Opening of the Fourth International Forum on Calligraphy, Writings and Inscriptions Throughout the Ages at the BA
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Alexandria—The Opening of the Fourth International Forum on Calligraphy, Writings and Inscriptions Throughout the Ages took place at the BA on Monday, 16 March 2009. Over the course of three days, the Forum hosts 90 researchers and specialists from 16 different countries all over the world.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, stated that the Forum has became an international platform for researchers and added that the theme of this year Forum will be “Coins in the World”, dealing with the history of coins throughout the world.
Participants will discuss the development of coins since man has used beads, grains, and stones and how modern bank notes caused a revolution in economy and they will also present the results of their researches.
Dr. Serageldin concluded his speech by pointing out that the Forum is a result of a two-year joint work between the BA Calligraphy Center, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) and the Benaki Museum in Athens. The Forum has become an international space for alliance of civilizations and discussions of a better future for humanity.
Dr. Salah Salem, representative of ISESCO, said that the Forum will shed light on the history, shapes and significance of coins throughout the world, including coins dating back to the Islamic civilization. Hence, it will highlight the Islamic heritage and how the Islamic civilization was based on dialogue and interaction with other civilizations.
Dr. Raafat El-Nabarawy, who spoke on behalf of all participants, called upon establishing an association for Arab coins, under the umbrella of the Arab League of States headquartered in Alexandria.
After the opening speeches, participants toured the Exhibition “Coins and Poetry K. Kavafis”, featuring a rare collection of European coins with engravings of historic figures that have inspired the great Greek Poet Konstantin K. Kavafis.