The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honour at the 24th edition of the Amman International Book Fair, which began its activities today in the Jordanian capital, Amman.
Oman’s delegation is led by Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, Minister of Information.
The Minister of Information expressed his appreciation to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, represented by its Ministry of Culture, for hosting Oman as the Guest of honour. He emphasised the profound significance of this honour as a tribute to Omani culture and its diversity across all fields of thought, writing, literature, knowledge in general, and creativity in its various forms.
Al Harrasi added in a press statement that this hosting also reflects another dimension related to the Arab identity, noting Oman's major role in strengthening this identity through its historical knowledge and its recognised contribution to the development of Arab culture and thought since ancient times in fields such as language, astronomy, and medicine.
He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan share an interest in the role that culture and knowledge must undertake in building both national and pan-Arab identity. He noted that this identity faces many challenges that are approaching an existential nature, in addition to the effects of contemporary technology on the nature, importance, value, and meaning of civilisational identity. This challenge is not limited to Arab culture but extends to human culture, identity, and the human knowledge structure.
The Minister stated that the Arab bloc faces serious and complex challenges in its various countries, which strike at the heart of what the Arab identity is specifically exposed to as a civilisational entity and as a civilisational determinant for people and societies in the Arab region.
He affirmed that the Palestinian cause and Al Quds (Jerusalem) encapsulate all of this, reflecting and expressing the strength of Arab culture, the resilience of Arab will, and the ability of the Arab people to withstand existential challenges that pose a grave threat to their civilisational being, present, and future. Despite this challenge, the will, the rejection of destructive consequences, and steadfastness against this threat are immense and great, and a better future will come through adherence to civilisational principles and authentic Arab identity.
He highlighted the roles undertaken by culture, thinkers, writers, artists, and creators, and their essential part in renewing this steadfastness and showcasing the pulse of the nation and its peoples.
The Minister of Information concluded his statement by saying, "What we see is not just books, but the will of minds and hearts and creativity against the existential threats to Arab civilisation and culture. Despite what we see and what appears to be pitch black, the light exists, and it is the depth of Arab civilisation."
Mustafa Al Rawashdeh, the Jordanian Minister of Culture and patron of the event, affirmed that throughout history, Oman has formed a documented record of heritage treasures in various sciences and knowledge, enriching Arab content with science and knowledge, strengthening the language, its sciences, arts, and literature, and deepening understanding of thought and identity across its diverse fields and references.
He noted that Oman’s participation as the Guest of honour at the 24th Amman International Book Fair is a qualitative and important addition, one that Jordan views with pride, and represents a significant milestone in cultural relations with Oman for the dedication of authentic cultural values.
In his speech, Sheikh Fahad Abdulrahman Al Ogaoli, Oman’s Ambassador to Jordan, said that Oman's participation embodies the deep historical ties between the two countries and the strong relations that the wise leaderships of both nations seek to consolidate based on respect, harmony, and mutual cooperation at all levels, enhancing creative cultural exchange and affirming the role of culture in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between their peoples.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Association, noted that Oman's presence as Guest of honour will allow the public to learn about Omani civilisation, the components of its historical life, the authenticity of its people, the ancient heritage of its cities, and to gain insight into the elements of its cultural life. He noted that the Amman International Book Fair represents a genuine opportunity that reflects the extent of cultural and intellectual connection through its cultural events, which host writers, thinkers, and publishers from various Arab and foreign countries.
Jabr Abu Fares, President of the Jordanian Publishers Association and Director of the Amman International Book Fair, affirmed that hosting the Sultanate of Oman as the Guest of honour is a practical reflection of deep-rooted relations based on respect and cultural exchange. He added that it enriches the fair with Oman's history, intellectual achievements, and profound cultural heritage. He added that the Amman International Book Fair has become a prominent cultural event in Jordan and the Arab region, serving as a pivotal platform for the convergence of ideas, promoting cultural dialogue, and celebrating the written word.
The Minister of Information and the Jordanian Minister of Culture toured the Omani pavilion, which includes an exhibition of Omani intellectual output from government institutions and civil society organisations, an e-corner for e-books and audiobooks, a station for Augmented Reality (AR) and hologram technology to display Omani cultural elements, and an exhibition of Omani documents and manuscripts.
The 24th Amman International Book Fair features 400 publishing houses from 22 Arab and foreign countries. The accompanying cultural programme includes a variety of cultural, intellectual, critical, and philosophical seminars, dialogue sessions on current issues, poetry and storytelling evenings, and a creative writing workshop.
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