Prague: The “Message of Islam” exhibition which is organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in cooperation with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs kicked off in the Czech capital Prague yesterday and continues until the end of November.
The opening ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic under the patronage of Lukas Kaucky, Undersecretary of the Ministry, in the presence of a number of Czech personalities, Arab and foreign ambassadors, heads of religious centres, Arab communities, interested parties, academics and a large number of invited members of Czech society.
The Sultanate’s efforts continue to promote a culture of peaceful co-existence, understanding and harmony among nations, cultures and peoples, respect for sacredness and human rights, emphasis on common human values and rejection of extremism, violence and hatred.
Mohammed bin Said Al Ma’amari, Scientific Advisor at the Office of the Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and the General Supervisor of the “Message of Islam” exhibition stressed that the exhibition is a reflection of the success of Omani diplomacy in its efforts in the world.
During the international conference held in Prague, he reviewed a working paper entitled “The Roots of Co-existence in Oman, in which he referred to the Sultanate’s good living standards and the modern Renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the foundations he established of justice, equality and common human values, pointing out the Omani cultural heritage, trade and cultural openness, communication based on mutual interests, as well as a legal system that preserves rights and achieves human dignity.
The exhibition included the paintings of the “Message of Islam” exhibition, about the public life in Oman, in addition to Omani fine art paintings and calligraphy, as well as displaying some of the Omani antiques and features of public life in the Sultanate past and present.
The electronic exhibition was also presented, through the projectors. This exhibition includes all the contents of the exhibition of paintings, exhibits and documentaries in 18 languages, and can be accessed and viewed through electronic screens touch.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a number of Omani books on cultural communication and deepening the common understanding of human values were presented to highlight Omani contributions and efforts in the global context of knowledge, culture and science.
It is noteworthy that the “Message of Islam” exhibition was launched by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in 2010 and visited more than thirty-six countries and more than one hundred and eighteen cities around the world so far, and is entitled: (Tolerance, Understanding and Co-existence: The Message of Islam in Oman) to spread the umbrella of these values among the peoples of the world.
The exhibition has gained growing acceptance in the global community, and It has been coordinated with a number of international organizations, most notably the UNESCO, and many religious centers interested in spreading moderate values and advocating peace and co-existence among peoples, cultures and religions.