Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — On World Cities Day, Taif, a metropolis famend for its wealthy cultural heritage and residential to the historic Souk Okaz, has joined the UNESCO Artistic Cities Community (UCCN).
UNESCO Director-Basic Audrey Azoulay introduced the inclusion of Taif, together with 54 different cities, recognizing their dedication to leveraging tradition and creativity for city resilience and improvement.
Taif, particularly acknowledged for its literary contributions, joins the community alongside cities from across the globe.
Taif, nestled within the mountains of Saudi Arabia, is house to the distinctive vacationer landmark, Souk Okaz, certainly one of its form within the Kingdom.
The Souk, with its historic significance, is situated in the identical place because it was within the distant previous, providing a glimpse into the depths of the previous Arab world.
It attracts a mess of vacationers wanting to discover its historic attraction and immerse themselves within the cultural richness it represents.
Souk Okaz holds paramount significance in its historic symbolism as the unique supply of Arabic tradition.
In historic occasions, it was a vacation spot for Arab intellectuals, poets, and lovers of tradition and literature.
Immediately, guests to Souk Okaz can expertise a singular cultural journey via a sequence of lectures, seminars, and occasions organized by the town.
These actions carry to life the wonderful Arab previous, with a deal with genuine heritage values, significantly highlighting the Al-Mo’alagat (The Seven Golden Odes).
Every model of Souk Okaz celebrates one of many poets of the Al-Mo’alagat, emphasizing the essential position of tradition in bridging the previous with the current.
The Souk serves as a residing testomony to the wealthy literary and cultural legacy of the area, inviting each locals and vacationers to partake in a cultural expertise like no different.
The inclusion of Taif within the UNESCO Artistic Cities Community aligns with the town’s dedication to fostering creativity and cultural expression.
Taif, with its historic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, is about to collaborate with different community members to contribute to the worldwide dialogue on city resilience and sustainable improvement.
As Taif embarks on this new chapter as a UNESCO Artistic Metropolis, it should proceed to share its cultural treasures with the world, inviting international collaboration and celebrating the distinctive heritage that units it aside on the worldwide stage.
The town appears ahead to collaborating within the 2024 UCCN Annual Convention in Braga, Portugal, the place it should be part of different Artistic Cities in exploring avenues to carry youth to the desk for the subsequent decade.