The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) has issued a book in Arabic, English and French on the occasion of celebrations of Kuwait as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2016. 

The book sheds light on the role played by Kuwait in highlighting Islamic culture and achievements of civilization, KUNA reported on Sunday.

The book includes five chapters; the first deals with the deeply-rooted relationship between the State of Kuwait and Islam and Islamic values that characterize the Kuwaiti people and the defense they show for the just
causes of the Islamic nation.

The second chapter sheds light on a number of Kuwaiti cultural institutions and their role in the Kuwaiti society and Muslim communities, while the third chapter touches on a number of Kuwaiti cultural beacons that left a distinct imprint in the Islamic cultural field and dissemination of Islamic culture and proper service of the Islamic nation.

The fourth chapter is devoted for an analytical vision by Kuwaiti writer Abdulaziz Al­Babtain about the rationale for selecting Kuwait to be capital of Islamic culture.

The fifth and last chapter deals with the great attention and keenness Kuwait attaches to Islamic culture besides the social, political and economic factors that led to make the Kuwaiti society an incubator for many of
the cultural aspects and arts. 

Kuwait's Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Salman Sabah Al Salem Al Humoud AlSabah said in the introduction of the book that selection of Kuwait as capital of Islamic culture was not a mere coincidence or an unexpected surprise to followers of cultural affairs in the State of Kuwait in general and to those concerned with Islamic culture in particular.

He said the State of Kuwait has always been a pioneer in the field of cultural initiatives at the Arab and Islamic arenas and proactive in distinct Islamic projects aimed at promoting cultural awareness and strengthen the links between Islamic peoples as well as contributing to upholding the banner of the nation, revive its heritage and highlight its civilizational achievements.

He said the chairmanship of His Highness the Premier Sheikh Jaber Al ­Mubarak Al­ Hamad Al­ Sabah of the Supreme Committee for the celebration of Kuwait as capital of Islamic culture for 2016 confirms interest of the political leadership in the cultural work and to highlight accomplishments of the country in human cultural development.

The minister pointed out that this important role has always had the support and generous care of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al­ Ahmad Al­ Jaber Al ­Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al­ Jaber Al­ Sabah who have had and still have clear imprints in the consecration on the cultural aspect in Kuwait.

Sheikh Salman stated that the book is considered "a distinct brick" added to the many diverse activities included in such festivity that seek to deliver an informational and civilized message on the Islamic cultural achievements of Kuwait which are still inspiring generations, especially that this book addresses readers in Arabic, English and French.

For his part, Chairman of the Board and Director ­General of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak Duaij Al­ Ibrahim Al ­Sabah said in his speech that Kuwait has always been along its history of giving and accomplishments, a distinct cultural beacon that boosts its renaissance and development and is an incubator for a number of pioneers who always come up with initiatives in various spheres of life.

He added that these initiatives represented everlasting imprints for this country that is tiny in its space but great in its cultural activities.

He explained that these pioneering initiatives have been able to leave great effects in different countries and societies, particularly Gulf, Arab and Islamic ones and contribute to highlighting the outstanding achievements
of the Arab­, Islamic civilization and their innovations in theoretical and applied science.

Sheikh Mubarak said that stemming from the role played by (KUNA) in guiding the community and promoting the process of cultural and intellectual awareness, it has been keen to keep abreast of Kuwait's celebration of being Capital of Islamic Culture and make strenuous efforts that are commensurate with the importance of this event, thus, it managed to issue this book in three languages.

He expressed hope that this book would enrich the Arab and Islamic Library with a privileged reference and becomes a historical record for the current and future generations to learn about Kuwait's bright history and its achievements in the field of Islamic culture.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) had chosen Kuwait to become the capital of Islamic culture for the year 2016.

Source: MENA