Saudi exhibition takes Indonesians on virtual tour of Islamic heritage
JAKARTA: A week-long Saudi exhibition opened in Jakarta on Thursday, offering Indonesian visitors virtual tours of the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, as well as a display of the features of the Holy Kaaba.
Organized by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, the display, titled 'Jusoor' or bridges, is being held at the Istiqlal Mosque complex in Jakarta.
The event is free to the public and will run until May 3.
It was inaugurated by Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar and Saudi Arabia's Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Dr. Awwad bin Sabti Al-Anzi.
'This exhibition symbolizes the strengthening of cultural and diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, while also serving as a platform to introduce the rich history and civilization of Islam to the general public,' Umar said on social media.
'Through the collection of artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and interactive multimedia installations, (it) invites visitors to explore the Islamic world's contribution to science, art and culture across time.'
Aside from the virtual tours of the two holy mosques, the Saudi exhibition in Jakarta features their scale models and photos of the Kaaba.
Designed to be educational and child-friendly, it also invites visitors to explore the printing of the Qur'an, view rare manuscripts, learn about Arabic calligraphy, and to taste qahwa — the traditional Arabic coffee.
Organizers are aiming to attract 1 million visitors.
'The exhibition, which aims to attract 1 million visitors, embodies the Kingdom's efforts to spread moderation, serve the Holy Qur'an, and strengthen bridges of cultural and human communication between peoples,' the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs said in a statement on X.
According to Ahmad Zayadi, information director of Islamic affairs at Indonesia's Religious Affairs Ministry, the event showcases Saudi Arabia's role in world culture and history.
'(The Kingdom's) standing in the Islamic world makes it a center of civilization that is inseparable from mankind's history and cultural development,' Zayadi said.
'We are showing the world that religion and culture are not just legacies of the past, but a strategic foundation to build future civilizations.'
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