Page 25 - ANDALUSIA PR REPORT - NOVEMBER 2023

shaped the Iberian Peninsula, paving the way for scientific advancements,
leaving a positive impact on human history.

Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Andalusia: History and Civilisation
Initiative Committee, stated that organising this exhibition aims to celebrate
the Andalusian civilisation and its intellectual, cultural and artistic richness. Al
Murr emphasised that the initiative is another result of the UAE's wise
leadership's efforts to promote tolerance, openness and moderation.

Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Centre in Abu Dhabi and Vice Chairman of the committee, affirmed the role of
the initiative and its accompanying events in highlighting the Arab civilisation
within Andalusia, embodying values of tolerance and coexistence. These are
the same values reflected in the message of the Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque, which seeks to build bridges of communication between different
civilisations and cultures.

The exhibition includes rare artworks, scientific publications and precious
artefacts reflecting the development of science, literature, thought and culture
in the Arab civilisation in Andalusia. It sheds light on the diverse societies in
Andalusia and their significant contributions across various fields.

Choosing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to host the exhibition
is based on its role as a religious and architectural landmark that brings
people worldwide together, regardless of their religions and cultures,
promoting a human artistic tableau marked by peace and coexistence.

The exhibition features seven key highlights; the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a
masterpiece combining Islamic, Roman and Byzantine architectural designs;
Medina Azahara, a city where tolerance and cultural exchange reached their
peak; Abu Al Qasim Al Zahrawi, a pioneer of modern surgery and innovator of
surgical tools; Poetry Majlis of Ibn Zaydun, a celebrated poet who helped
shape the cultural landscape of Andalusia; Al-Idrisi, a renowned cartographer
who contributed to shaping the current world map and one of the greatest
Arab geographers; the works of philosopher Ibn Rushd, which highlight
intercultural communication; and the Alhambra Palace gardens, one of
Andalusia’s most celebrated landmarks.

The Andalusia: History and Civilisation exhibition will open to the public on 1
December, in conjunction with the UAE’s 52nd Union Day celebrations.

https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/arts-culture/under-the-patronage-of-mansour-bin-zayed-theyab-
bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-inaugurates-andalusia-history-and-civilisation-exhibition/