RIYADH, March 12 (KUNA) -- Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz opened Maaraz Al-Eiman exhibition Tuesday marking selection of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah as capital of Islamic culture 2013.
Prince Salman, also Deputy Premier and Defense Minister, said in a speech Saudi Arabia was honored to be servant of the two holy mosques in Makkah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah since the late King Abdulaziz until the current King Abdullah.
He said Saudi Arabia was the beginning of Islam and Arabism.
Saudi information minister Abdulaziz Khoja said Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah was the residence of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) and his supporters.
"The Islamic world should celebrate Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah as the Islamic culture capital every year," he said.
Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, Secretary General of the Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), shed light on the special role of the city of the Prophet in the spread of the divine mission of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
He also pointed to the care of Saudi kings, starting from late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, up to the current era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Al-Tuwaijri said 31 Islamic capitals were going to host the annual event over the period from 2015-2024. (end) od.bs KUNA 130059 Mar 13NNNN