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civilisation and its intellectual, cultural, and artistic rich heritage, spanning 8 centuries.
He emphasised that the initiative is another result of the UAE leadership's efforts to
promote tolerance, openness and moderation.
Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director-General of SZGMC in Abu Dhabi and Vice Chairman of
the committee, affirmed the role of the initiative and its accompanying events in
highlighting the Arab civilisation in Andalusia, and the values of tolerance and
coexistence upon which it thrived. These are the same values reflected in the mission of
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which seeks to promote communication and
convergence between different civilisations and cultures, he explained.
The exhibition showcases rare artworks, scientific publications, and precious artefacts
that spotlight the development of science, literature, thought, and culture in the Arab
civilisation in Andalusia. It sheds light on the diverse societies that coexisted in
Andalusia and their significant contributions across various fields.
The selection of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to host this exceptional
exhibition is based on its role as a religious and architectural landmark that brings
people worldwide together, regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds,
mirroring Andalusia’s past community which thrived on peace and coexistence.
The exhibition features 7 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 1st
December, in conjunction with the UAE’s 52nd National Day celebrations.
https://www.sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2023/11/21/Andalusia-History-and-Civilisation-inaugurated-at-
SZGMC
