ICESCO Hold Coordination Meeting of 'Hajj Routes to Makkah, Historical Mosques' Program
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science held the first coordination meeting of the 'Hajj Routes to Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Historical Mosques' Program.
The meeting saw broad participation from approximately 40 ICESCO Member States, represented by ministries of cultural heritage, national commissions, and institutions responsible for mosques and historical monuments.
The discussions focused on finalizing arrangements for the official launch of the program.
The meeting, held via videoconferencing, commenced with an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO. In his remarks, he emphasized that the program embodies the true spirit of Islam and reinforces Makkah's status as a global symbol of fraternity and intercultural dialogue.
Moreover, Dr. AlMalik underscored that this meeting represents a significant step toward safeguarding and preserving the cultural and Islamic heritage passed down through the ages along these historical routes. He also highlighted the pivotal role of ICESCO's Islamic World Heritage Center in this endeavor.
Dr. AlMalik explained that the program aims to strengthen the connection between past and present generations while promoting a comprehensive vision for sustainable cultural tourism. This will be achieved by developing tourist routes that link heritage sites across the Islamic world, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore various aspects of Islamic culture.
Dr. AlMalik added that the program seeks to integrate modern technologies into these efforts by leveraging online platforms to support heritage routes, establishing digital museums, and developing marketing networks to enable local communities to benefit from these initiatives.
Following Dr. AlMalik's address, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, Head of the Culture Sector at ICESCO, moderated the meeting, which featured a presentation by Dr. Bilel Chebbi, an expert at ICESCO's Heritage Center in the Islamic World.
Dr. Chebbi's presentation outlined the program's objectives, significance, and impact on cultural tourism and the cultural economy. He also discussed the steps taken in classifying and inscribing sites and monuments, as well as the roles of national authorities in the program.
The meeting also included rich discussions among the attendees regarding the next steps for the implementation of the program and the initial proposals by national bodies and partners in this regard.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
News
Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content
Lifestyle
Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe
Videos & Features
Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO)
News
Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum
News
Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer
Lifestyle
Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces
News
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies
Arts & Culture
New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
16 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al-Azhar Grand Imam Inspects Aid Convoy to Gaza, Reaffirms Support for Palestinians
Mohamed Mandour The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Professor Dr. Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zakat and Charities Fund, inspected the preparations of the eleventh relief convoy organized by the Fund to support the people of the Gaza Strip. The convoy is scheduled to depart at dawn on Tuesday, in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing Israeli aggression, severe famine, and a suffocating blockade. The Grand Imam emphasized that this convoy is part of Al-Azhar's longstanding religious and humanitarian commitment to the Palestinian cause. It reflects the institution's unwavering solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza, who have endured a relentless humanitarian catastrophe for nearly two years due to continued aggression and the deprivation of basic necessities. He affirmed that Al-Azhar will persist in offering all possible support to the Palestinian cause and the people of Gaza and Palestine. The convoy includes over 1,000 fully equipped shelter tents, thousands of tons of food supplies, clean water, medical and essential living supplies, as well as infant formula, diapers, medicines, and other healthcare essentials. This urgent response comes in light of international and local reports warning of famine and unprecedented levels of suffering, particularly in northern Gaza. The Grand Imam had recently called for the swift resumption of relief convoys following the reopening of aid entry points into Gaza. He stressed that the ongoing starvation and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people necessitate a collective and intensified effort by the Muslim Ummah and the global community to break the blockade, alleviate the suffering of Gaza's residents, especially children and women, and uphold their right to a dignified life. For its part, Zakat and Charities Fund affirmed that this convoy forms part of the relief bridge launched at the beginning of the global campaign "Rescue Gaza", which was initiated by the Grand Imam under the slogan "Strive with your wealth… Support Palestine." The campaign has received contributions from charitable organizations and humanitarian agencies in over 85 countries worldwide. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
Egypt Independent
18 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Grand imam inspects relief convoy dispatched by Zakat, Charity House to Gaza
CAIRO, Aug 4 (MENA) – Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayyeb on Monday checked on preparations for dispatching a relief convey by the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House, 'Bait El Zakat', to the Gaza Strip before its departure to the borders in the early hours of Tuesday. Tayyeb, in a statement issued on Monday, said that the convoy reflects solidarity of the Egyptian people with the Palestinians, who have been suffering from a dire humanitarian crisis for nearly two years due to ongoing Israeli aggression and restrictions imposed on the delivery of basic needs. He reaffirmed Al Azhar's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their just cause. The relief convoy includes over 1,000 fully equipped tents, thousands of tons of food supplies, clean drinking water, medical and daily living essentials, in addition to infant formula, medicines and healthcare supplies, according to the Zakat and Charity House. This convoy is part of the relief bridge launched by the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House under the auspices of the grand imam Tayyeb. The campaign has received support from charitable and humanitarian organizations across more than 85 countries. Established in 2014, the Egyptian Zakat and Charity House is one of Egypt's leading charitable organizations that enjoys financial and administrative independence to collect charity money from Muslims and disburse them in a legally prescribed manner, with a view to spreading the spirit of solidarity and compassion within society. (MENA)
Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Egypt Independent
Aid airdrops into Gaza are '100 times more costly' than land routes, UNRWA says
Dropping aid into Gaza from the sky is 100 times more expensive than delivering it in trucks via land routes, the head of UNRWA, the main United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, said Friday. 'Airdrops are at least 100 times more costly than trucks. Trucks carry twice as much aid as planes,' Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X. Airdrops have been conducted by the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and others since Israel allowed them again last week. The UN warned earlier that airdrops are dangerous as well as costly, while Palestinians in Gaza have told CNN they resent having no choice but to chase after airdropped aid 'like dogs.' 'If there is political will to allow airdrops – which are highly costly, insufficient & inefficient, there should be similar political will to open the road crossings,' the UNRWA commissioner-general said. Lazzarini said his agency has 6,000 trucks loaded with aid waiting for the green light to enter Gaza. Israel insists on inspecting all trucks before they cross into the territory. Lazzarini added that during the ceasefire that lasted from January to March, UNRWA was able to bring in 500 to 600 trucks a day. 'No alternative to the UN coordinated response with UNRWA as the backbone had provided similar results,' he said, in an apparent swipe at the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which sidelined the UN in its role in distributing aid.
