ALEPPO: THE CAPITAL OF ISLAMIC CULTURE
By Fady Kistali
The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) chose the Syrian city of Aleppo as the capital of Islamic culture for the year 1427 H/2006, because of its traditional architecture and cultural, scientific, artistic and economic activities.
Aleppo is a model of Islamic cities as regards religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between communities of varying traditions and doctrines. It has assimilated past civilizations within the framework of flexible Moslem culture appealing to dialogue, wisdom and enlightened religious guidance.
Aleppo is also a model of Islamic cities with its ancestral Islamic architecture dating back to the year 16 Hegira (637 approximately). It passed through the Ummayad and Abbassid era (the reigns of the Hamdanides, Seljukides, Zenkides and Ayyoubides) and the Mamlouk and Ottomans eras. Their architecture had multiple functional components, such as fortresses, gates, covered souks, khans, mosques, churches, hammams, hospital, schools etc. Each of these periods left an outstanding heritage which prompted UNESCO to designate Aleppo as one of the most significant Islamic cities.
In addition, Aleppo produced through out its history a rich cultural heritage, particularly in the Court of Saif Addawlat Al Hamadani, who had known intellectual celebrities, such Al Farabi, Al Khawarizmi, Al Motanabbi and Asfahani. Similar intellectual activities also took place in the court of Ghazi Al Ayyoubi. Moreover, for more then two thousands years, Aleppo was the most significant commercial stopover on the Silk Road and other international trade routes.
Aleppo, as the capital of Islamic culture, is preparing many celebrations. The inaugural ceremony will be held on 16th March followed by eight international conferences throughout 2006 and 150 lectures in different parts of the city and the university. Many works about the city will be published.
Traditional buildings have been restored for exhibitions of visual arts, photographs, manuscripts, documents, clothes, artifacts, cuisine and books. Concerts, plays and films are also planned. |