Culture ministry to launch seminar series on Saturday

The Ministry of Culture will launch on Saturday the second edition of the two-week 'Seminar Series', in co-operation with Qatar University, Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, and Qatar National Library, with the participation of intellectuals, poets, and writers from inside and outside Qatar.
HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani said during a meeting with journalists on Tuesday that the ministry seeks to benefit from the first edition's cultural, intellectual and media momentum. HE the Minister added that the Seminar Season became a live platform to highlight and enrich the national culture by interacting with global cultures, as well as its primary role in promoting dialogue between intellectuals on pivotal issues of concern to large sectors of society.
He explained that the Seminar Series is a cultural initiative that will enrich the cultural scene in Qatar, and this season has been extended to include guests from outside Qatar to increase the impact and expand the circle of participation, noting that these seminars will be an actual embodiment of the ministry's vision, in preserving the identity of society, and supporting creativity and thought and promoting a culture of dialogue.
During the meeting, HE the Minister appreciated the role of the partners and the media in making the Seminar Series a success, reaching its goals, and working to promote civilised discussion, stressing that the Ministry benefits from the harvest of the cultural season in plans and programs that serve community issues. In a related context, Advisor to the Minister of Culture Dr Ghanem bin Mubarak al-Ali explained that the second edition of the Seminar Series comes after the success achieved by the first season, pointing out that the ministry has been striving to hold activities that touch the aspirations of intellectuals and society in general, and enrich dialogue on cultural issues.
This year's edition includes five seminars aimed at promoting dialogue and discussion on important intellectual issues. The series will start with a major poetry evening next Saturday, in addition to a seminar entitled 'the cultural heritage of the World Cup'. To be held at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies on March 8, the seminar will be presented by HE Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kuwari. It will focus on the gains thanks to the World Cup hosting by transferring Qatari, Arab and Islamic culture and heritage to the world, reflecting the true bright image of Arabs and Muslims, and the importance of culture in promoting and strengthening relations among peoples.
The season will also include seminars on 'Islam and modernity' on March 12 at Qatar University, 'History of Andalusia' on March 15 in the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture, 'Islamic architecture and the relationship with other Arts' on March 14 at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies and "the Influence of Muslims on Western civilization", on March 19. (QNA)