Amina Al-Hajri in the opening ceremony of "Mashhad 2017, the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World", being held with the presence of the officials and managers of the country in Quds Hall of the Central Library of Astan Quds Razavi, referring to the strict regulations and criteria of ISESCO said: “A capital of Islamic culture, in particular, must have a documented historical authenticity, thorough scientific understanding of historical issues, active monuments, active cultural festivals, art exhibitions, book fairs, theater productions, art and literary competitions, and active forums for the promotion of knowledge and learning.”
“Historical city of Mashhad has all these requirements in itself and during the Islamic period and various dynasties, it has always retained its power, which has led to the remarkable progress in various fields, particularly in moral and religious culture literally” he continued.
Mashhad, the Second Tourism and Pilgrimage Destination
“This progress has promoted Mashhad’s status in education, culture, science, literature, art, human welfare, and the Islamic spiritual role, and for the same reason, Mashhad has always had a steady influence on the evolution and development of human culture” Dr. Al Hajri stated and introduced Mashhad as the second tourism and pilgrimage destination.
“In the holy city of Mashhad, ethnic and religious minorities with their own special cultural diversity live with perfect harmony in a way that this important point is considered as a turning point in choosing Mashhad as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” he stated, announcing spiritual attraction of Mashhad originated from the spiritual atmosphere of the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.) and other buried luminaries.
“I hope the glorious country of Iran has greater success and prosperity in the year 2017, and in addition to this historical city as a cultural capital and the shining symbol of civilization and innovation, it has many improvements” Deputy Secretary General of educational, scientific, and cultural programs of ISESCO Islamic Conference pointed out.
It is worth mentioning that in the opening ceremony of Mashhad 2017, the country's leading figures, including the Supreme Leader’s Representative in Khorasan Razavi and Mashhad Congregational Prayer Leader, the Grand Custodian of Astan Quds Razavi, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Minister of Health, Members of Parliament, cultural figures, and more than 250 foreign guests from the Islamic countries attended.
