UNESCO welcomes Taif
On World Cities Day, the city of Taif in Saudi Arabia, known for its rich history and the famous Souk Okaz, has become part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced that Taif, along with 54 other cities, has been recognized for their efforts in using culture and creativity to make their cities stronger and better.
Taif, nestled in the mountains of Saudi Arabia, is home to a unique place for tourists, Souk Okaz, which is a one-of-a-kind market in the country.
This market has been in the same location for a very long time and gives us a glimpse into the ancient Arab world. It’s a popular spot for tourists who want to explore its history and experience the rich culture it represents.
Souk Okaz is very important because it’s where Arabic culture started in ancient times. It used to be a place for Arab thinkers, poets, and people who loved culture and literature.
Now, when you visit Souk Okaz, you can learn about the past through lectures, seminars, and events organized by the city. These activities bring the glorious history of the Arab world to life, with a focus on the Al-Mo’alagat (The Seven Golden Odes), which were written by seven famous poets.
Each version of Souk Okaz celebrates one of these poets and shows how culture connects the past and the present. The market is a living example of the rich literary and cultural heritage of the region, and it invites both locals and tourists to have a unique cultural experience.
Taif joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network shows that the city is committed to promoting creativity and culture. With its historic places and lively cultural activities, Taif will work with other cities in the network to talk about making cities stronger and more sustainable.
As Taif starts this new chapter as a UNESCO Creative City, it will keep sharing its cultural treasures with the world and will work with others to celebrate its unique heritage. The city is excited to be part of the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference in Braga, Portugal, where it will work with other Creative Cities to find ways to involve young people in making cities better for the next ten years.
