Summary of the “XX Islamic Conferences” of Almonaster la Real, Huelva

On October 11, 12 and 13, the XX Conference on Islamic Culture took place in Almonaster la Real, proclaimed one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, located in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche in Huelva.

These conferences arise from the collaboration between the City Council of Almonaster, the Mosque Foundation of Seville and the Islamic Community in Spain, with the intention of publicizing the Andalusian past of the town whose greatest exponent is the Mosque, to publicize the rich and extensive cultural and natural heritage of the town and to facilitate the rapprochement between communities to break down the barriers of the clichés and preconceived ideas of the population about Islam in a festive environment, where understanding, respect and fraternity are given.

These days have already become a key date in the Huelva calendar, since it not only serves as a meeting point for the people of the Andalusian region, but also serves as a meeting point between people of different faiths, ways of life and culture, where peace, understanding and respect reach their maximum exponent. as was the case in previous times.

That is why the meaning of these days transcends the location of these days and goes beyond. Since the XVIII edition, the embassy of a Muslim-majority country has been invited to have a presence at these days and thus expand the conception of Islam, so that it is known that Islam is a way of life that transcends borders and is not limited to the Arab world. The presence of the invited countries is intended to show that Islam has a place in different cultures, traditions and societies and is not limited to a geographical point on the map.

In this edition, the guest country has been Turkey, who had a wide presence during the Conference with an intervention in the presentation, an art exhibition and a stand with painting and calligraphy activities, achieving great success among the attendees.

The days have passed normally and with a large influx of public between the souk, the conferences and recitals, the guided tours of the mosque, the XIV International Symposium, which this year has dealt with ‘The Arts of Islam II: Ivories, Metals, Ceramics and Fabrics’, and other workshops and activities that make up the program.

The activities of the Seville Mosque Foundation, in addition to participating in the general organization of the souk and other activities, participating in the different presentations and helping with diplomatic relations, focus on offering two conferences, one that has been given by Khalid Nieto due to the absence of the keynote speaker for personal reasons, entitled ‘What the Mosque speaks to us’. which was given thirty years ago in Almonaster by sidi Karim Viudes and another by Hajj Abdelghani Melara, entitled “Islam the way of the prophets”, a guided tour of the mosque by Khalid Nieto and an evening of dhikra that takes place in the historic mosque and in which a dinner courtesy of the Foundation was served afterwards for all attendees, thus promoting dialogue between communities. In addition to this, the Seville Mosque Foundation had an institutional stand where you can find information and books on Islam.

From the Mosque Foundation of Seville we want to thank all the people and institutions involved, especially the City Council of Almonaster, who makes it possible to carry out these conferences year after year, the embassy of Turkey, whose presence has been very significant and enriching, the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation and the Provincial Council of Huelva. We hope that these days have been full of moments of enjoyment, rapprochement and teaching for all and that we can continue to repeat this event for many years, God willing.