Page 61 - MBRF PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/16/25, 12:07 PM MBRF kicks off participation at Turin Book Fair 2025 with a seminar on ‘The Legacy of Muslim Sicily’ encyclopedia - Middle East N…
In addition, H.E. bin Huwaireb emphasized that MBRF functions under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote cross-cultural dialogue and mutual
understanding. He further highlighted the pivotal role of knowledge in facilitating civilization exchange, noting that MBRF aims to spotlight
the lasting contributions of Arab and Muslim civilizations for human progress.
He also said that the release of the encyclopedia in English, with an Italian edition to follow, will open new pathways for global scholarly
exchange, providing historians and researchers with an authoritative resource on a pivotal yet frequently overlooked chapter of Arab-
European history. While Andalusia has traditionally occupied the spotlight in discussions of Islamic influence in Europe, Sicily’s equally
rich and transformative legacy is now being acknowledged as an integral part of our shared civilizational heritage.

Dr. Attilio Petruccioli, a contributor to the encyclopedia, said: “I am honored to be a part of this pivotal academic work that re-examines
the architectural and urban legacy of the Arab-Islamic civilization in Sicily. My essay in the publication is centered on analyzing
architectural structures, urban planning, and landscapes, using a methodology aimed at reconstructing typological processes and
challenging long-standing preconceptions that have often hindered research in this field.”

He said: “I have included tangible examples of various sites and buildings that highlight Arab cultural presence in Sicily that are
overlooked or completely attributed to the Norman period. Furthermore, I have supervised in-depth studies on Islamic water infrastructure
and gardens, which reflect the established archaeological and architectural data. Through this publication, we have also introduced new
perspectives that require more research. We believe this book goes beyond mere documentation of the past; rather, it serves as an open
invitation to revisit history through a scientific and methodological lens, fostering a deeper and more balanced understanding of the
civilizations that have shaped Mediterranean identity.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Francesco Violante explained that the publication indicates a significant move towards a thorough understanding of the
historical and cultural link between the people of the region, beyond the conventional narratives that have often excluded the
contributions of Islamic civilization from the European narrative. This initiative revisits history based on diverse scientific sources to
highlight the pivotal role of Muslim Sicily in shaping geopolitical, economic, and cultural exchange, and the broader Mediterranean
identity. The encyclopedia also offers a fresh perspective on the experience of pluralism and cultural coexistence, providing valuable
contemporary insights into fostering mutual understanding and dialogue. He added, “We hope this academic endeavor, encompassing
studies in history, art, architecture and society, will act as a catalyst for greater scholarly collaboration and inspire new research initiatives
aimed at reviving our shared heritage, grounded in the values of peace and knowledge.”

MBRF’s participation in the Turin International Book Fair is a remarkable milestone in its ambitious efforts to boost its international
influence and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for knowledge. Furthermore, it signifies MBRF’s unwavering commitment to
establishing strategic partnerships and exchange expertise in alignment with Dubai’s vision to become a global powerhouse of intellect,
creativity and sustainable development.

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