Latest news with #Ashkanani
Arab Times
a day ago
- General
- Arab Times
Failaka's forgotten echoes find global spotlight at UNESCO and Kuwait's art scene
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: A vibrant exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art is showcasing the rich antiquities of Failaka Island through a collection of visual artworks, celebrating the recent inclusion of the historic Icarus Stone in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Organized under the theme 'Kuwait's Antiquities in Colors,' the summer exhibition features 38 fine and ceramic artworks created by Kuwaiti artists who have visually interpreted the archaeological legacy of Failaka Island. The exhibition, which runs until July 27, is accompanied by specialized artistic and ceramic workshops aimed at deepening public engagement with the country's ancient heritage. Speaking to KUNA, exhibition organizer Sarah Khalaf explained that the event was launched in celebration of the Icarus Stone's addition to UNESCO's Memory of the World list on April 18. The event highlights the global importance of the artifact and reflects Kuwait's dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage through the arts. Professor Hassan Ashkanani, an expert in archaeology and anthropology at Kuwait University, described the Icarus Stone as 'a rare and significant artifact of immense historical value.' He noted that it dates back to 2300 BC and is inscribed in ancient Greek with a 44-line message from a representative of the Seleucid state to the ruler of Icarus, the ancient name for Failaka Island. According to Ashkanani, the inscription offers insights into the political, social, economic, and religious life of the time, referencing agricultural practices, the care of deer, the establishment of temples, and the hosting of religious rituals that resembled the Olympic Games. Discovered in 1960 during early excavations by Denmark's Moesgaard University, the Icarus Stone was found within the remains of a Hellenistic castle on the island. Ashkanani highlighted its unique importance, noting that it is 'the first piece of Kuwaiti heritage to be registered on the UNESCO list.' The artifact is currently preserved and displayed at the Kuwait National Museum. Ashkanani added that the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) continues to organize events that introduce the public to Kuwait's ancient history, with a special focus on the treasures of Failaka Island. The island, situated in the Arabian Gulf, remains one of Kuwait's most archaeologically rich sites, representing centuries of cross-cultural exchange and civilization. In conjunction with the exhibition, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, toured the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring the importance of promoting Kuwait's cultural identity through artistic expression. This celebration not only marks a milestone in Kuwait's cultural diplomacy but also reaffirms the nation's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its unique historical narrative with the world.
Arab Times
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait to host two beach volleyball championships in the upcoming season
KUWAIT CITY, July 7: After years of suspension, beach volleyball competitions are set to return in Kuwait with the announcement of two local championships in the upcoming 2025–2026 season, according to Abbas Ashkanani, head of the Beach Volleyball Committee at the Kuwait Volleyball Federation and an international referee. Ashkanani confirmed that the committee has begun coordinating with local clubs regarding their participation and the scheduling of these tournaments, marking a major step in reviving the sport domestically. In parallel with these efforts, training for the men's and women's youth national beach volleyball teams has officially begun at the Al-Jazirah Al-Khadra courts. The teams are preparing for two key upcoming competitions: West Asian Championship: August 31 – September 6 Arab Championship: September 6 – 10 Both events will be hosted in Lebanon. Ashkanani revealed the preliminary men's youth roster, which includes: Abdulwahab Talib, Jassim Al-Sabbagh, Nawaf Al-Shammari, Ibrahim Al-Ahmad, Ahmed Diaa, and Saud Al-Hashem. The preliminary women's team includes: Ghadeer Al-Sayegh, Munira Yousef, Alaa Al-Enezi, Asayel Al-Enezi, Shamail Al-Enezi, and Dana Mansour. Both teams are being trained under the leadership of national coach Ahmed Abdul-Razzaq. The current extended squads will eventually be narrowed down to two final teams per category to represent Kuwait in the championships. Ashkanani expressed optimism about the return of beach volleyball to the local sports scene and emphasized the importance of youth development in building a strong foundation for future success on the regional and international stage.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
QCS launches ‘Hope Gathering' to support Qataris living with cancer
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing efforts to provide psychological and community support to cancer survivors, Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) launched the 'Hope gathering' initiative, a heartfelt gathering that brought together Qatari women living with cancer in an atmosphere filled with warmth, compassion, and positivity. The initiative aims to provide a safe space for participants to connect, share experiences, and offer one another emotional support. It serves as a human-centred encounter carrying messages of hope and optimism, celebrating inspiring individuals who have overcome the challenges of the disease and become a source of strength and motivation for others. The evening was opened with a speech by Mona Ashkanani, general manager of Qatar Cancer Society, who welcomed the attendees and expressed her joy at organizing such an event, describing it as 'an important step towards strengthening social cohesion and support for women living with cancer'. 'It is truly inspiring to witness these shining examples of resilience and courage. At QCS, we believe our doors should always remain open to your suggestions, ideas, and initiatives,' she noted. Ashkanani also extended her heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of this event, particularly Noir Café, which hosted the evening, and Al Mahmoud Medical Centre. She emphasized that their ongoing support enables the Society to continue its humanitarian and purposeful efforts, especially in the areas of awareness, prevention, and psychosocial care. 'Hope gathering' is part of a broader series of community-driven initiatives organized by QCS to fulfil its vision of a cancer-aware society and to ensure a better quality of life for those affected by the disease. QCS is a charitable, non-profit organization that relies on donations and community partnerships to provide its services. These include raising awareness of cancer and prevention methods, promoting early detection, and offering financial and psychosocial support to patients, survivors, and their families, in addition to contributing to professional development and cancer research in Qatar. The participating women expressed deep gratitude for the initiative, which they said brought them feelings of warmth, comfort, and renewed hope. It is worth noting that QCS's psychosocial and community support programs are designed to meet several key objectives, including: identifying the specific needs of patients, survivors, and their caregivers; helping patients cope with treatment side effects; providing information about available services in Qatar; promoting healthy lifestyles; enhancing patients' and survivors' physical and mental capacity to engage in daily life; and ultimately improving their quality of life during and after treatment—supporting their reintegration into society.
