Crystal Magazine Feb 22, 2025
A Mosuli Night: The Magic of Heritage Embraces the Shores of the Red Sea
On a mesmerizing evening, where the Bride of the Red Sea embraced the rich heritage of Mosul, the Consulate General of the Republic of Iraq in Jeddah hosted a cultural and artistic night titled "A Mosuli Night: Where the Magic of Meaning Meets the Beauty of Heritage." The event took place at the University of Business and Technology Theater on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The evening was graced by a distinguished audience, including the former Minister of Information, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohieddin Khoja, esteemed consuls, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as prominent political and media figures, and business leaders. All gathered under one roof to celebrate Iraq’s rich cultural heritage.
The Consul General of Iraq and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, inaugurated the evening with a speech welcoming the attendees. He praised the strong fraternal ties between Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and extended his congratulations to the Saudi leadership on the occasion of Founding Day. He also highlighted Mosul’s historical role in fostering cultural exchange between nations and announced the conclusion of his three-year diplomatic tenure.
The night was adorned with a variety of artistic and cultural performances. Renowned Iraqi poet Dr. Waleed Al-Sarraaf captivated the audience with his enchanting verses, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the qanun, masterfully played by Mr. Abdul Munim Al-Samarrai. The audience was transported into a world of poetry and music, while artistic groups from Mosul presented captivating musical performances, showcasing the beauty of Iraq’s diverse cultural heritage.
No tribute to heritage would be complete without a glimpse of traditional attire. The evening featured a stunning folk fashion show presented by Band Jadeed Al-Mosuliyah and Bashtabia for Folk Arts. The showcase celebrated Iraq’s rich identity and cultural diversity through a vibrant display of traditional garments. Additionally, the event included an art and photography exhibition, capturing the timeless beauty of Mosul’s past and present.
The evening concluded with a special tribute honoring Consul General Mr. Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, former Minister of Information Dr. Abdulaziz Khoja, and Dr. Abdullah bin Sadiq Dahlan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Business and Technology, in recognition of their contributions to cultural exchange and civilizational dialogue.
Amidst an atmosphere of joy, guests took commemorative photos, and the Mosuli Night culminated in a dinner banquet, uniting hearts in a celebration of an enduring heritage. It was a cultural message that transcended borders, narrating Iraq’s timeless story in letters of light.
