The Ministry of Culture wrapped up yesterday the activities of Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2021 hosted by the State of Qatar under the slogan “Our Culture is Enlightenment,” over a period of one year, under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The Ministry of Culture hosted special celebrations on this occasion yesterday, on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Doha International Book Fair held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Hamad Al-Thani, Minister of Culture, and H.E. Dr. Salem Mohamed Al Malik, Director-General of ISESCO, H.E. Haifa Al-Najjar, Minister of Culture in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and a number of Their Excellencies ambassadors accredited to the State of Qatar, as well as guests of the ceremony.
In his speech, H.E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Hamad Al-Thani said: “I am pleased to announce the conclusion of the activities of Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, which notwithstanding the exceptional health conditions experienced by the entire world, witnessed diverse cultural activities in which the pivotal role of culture was emphasized, confirming the close link between economic advancement and development, on the one hand, and culture, on the other hand,” adding: “Countries thrive and prosper thanks to their cultures.”
His Excellency pointed out the keenness of Doha events to translate the qualitative richness of Qatari culture in order to preserve Islamic culture and enhance its presence in society, and its openness to diverse cultures, as the State of Qatar embraces more than one hundred and fifty communities representing different cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities, which all contribute to the renaissance process.
His Excellency explained that these events contributed to the achievement of positive interaction among intellectuals, innovators, and cultural institutions, as they succeeded in presenting a distinctive image of our culture and civilizational heritage that nourish our national identity, adding: “As much as the events endeavored to enhance cultural identity, they sought to build bridges of communication with the cultures of Islamic peoples so that culture remains the epitome of rapprochement and coexistence.”
H.E. the Minister of Culture stressed the need for continuity, perseverance, and productivity, because culture is the safety valve of societies and the lever of their national security, emphasizing the importance of the endeavor to renew its pillars so that the role of culture remains pivotal in building man and civilization, just as culture in the Islamic world did over the centuries by contributing to the enrichment of human civilization.
In the concluding part of his speech, H.E. lauded all the efforts made from the beginning of this cultural carnival to its end, wishing success to the upcoming rounds of events held in different capital cities.
At the end of the ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Hamad Al-Thani paid tribute to ISESCO Director-General, representatives of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the strategic partners: Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Qatar Museums, Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), Social and Sport Contribution Fund, Qatar Charity (gold sponsors), and Qatar TV as a media partner.