Prince Turki Al-Faisal inaugurates the third edition of the Arab Narrative Days
In a prominent cultural event reflecting the vibrant intellectual scene in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, inaugurated the third edition of the “Arab Narrative Days.” This event, organized by the Center in cooperation with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), underscores the Kingdom’s leading role in preserving Arab and Islamic heritage and presenting it to the world through a contemporary critical lens.
Reshaping the Arab narrative
This edition is particularly significant as it complements an ambitious intellectual project undertaken by the King Faisal Center, aimed at “reconstructing the Arab narrative.” This project not only reviews history but also seeks to deconstruct the frameworks that have shaped Arab identity throughout the ages, reclaiming the elements of strength within Islamic culture. This approach is part of a broader regional trend toward strengthening cultural identity and solidifying its presence on the global stage, where major cultural institutions are working to connect new generations to their civilizational roots through scientific research and the arts.
The Philosophy of Beauty: From the Silence of the Desert to the Light of Revelation
In his opening address, which was imbued with profound philosophical depth, Prince Turki Al-Faisal linked the geographical environment to the emergence of artistic sensibility among Arabs. He emphasized that “Arab aesthetic sensibility was born from the silence of the Arabian Desert,” where the clarity of the horizon served as the primary lens through which the Arab eye perceived beauty. He then turned to the pivotal moment in the history of Arab culture: the revelation of the Quran. He noted that the Holy Quran brought about a radical transformation in the standards of beauty, elevating the Arabic language to encompass both “majesty and beauty,” and transforming Arabic script from a mere tool for writing into a sacred vessel for the word of God, thus igniting the spark of Islamic arts, including ornamentation, geometry, and architecture.
The universality of Islamic art and cultural openness
The event did not overlook the historical context of the development of Islamic arts. Prince Turki Al-Faisal pointed out that this art did not arise in isolation, but rather was the product of a sophisticated cultural interaction with the heritage of previous civilizations such as the Persians, Romans, and Byzantines. The genius of Islamic art lies in its ability to fuse these diverse influences into a unique "unifying framework," which does not negate cultural differences but unites them under a comprehensive spiritual vision. This approach reinforces the values of tolerance and openness that characterized Islamic civilization at its zenith and presents a civilizational message to the world today about the capacity of Arab culture to embrace others.
Strategic partnership and interconnected knowledge pathway
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, praised the King Faisal Center's position as a beacon of scientific research, emphasizing that the "Arab Narrative Days" align with the organization's goals of preserving Arab heritage. This third edition serves as a link in a series that began in February 2023 with a discussion on the transmission of knowledge, followed by the second edition in May 2024, which focused on "Desert Culture." This systematic approach underscores the Center's commitment to providing a comprehensive and progressive reading of Arab history, starting with Bedouin roots, moving through scientific achievements, and culminating in aesthetic and artistic expressions, thus contributing to correcting misconceptions and restoring the collective memory of the nation.
