Al-Midhar mosque, Tarim, Hadramawt, Yemen
by Abdulaziz Oudhah, Yemen Observer, May 7, 2009
The Islamic Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) chose Tarim as an Islamic cultural Capital for 2010, after an agreement was reached during a meeting of Islamic Cultural Ministers in Algiers in 2004. A number of Islamic, Arab, Asian, and African towns were nominated in the process to choose three towns each year to be recognized as Islamic culture capitals.
ISESCO General Manger Abdulaziz al-Tawijri, said that the Islamic capitals program aims to promote the spread of Islamic culture, renew its content, perpetuate its message, and revive the cities’ glorious culture and civilization. The capitals are chosen according to specific standards, which consider the role that they have played in serving Islamic culture, art, science, and knowledge throughout their history. The legacy of these cultural capitals is important to the construction of present and future memory, which is inspired by Islamic civilization.
Sources say that the authorities are preparing to show the religious, historical, and intellectual leadership which exemplifies the city’s representation of advocacy and wisdom.
The Culture Minister, Dr. Mohammed Abo Bakr al-Maflahi, will hold a press conference to address the declaration of the cultural recognition that Tarim will receive, sources revealed.
Al-Maflahi said that the Ministry is now carrying out plans and programs for the function, in addition to the programs and projects that will be executed for the town’s preparations to host the event.
The decision to choose the town was made because of what it has to offer on cultural, intellectual, and religious aspects, and its moderate attitude towards the spread of the Islamic faith all over the world.
Tarim was famous in the past for its scientific, religious schools which still attract students from all over the world today. In addition to its 365 mosques and unique Islamic architectural buildings which distinguish Tarim from all other cities, it also possesses the famous al-Mihdhar mosque minaret, built in the ninth Hijri century.
The minaret stands 150 meters high and is built of mud brick in a unique architectural way. The al-Mihdhar mosque’s minaret represents the superiority of the town’s people in choice of design, which is befitting of the area and indicates the harmony between the people of Tarim and their surroundings.
Yemen joined the ISESCO in 1983. The organization was established to meet the Islamic Conference Member Countries’ aspirations to build a strong base to establish a foundation for advancement in the areas of development, science, and culture.