Islam Today
Assistant Director General of the Center for Madinah Studies and Research, Abdul Basit Badran, said the studies made about the heritage of Madinah are insufficient. "There is a clear deficiency in research on Madinah. There are 400 sites of historical significance in Madinah identified by King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities," he said.
Madinah Governor Prince Abdul Aziz bin Majed has said that academic departments will be mobilized and entrusted with the task of preparing information about historical and archaeological locations, and that their task would be completed in 2013.
"Studies are underway to establish an academy to train the guides with knowledge in religious regulations and Islamic history so that they acquire skills in guiding visitors to historical locations, while taking care not to violate religious laws," the prince said on Monday while addressing a press conference at his palace after Madinah was officvially declared the Islamic cultural capital of 2013.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja, Minister of Culture and Information, and various literary and cultural figures, were present at the event.
Madinah was selected for this honor by the Islamic Organization for Education and Sciences (ISESCO).
The city will also be the host for the 8th session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers, which has also been approved by ISESCO.
The prince explained that all issues related to Madinah's historical locations would first be submitted in a study to the Council of Senior Religious Scholars, and emphasized that the religious status of Mecca and Madinah are what define the two cities.
"Since Mecca and Madinah are indelibly marked with principles of monotheism and Islamic faith, the two cities do not need to look for another identity as many other cities in the world do," Prince Abdul Aziz said.
"The cultural, historical, social and economic features of Madinah qualify the ancient city for becoming the cultural capital of Islam besides making it a symbol of the unity of Muslims around the world," the prince added.
Madinah has remained a symbol of Islamic culture for centuries as it was the center from where the religion of Islam spread to all corners of the world. Millions of Muslims flock to the city to pay respects to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the prince said.
"It was a great honor to the Kingdom that both cities have been designated as cultural capitals of Islam over a period of 10 years. Mecca was named as the cultural capital of 2003 and the turn of Madinah comes in 2013,” the prince added.
The prince said the Kingdom would continue carrying the true message of Islam and would never cease to fight extremism.
He said a number of committees would be appointed to design the logo of the event and programs will be prepared with the collective participation of society.
He added that the Madinah Literary Club will have a considerable role in the event. "The occasion will not be monopolized by the people of Madinah or the Kingdom, but the help of researchers in the Islamic world will be sought and each Muslim country will participate in a number of programs," he said.
Sources:
Md Humaidan, "Madinah does not require a new identity, says governor" Arab News July 12, 2011
"Madina declared Capital of Islamic Culture for 2013" Saudi Gazette July 12, 2011
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