Sunday, May 8, 2016

Saudi Arabia invests 30 million to restore monuments in Sicily – Il Sole 24 Ore

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This article was published May 7, 2016 at 14:40.

a report Expo born with two authoritative ambassadors: the archaeologist Pierluigi Bonanno and the entrepreneur Joachim Arena, called the “king of Sicilian supermarkets” and interested in export the Sicilian olive oil in Arabia. And it is there, in Sicily square, in the heart of the Expo, where Acroliths of Morgantina goddesses were exposed, that we must turn.

Because that’s where he was born the relationship between representatives of the government of Saudi Arabia and administrators of Aidone, a small town in the province of Enna, known to be the town of Morgantina, an ancient Greek city which it is now one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Sicily. That relationship has already given concrete results: an investment of thirty million by the Arabs to restore monuments related to Arab culture in the territories of the municipalities of Aidone, Piazza Armerina and Valguarnera, thus making a real contribution to the development of these centers. It certainly does not seem a coincidence that it was chosen Aidone whose name according to some hypotheses derives from Ayn dun, which in Arabic means “water source” and the Arabs is credited with the introduction of the silkworm breeding, the construction of the castle and some mosques then turned into Christian churches which still include the minarets.

The agreement was signed by the mayor of Aidone Vincenzo Lacchiana and the Secretary General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and Antiquities Badrais Ahmed Saeed, representative of the Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The agreement provides for the investment of funds for the establishment of King Salman Cultural and Architectural Arabic Islamic Center: Foundation will manage the resources and involve in this first phase, the Saudi government and the representatives of local institutions, will be formed in the coming days.

The goal of the Arabs is to promote initiatives to spread knowledge and understanding of Islamic civilization in Sicily, through the renovation of existing monuments but also the construction of new ones. “The funds – says the mayor of the city that houses, among other things, the beautiful statue of the Venus of Morgantina – will be used for a series of investments in the territory to exploit some monuments that now need urgent renovations. We must try to put together our needs and those of the Saudis that nourish particular interest for our area thanks to the history of our island which was characterized by the Arab domination. ”

The Arab delegation visited the Castle of Gresti, reduced in poor condition, the Castellaccio, museum where they reside now permanently the Acroliths and the Goddess, the archaeological site of Morgantina and the new media of the Geopark Factory. “The whole operation – highlights Lacchiana – is both cultural and economic. There is maximum conviction to reach the goal. The project is a real opportunity for all our territory. ” The plan has three phases and even if you still do not have details is already clear that it will develop in different directions, “There is an interest on the part of the Arabs to have here, in this area, a number of tourists and even university» says the mayor.
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