalusian civilisation's impact on global culture.

The ‘Andalusia, a Forum of Civilisations and Cultures’ symposium not only serves as a platform for scholarly discussion but also reinforces the UAE's commitment to fostering cultural understanding and cooperation on an international scale. Through such initiatives, the UAE demonstrates its dedication to preserving and promoting global cultural heritage.

With inputs from WAM