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Muslims need to protect their heritage The general feeling of Muslims in the Islamic world is that they are under
siege and that the world has turned against them. This might be true, or
at least partially true, but there is also an internal danger that has to be
faced.
Some Muslims believe that heritage is a threat to pure Islam because it diverts from the
true path of Islamic beliefs. This is a disputed opinion because the level of education in
the Muslim world prevents Muslims from being misled to an erroneous view of God and
his omnipotence. It is hardly credible that some Muslims believe that the saints of Islam,
and their shrines, have a power independent or parallel to that of God. At most, their visits
to these shrines are a sign of respect for the Prophet, his family, and the true followers
of Islam. They also want to use them as a good example in their lives and to base
their daily conduct on the principles of Islam, the life of the Prophet and the saints.(2)
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Sharjah
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In this Issue
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Islamic Tourism, For Whom? Ever since we decided to publish a magazine, with the title
"Tourism Islamic", whose launch coincided with the event of
September 11, 2001 in the United States and its
consequences in terms of the fallacious charges against
Islam and the Moslem community as a whole, the question is
still being raised as to the identity and objectives of the
magazine.
This question is repeated every time the international political
and security situation is threatened by the hegemonic policy
of Western powers, in particular the United States, which
classified a certain number of states and Moslem political
forces among "The Axis of Evil" and does all it can to fight
them. The situation has deteriorated to the stage where Islam
is equated with terrorism and vice versa.
The question is also raised with the increase of global interest
in the publications of Islamic Tourism and its distribution
particularly through its noticed presence and its effective
participation in specialized tourism exhibitions and
international congresses and forums. It is also raised as the
magazine has diversified and is now published in five
languages, Arabic, English,(6)
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Enlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries The unique content of the exhibition has
been planned to generate awareness and
appreciation of the scientific discoveries
Muslims have made over a time-span of
1000 years. The lasting legacy of
Muslim inventiveness and
scholarship still serve as a beacon to
inspire and motivate young people
around the world. The 1001 Inventions
project strongly emphasises how Muslims,
working harmoniously alongside people of
different faiths and races across Europe,
Asia and Africa, were able to contribute
extensively in many fields including science
and medicine.
We all know that coffee came to us from the
Arabs along with algebra and
geometry, but who knew that Abbas
ibn Firnas invented a flying machine
which kept him in the air for ten
minutes a thousand years before
the Wright Brothers? A replica of
the invention is being exhibited
together with numerous other
most surprising civilisational
achievements from when Muslims
were leading the world.
Examining a thousand years of missing
history,(8)
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Germany's city of palaces, gardens and culture Sightseeing in a winter ambiance Once you are in Berlin, Potsdam is not far
away and worth seeing. From the fairground
of the ITB exhibition at the edge of the city of
Berlin it's only about 25 kilometres to the
capital of the state of Brandenburg. In just
slightly more than half an hour on public
transport you reach one of former East
Germany's most important, interesting and
beautiful sights.
The unique park landscape between
Potsdam and Berlin, with its various palaces,
was designated a world cultural heritage site
by UNESCO in 1990. Particularly during the
summer months crowds of tourists visit the
Sanssouci Palace and Gardens and the
Dutch Quarter. During the winter the snowcovered
Sanssouci Gardens look like a
forgotten landscape from a fairy tale. With the
falling temperature the otherwise crowded
132 steps leading to the Sanssouci Palace
are only populated by children trying to go
sledging. Next to the steps grapes and figs
are grown under glass.(10-12)
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World's Leading Fair Celebrates 40th Anniversary On the 40th anniversary of the International Tourism Fair (ITB) held from 8 – 12th March in Berlin, a new exhibitor
record was reached: 183 countries with 10,856 exhibitors participated this year in the world’s largest tourist fair.
After five days there were not less than 160,000 visitors. They had 26 halls to choose from when looking for information
about travel trends. Over 1,000 prize winning contests were held and culinary delicacies offered by over 10,000
exhibitors. On the huge fairground countries, regions, institutions and enterprises presented their tourist attractions in a
150,000 square meter complex on several levels. The exhibition also included congresses and discussions on various
specialized topics. From Wednesday until Friday noon, when the doors were opened to the general public, the fair was
reserved for over 94,000 business visitors. The professional visitors could meet, find contacts, initiate business and
make deals before the large host of visitors filled the halls.(14-16)
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Sit Back And Enjoy The Drive Tibet’s Shangrila Tours has a four-wheel-drive itinerary for those who are truly willing to set their sights high. In fact,
they can set their sights so high they will be able to spot the loftiest point on the planet.
The company has week-long Toyota Land Cruiser expeditions from Lhasa, Tibet, to Kathmandu, Nepal, that can detour
en route to visit the base camp used by climbers wanting to scale Mount Everest from its Tibetan side.
Those detours have people travel
the 100 kilometre road leading
from the Friendship Highway,
which links Lhasa with Nepal, to
the base camp, found eight
kilometers from 8,848 metre high
Everest.(18)
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Un país en el corazón de América del Sur El Paraguay, ubicado en el corazón de América del Sur, con fronteras que
suman 3484 kilómetros de extensión, limita al norte con Bolivia y Brasil, al
este con Brasil y Argentina y al oeste con Argentina y Bolivia. Tiene una
superficie de 406.752 y 5,8 millones de habitantes.
Nació como país en el siglo XVI del
encuentro de navegantes españoles con
nativos guaraníes. A partir de entonces pasó
por un proceso de mestizaje que dio como
resultado una singular riqueza cultural. Esto
se siente en el uso de dos idiomas, ambos
de idéntico valor, el español de los
conquistadores y el guaraní de los
indígenas, es el único país bilingüe en
Latinoamérica con dos lenguas oficiales.
Un capitulo de sustancial importancia en la
historia del Paraguay fue la presencia de los
misioneros de la Compañía de Jesús(20)
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Meat eating plants and sweet fruits with foul smells DAVAO, The Philippines---"Is it safe?" That was the usual reaction whenever I mentioned I was going to The
Philippines--to the southern region of Mindanao, in fact, where the armed groups are headquartered.
It was a fair question, given the fact that every travel advisory was strongly warning against visiting the Philippines,
especially the south, unless absolutely necessary. I was heading for the sprawling city of Davao on the eastern
coast of Mindanao to attend a travel show known as the Asean Tourism Forum which represents 10 countries from
that part of the world.
Even before heading out, the obvious answer
was, "Not exactly," the same response one
could give to just about any destination these
days. As it turned out, the city of Davao
might have been a little safer than most,
thanks to its colorful and controversial mayor(22-26)
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The state-continent I spent six days traveling through Australia
a small, isolated continent in the south-east
of the globe. My journey took me from the
north eastern state of Queensland to
Victoria State in the extreme south, passing
through New South Wales in the north-west.
Arrival in Sydney
At the exit of the airport, at dawn, I called a
taxi. After loading my luggage in the back, I
moved to the right door to take my place
beside the driver. But, I was surprised when
a European tourist burst out laughing and
the driver asked smiling: "Do you want to
drive the taxi instead of me?" I discovered
that, as in England, car wheels in Australia
are on the right. The cold climate of
England seems to have also transposed
itself to Australia: even though my visit was
in June, it was cold. This state-continent is
in the southern hemisphere, and the
seasons are upside down!(28-30)
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AND BEYOND The two day Middle East Travel & Tourism Summit 2006 held at the King Hussein Bin Talal
Convention Center on the Dead Sea in Jordan between 26th and 27th February 2006 was
an outstanding success. Over 350 delegates attended from across the region including
government delegations from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Sudan, and the
UAE and senior international private sector executives.
METTS provided an ideal platform to promote the sustainable development of regional
economies through tourism. The potential of travel and tourism can only be realized if all
stakeholders take responsibility for its development. METTS provided a forum where
governments, local communities (through NGOs) and the private sector can forge the
partnerships that are vital to mutual success.
Held under the Royal Patronage of King Abdullah II, METTS was attended by some very
prominent personalities. From Jordan came His Excellency Munir Nassar, Minister of
Tourism & Antiquities, His Excellency Akel Biltaji, a member of the Senate, with strong
links to the industry and many Jordanian, Arab and foreign dignitaries.
Islamic Tourism magazine took part in the event and hundreds of copies were distributed
to speakers and participants.(32)
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Village The Pharaohs' life is one of the ancient mysteries which always
demand a solution. Many tried but it is still mysterious. One of
them is Dr. Hassan Rajab who reinvented the art of papyrus. His
great love for the pharaohs' life led him to create the Pharaohs'
Village. It is an island in the Nile about five miles south of the
capital. In this historic place visitors move across a floating
theater where about 70 actors re-inact ancient Egyptian life
(papyrus making, sculpture, house-building etc). There is also a
model of Tutankhamen grave yard with its treasures.
Dr. Abdul-Salam Hassan Rajab built 10 museums, four of which deal with
medicine and embalming, pyramid building, art and beliefs and boats, in
ancient times.
Four museums are dedicated to other periods: Cleopatra, Coptic, Islamic
and Napoleonic. There are two more museums for former presidents
Abdul-Nassir and Sadat. Soon there will be one for Mohammad Ali and his
family.The village is a great place for children because it has a leisure
and art centre where they can learn pottery, papyrus boat building and
handcrafts. Visitors can also take a Nile cruise on a boat which has room
for 80. There are tasty meals on the banks of the Nile. It is also possible
to visit Dr. Hassan Rajab’s Institute which presents the history of papyrus
and a large collection of pharaohs paintings on papyrus.(49)
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Between Qingdao and Beijing This is, perhaps, one of the most difficult articles that I have written during the past three years. It relates to China
which I visited for the first time. I was misled by the stereotyped image of the country presented by the international
and Arab mass media: an under developed state that does not respect human rights, where the people live in
poverty. But, during my 15-day stay in this country, I noticed a wide gap between the stereotypes and reality.
I arrived at Beijing international airport on the
night of June 15th, held up by adverse
weather conditions which delayed my
departure from Hong Kong. I missed the
connecting flight to Qingdao and spent the
night in the airport hotel after my long voyage
from Jordan. The hotel had a halal restaurant
with a great variety of dishes.(34-36)
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The Tradition Of Mevlana Jalal Ad–Din Rumi To the very heart of Turkish Anatolia is a long distance over vast stretches of flat rural landscape. A surprise and
welcome relief was a stop in the large bustling city of Konya, the home of Sufisim.
There has been modern development but
the old part was more like a "time warp". For
a city of 600,000 it is unlike any other I have
visited in Turkey. Many women are veiled,
restaurants do not serve alcohol and there is
a general feeling of decorum.
Konya, has irrigated gardens, several fine
mosques and the Monastary of the
Maulawlyah of whirling dervishes.
Under the Persian Empire, Konya, (then
called Iconium) was the frontier city of
Phryra. It was also the capital of the
Sultanate of Rum established in the 12th and
13th centuries by the Seljuks. It attracted
artists and philosophers from distant shores,
among them Rumi, Jalal ad–Din Muhammad
Din (1207-1273), a Persian mystic.(38)
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India
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Incredible India Indian Tourism is keen to keep its position on the world tourism
map as one of the most beautiful destinations. It has also
witnessed a large influx of tourists in 2005. This reflects the
success of the campaign by the Indian Ministry of Tourism which
was organized in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and America. The
campaign shows the numerous faces of India’s cultural heritage
and geographical diversity: hence the ministry’s slogan:
Incredible India.
Mr. Saxena, the deputy regional director of Indian tourism in
Dubai, whom we met during EMITT exhibition in Istanbul, told us
of a new initiative by the ministry through its website:
www.incredibleindia.org. The new campaign includes
competitions to get free visits to India, which include trips to
temples and festivals as well as visits to wildlife sites. There are
also trips to snow-clad peaks or explore the North East contest.
Due to the large interest in yoga and medical treatment
(Ayurveda), there are also contests especially for yoga holidays
in the Himalayas, one of the world’s most beautiful regions, as
well as enjoying Ayurveda treatment.I have visited India several
times and I always see more incredible things. I invite you to visit
Indian and enjoy its wonders.(41)
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A Harmony Of Authenticity and Modernization At the crossroads of East and West, in the middle of the road between Asia and Europe stands Sharjah the capital
of Arab culture and one of the UAE’s seven emirates. This distinguished location was one of the attractions which
made Sharjah the focal point for tourists and those interested in discovery and adventure.
The harmony that exists between
authenticity and modernization and the
combination of contemporary trends and
tradition enabled the city to progress and
take advantage of its local roots. Sharjah’s
cultural tradition makes it an oasis of culture
and art.
Rich variety
One of the city’s main attractions is its
enchanting natural beauty, which extends to
Khor Fakkan with its resorts, Kalba with its
bird sanctuary and turtles, Dhaid Oasis with
its agricultural products and Dibba al-Husn
with its glorious Islamic history.(42)
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The Second Festival of Desert Tourism When the airplane landed in the Wilaya
(province) of Biskra, arriving from the capital
Algiers, the Arab and foreign guests
(journalists and European tour operators)
were received by the Wali (Governor), his
assistants and the people in charge of the
written about it in 2004. "I welcome you and
your Islamic Tourism magazine again to
Biskra the sweet city, the bride of al-Ziban",
she said warmly.
Why Biskra is the sweet city
The inhabitants of the province of Biskra
spoil their city by calling it the Sugar City -
its dates (Deglet) are the sweetest in the
world and so transparent that light passes
through them. That is why the dates are
also called "Noor" (Light).
The word "al-Ziban" is the plural one of "al-
Zab",(44-46)
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Talks To Islamic Tourism "Tourism and agriculture are our development alternatives”
Our meeting with Mr. Nour-eddine Mousa, Minister of Algerian Tourism was
arranged easily, despite his busy schedule since he took office a year ago. At the
beginning of our interview the Minister said: "We thank you for the interest that you
have shown in Algerian tourism and for the different aspects you highlighted through
your magazine and we have a great appreciation for what you have done on this
front". The Minister was happy to answer the following questions:
• What is the history of tourism in
Algeria since independence in 1962?
- Since independence and until the end of the
1960’s, Algeria passed through a period of
reorganization as an independent and
sovereign state. During the seventies, Algeria
was on the avant-garde level of tourism. Our
country is well known to Europeans through
travel agencies. The majority of investments
were coming from the public sector. The
principal tourist and hotel construction still
noticed nowadays testify to this achievement.(48)
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2006 in Cairo The old and luxurious hotel Mina House Oberoi of Cairo hosted the
most important meeting of companies and institutions concerned with
religious tourism from 24th – 26th March. The Seventh Encounter of
Inter-Arab Tourism and Umrah, has been organized by the
International Arab Company for the Organization of Exhibitions and
Conventions. More than 65 companies and institutions (transport,
aviation, travel agencies, and representatives of hotels and tourist
service companies) took part along with the media and producers of
audio-visual materials. The objective was to exchange experiences,
develop services and offer a relaxing journey for Hajj and Umrah
pilgrims.
The fair was inaugurated by Dr. Ahmad Omar Hashim, ex-president of
Al-Azhar University and a group of men of religion, industrialists from
the tourist sector, businessmen and artists.(50)
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of Pan- Arab Tourism And Umrah The seventh edition of the international Meeting of Pan-Arab Tourism and
Umrah was held on 29th – 30th March, 2006 in the Sheraton Casablanca
hotel. The event was organized by the international Arab company for the
organisation of exhibitions and congresses, with the sponsorship of the
"international Mawaddah Group" and "The Way to Umrah". The main aim of
the exhibition was to offer business opportunities to large groups and Arab
tourism establishments, to promote the programs of religious tourism and
other types of tourism and to exchange experiences in order to revitalise Pan-
Arab tourism in general and religious tourism in particular.
This meeting, the first of its kind in Casablanca, provided a real opportunity
for Arab operators in the tourism sector, travel agencies, transport
companies, lodging and hotel trade establishments and other institutions
offering various tourism and religious services, to make known and promote
their services and to sign contracts and cooperation agreements in their fields.
The organizers succeeded in bringing together about 70 Arab companies
which took part through specific stands. Travel agencies and lodging
companies were the main participants. This event was in competition with
other activities such as the inauguration of major tourism projects in
Casablanca and a conference on tourism in Tangier,(31)
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Infinite Ideas, Endless Inspiration Mediterranean Travel Fair is the dedicated exhibition for the Eastern
Mediterranean region, where the industry comes together all under
one roof to seek out new products and suppliers, hotels and
accommodation, airlines and developing destinations
Mediterranean Travel Fair fits ideally within the business cycle,
offering face-to-face opportunities for both larger and small
companies and destinations, to generate business, contracts,
network and gather information.
Held annually, over three days it is endorsed by the Egyptian Ministry of
Tourism and the Egyptian Tourist Authority. Local partners include the
Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA), Egyptian Hotel Association
(EHA) and the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF). The event is expected
to see some 200 exhibitors representing 40 countries and with over 4000
travel trade delegates due to attend the exhibition we are on track for the
largest Mediterranean Travel Fair to date.
Make vital business contacts and review new destinations. Meet with
key industry suppliers. Attend educational seminars and learn about
new products. Be a part of the regions most successful travel fair.(52)
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Istanbul's Tourist Exhibition In his article about Turkey, which
appeared in Issue 20 of Islamic
Tourism, Dr. Ala Al-Hamarneh
stated that: "there are few cities in
the world which could rightly claim
to have multiple historical and
cultural layers". That is why
Istanbul deserved to host, EMITT,
the East-Mediterranean
International Travel and Tourism
Exhibition, which is now one of the
major exhibitions of the region. In
fact, the organizers exerted major
efforts to promote their exhibition. I
met Miss Hajer Iken, EMITT's
director several times. She is
working tirelessly to host
exhibitions at the international
level.This year's exhibition was
the best. The number of showrooms increased, new countries took part
and there were more visitors: both tourism professionals and the general
public.The Minister for Turkish Tourism inaugurated the exhibition and
paid a visit to most of the stands. We interviewed him at Islamic Tourism’s
stand and presented him with a collection of the issues of our magazine,
in particular those with articles on Turkey. Turkish Airlines and its flight
schedule, which makes it possible for million tourists to visit Turkey,
deserves a special mention.(29)
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Fantasy Becomes Fact! "What are you
saying? Dubai will
host 40 million
visitors by 2015! You
must be joking!" My
fellow journalist
seemed surprised
when I told him that
Dubai was well on its
way to becoming the
tourist Mecca of the
future. Yet, any
knowledgeable
traveler who stops in
this city, which in the
last three decades
has been
transformed from a
desert outpost to an
ultra modern
metropolis, will not
dispute the fact that
this figure is realistic.
More than 5 million
visitors each year
bring the country
some 2 billion dollars
and they are
increasing by leaps
and bounds. In fact
the projected
number of 40 million
tourists could well be
exceeded.
No nation in recent times has been
transformed in such a short period. Airplanes
and some of the best superhighways in the
world have replaced dhows and camel trails
as means of transport. Skyscrapers and
other mega structures have erased the mud(54-56)
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Forts and Castles From Rubble to Restoration Oman’s ruler for the past 36 years, His
Majesty Sultan Qaboos, has long declared it
to be his goal to create a peaceful, inclusive
modern state without neglecting "its glorious
heritage, the precious evidence of its past."
His extraordinary success in achieving this
balance and the financial commitment on the
part of the government to make it happen
has revealed to the public a collection of
monumental forts and castles, a window of
understanding on 17th and 18th century
Arabian life and times.
After 20 years of restoration, 22 sites selected
from over 500 existing forts and castles in
Oman offer diverse glimpses of a powerful,
wealthy Arabian culture living in turbulent times
at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
Each castle and fort has distinctive
engineering and architectural features that
make it a physical challenge and an
education to visit. For example(58)
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Arab Businessmen In Western Hotels A long Arabian thobe billows as its wearer
climbs the steps of a waiting jet. A contract is
signed over rounds of thick Arab coffee
instead of a three-Martini lunch. Success in
the Middle East business world demands
sensitivity to such contrasts and trademarks,
particularly in the hotel and travel industry
where welcoming clients to a "home away
from home" is so important.
Don’t be fooled by the thobe and okhal
(gown and headdress). The new generation
of Arab was not born in tents or raised riding
camels. Business and political leaders are
largely Western educated; they have a
historical tradition of savvy trading often
combined with business degrees from
British or American universities. Experience,
unfortunately, has told them to expect the
Westerner to be patronizing or
condescending, so the Western business
representative must carefully still this
mistrust.(60)
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City Of Domes And Gilded Minarets Kadhimiya is one of the suburbs of Baghdad and its holiest place, visited by 150,000 people, Iraqis and others, daily.
On Fridays and Saturdays, when people visit Iraq’s largest mausoleums: Imam Moussa Al-Kadhim and Mohamed
Al-Jawad, the number reaches 500,000.
This city has 70 historical symbols, the tombs of 14 Abbasid Caliphs and the most famous lady of Bani Abbas,
Zoubaida, wife of the Caliph Haroun Arrashid, and her son Al-Amine. It is part of Iraq’s rich cultural heritage with a
school of calligraphy, architecture and science academy. It is also a city where various doctrines coexisted peacefully
and convivially. There are beautiful traditional souks, old houses with their pretty, wooden, balconies and Iraq’s largest
gold souk. Holy Kadhimiya is the jewel of Baghdad and its lung.(62-74)
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On Food And Tourism The first international conference on food and tourism was held at the
Cairo International Conference Centre from the 1st - 3rd March, 2006.
The conference studied about 47 papers in its ten sessions. It
produced several recommendations, the most important being the
raising of educational standards in the tourism sector giving students
the necessary skills and knowledge that will be helpful for their work
and gives satisfaction to tourists. It also recommended cleanness
and higher quality healthy food. The need to include authentic dishes
from the visitors' homeland with emphasis on presentation was also
emphasised.(76)
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Algeria
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Syria
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