Egypt is preparing to celebrate the selection of Cairo as the capital of culture in the Islamic world by organising 50 artistic, cultural, intellectual and creative events during 2022.
Minister of Culture Enas AbdelDayem and General Director of ISESCO Salem bin Muhammad AlMalik announced he activities of the celebration which comes as part of the programme implemented by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO).
The minister said that this choice embodies Egypt’s position among the countries of the world, adding that Cairo includes multiple elements that express the features of human civilisation in general and the Islamic heritage in particular. This, she said, is considered to be a forum for cultures and a centre for thought and art.
Abdel Dayem stressed that the events are a true picture of Islamic civilisation, highlighting the values of coexistence and tolerance as well as strengthening bonds and enhancing communication between the peoples of the Islamic world.
Abdel Dayem also praised the role of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – ISESCO – in implementing its unique programme to celebrate the capitals of Islamic countries to emphasise the ability
of soft power to create emotional rapprochement and to build bridges of communication between peoples.
Furthermore, she indicated that the events are extended throughout 2022 and they include a rich programme
prepared by the various sectors of the Ministry of Culture in coordination with ISESCO, including ambitious visions regarding the type of activities implemented in the agenda of “Choosing Cairo as the Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2022”.
These activities embody the most important features of the Egyptian identity with its multiple cultural and heritage contents.
Al-Malik, Director-General of the ISESCO, confirmed that choosing Cairo as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for 2022 is being implemented after it was not possible to celebrate it during 2020 , as planned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
He noted that it comes within developing ISESCO’s programme to celebrate the capitals of culture in the Islamic world, introducing the major cities of the Islamic world.
Al-Malik added that Cairo and the Moroccan capital of Rabat are among the first cities to be celebrated in light of this modernisation.
He also highlighted the features that promote Cairo to be the capital of culture in the Islamic world, which are: its distinction, its rich tangible and intangible heritage.
It has also been registered on ISESCO’s World Heritage List since 2019 and on the World Heritage List since 1979.
