The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) hosted today at its headquarters in Tunis His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, for an honorary lecture entitled “The Mission of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Serving Arab Culture.”*
The event brought together a distinguished audience of intellectuals, researchers, diplomats, and Arab ambassadors accredited to Tunisia, including the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Tunisia, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr.
During the lecture, Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized that Arab culture remains a cornerstone in shaping individuals and building the future, stressing the importance of integrating education, culture, and science to preserve Arab identity while embracing the world with awareness and openness.
His Royal Highness highlighted the efforts of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in preserving, restoring, and digitizing rare manuscripts, supporting academic research, and organizing exhibitions and intellectual initiatives that strengthen the global presence of Arab culture. He also underscored the Center’s role in fostering cultural dialogue and building bridges of understanding among nations.
Prince Turki noted that the Arab world possesses a profound civilizational and intellectual heritage that must be presented to younger generations through modern language and contemporary tools. He affirmed that safeguarding heritage goes beyond preservation, extending to transforming it into a living source of creativity, knowledge, and intercultural dialogue.
He further stressed the importance of cooperation among Arab cultural institutions in establishing a shared Arab cultural project capable of enhancing the international standing of Arab culture.
His Royal Highness added that Arab and Islamic manuscripts, documents, and heritage are not merely historical artifacts, but rather a living testimony to the scientific, intellectual, and humanitarian contributions of the Arab nation. He called for expanding efforts in research, translation, and digital publishing to further promote Arab culture worldwide and reinforce the values of tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue among peoples.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal also praised the role of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Al-Faisal in supporting cultural and intellectual initiatives, commending her contributions to programs and projects that strengthen the presence of Arab culture and promote dialogue and openness, as well as her continued support for researchers and heritage-related knowledge initiatives.
The lecture also addressed the Palestinian cause as an inseparable part of Arab memory and consciousness. Prince Turki stressed that defending Palestine extends beyond protecting land to preserving the historical narrative, cultural identity, and human dignity of the Palestinian people. He called for presenting the Arab narrative to the world through modern scientific and cultural approaches that reflect the depth of Arab civilization and its humanitarian contributions.
In his address on the occasion, ALECSO Director-General Professor Mohamed Ould Amar stated: “This day will remain a shining milestone, as our distinguished guest — an eminent cultural and diplomatic figure — has come to us from the land of the Two Holy Mosques, which is witnessing a comprehensive and blessed renaissance whose achievements have flourished across Saudi Arabia under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
He added: “A descendant of Arab nobility and cultural generosity has joined us today, continuing the mission of Al Saud in spreading love and promoting peace and human fraternity, after elevating the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies into a beacon of Arab culture and knowledge.”
The reception ceremony also featured the inauguration of the “ALECSO Chair for Arab-Islamic Crafts,” an initiative aimed at supporting scientific research and promoting Arab-Islamic arts and industries as an essential part of the region’s shared civilizational heritage.
Yesterday, ALECSO organized an honorary visit for His Royal Highness to the city of Kairouan, including tours of the Uqba ibn Nafi Mosque and the Raqqada Archaeological Museum. During the visit, Prince Turki explored the mosque’s rich historical, cultural, and religious significance, as well as the museum’s remarkable archaeological collections under the supervision of the National Heritage Institute.
TunisianMonitorNews (Douha Essaafi)
