The Holy City of Makkah has been playing a great role in promoting tolerance and encouraging dialogue between various cultures, says Prince Abdul-Majeed bin Abdul-Aziz, the Governor of Makkah region.
Prince Abdul-Majeed made the remarks while inaugurating celebrations to mark Makkah as the Islamic cultural capital of 2005.
He urged intellectuals and scholars all over the Islamic world to combat deviant thoughts and to oppose all types of terrorism, which is totally against the spirit of Islam and its goals.
The Governor reminded scholars and intellectuals of their great responsibility, saying they have to lighten the way for people by keeping up with modern developments.
He also emphasized the role of educated women in bringing up future generations on the basis of pure Islamic teachings.
The Minister of Culture and Information, Iyad Madani, said Makkah has been the center of culture and civilization since the ancient times. "Scholars from different parts of the world came to the city and enlightened the world through their knowledge."
He spoke about Makkah's heritage, which has manifested itself in its streets, buildings, lifestyle, fashions and food.
Dr. Nasser Al-Saleh, the president of the Um Al-Qura University and the secretary-general of the festival organizing committee, said his university would host about 70 cultural events this year as part of the festivities.
The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Khaled Al-Anqari, inaugurated a museum at the university showcasing the city's rich heritage, including old coins, Islamic engravings, old calligraphic writings and several rare possessions.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Oqla, undersecretary at the university for studies and scientific research, said the university had been making preparations for the festival for the past 18 months in coordination with other government agencies.
A three-day seminar focusing on the importance of Makkah is being held as part of the festival. Dr. Al-Saleh said more than 300 research papers would be presented at the seminar by scholars and historians from within and outside the Kingdom.
"The seminar will focus on nine main topics, including Makkah's religious role and its influence on other nations; cultural and educational movements in Makkah; endowments and their effect on Makkah society; the concept of security in Makkah; Makkah environment; and the expansion of the Grand Mosque.
"The main objective of the seminar is to study the cultural role of Makkah, past and present," the president of Um Al-Qura said, adding that the seminar would have a total of 16 sessions.
