Riyadh Hosts Al-Marwiyah Al-Arabiyah Conference Celebrating Desert Culture
The Al-Marwiyah Al-Arabiyah Conference, also known as “Desert Culture,” came to a successful close in Riyadh on Monday. This two-day event brought together a diverse group of scholars, officials, and experts to delve into and honor the rich cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal Emphasizes Nomadism and Storytelling in Arab Culture
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, highlighted the significance of nomadism in Arab culture during the conference. He stressed the importance of values over materialism, pointing out that Arabs are natural storytellers who excel at bringing clarity out of chaos.
Katakura Kunio Honors Desert Culture with Comfort Prize
Katakura Kunio, president of the Motoko Katakura Foundation for Desert Culture in Japan, paid tribute to his late wife, anthropologist Motoko Katakura, by introducing the Comfort Prize. This award supports researchers and artists dedicated to enriching desert culture and promoting comfort in a world driven by hyper-capitalism.
Common Ground Between Japanese and Islamic Cultures
Kunio highlighted the historic roots of peace promotion in both Japanese and Islamic cultures, drawing parallels between Prince Shotoku of Japan’s 17-Article Constitution and the Prophet Muhammad’s Madinah Charter. These similarities suggest a shared foundation for fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Al–Marwiyah Al-Arabiyah Initiative Combats Cultural Marginalization
Abdullah Hamidaddin, assistant secretary-general for scientific affairs at the KFCRIS, described the Al–Marwiyah Al-Arabiyah initiative as a research project aimed at dispelling misconceptions about Arab civilization and combating efforts to undermine Arab culture. The project employs scientific methods to study Arab narratives and language origins in the Arabian Peninsula.
Arabian Peninsula’s Cultural Significance and Arab Identity
The conference highlighted the civilizational and cultural importance of the Arabian Peninsula while seeking to strengthen Arab identity for future generations. It also promoted cultural exchange between the Arab world and neighboring regions to foster mutual understanding.
The Significance of Camels in Arabian Culture
Sulaiman Al-Theeb, cultural adviser at the center, delivered a lecture titled “Gifts of God (Camels)” during the conference, exploring the deep connection between camels and the Arabian Peninsula. He discussed the symbolic role of camels as “the ship of the desert” through rock art, archaeological finds, and ancient inscriptions.
Arabic Storytelling and Cultural Engagement
Mohammed Al-Rowaily and Hajar Al-Shammari emphasized the role of Arabic storytelling in promoting cultural engagement, cross-cultural understanding, and social cohesion. They highlighted how sharing ideas and narratives can strengthen Arab perceptions, identity, and heritage.