Ashgabat, The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as "Darah," organised a seminar on "Arabic manuscripts in Turkmenistan" in partnership with the Saudi embassy in Ashgabat. The seminar began Wednesday and is scheduled to run through August 4. The inaugural session of the seminar was conducted under the patronage of Atageldi Shamyradov, Turkmenistan's Minister of Culture. Present at the event were the Saudi ambassador to Turkmenistan, Said bin Osman Al Suwaid, Turki Al-Shuwaier, Dawud Orazsahedov, Darah chief executive, and the director of the Magtymguly Institute of Language, Literature and National Manuscripts in Turkmenistan. Atageldi Shamyradov extended a warm welcome to the Saudi delegation and praised the initiation of the seminar alongside an exhibition showcasing the heritage of the Two Holy Mosques over time, including the esthetics of manuscripts and their historical significance. He hailed these proceedings as a symbolic step that signifies the ongoing efforts towards cultu ral understanding between both nations while reflecting on their strong and amicable relations. He also emphasized the distinctive position of Saudi Arabia in Turkmenistan's foreign policy. Shamyradov highlighted the significance of the exhibition, focusing on the Two Holy Mosques in introducing Islamic sanctities as well as national, cultural, and civilizational values from the Kingdom to the Turkmen people and the world. The exhibition dedicated to the Two Holy Mosques featured various sections, including displays highlighting the Year of the Camel, Arabic calligraphy, and Saudi coffee traditions. The Saudi ambassador underscored the mutual commitment of both nations to enhance their deep ties, commending Darah for its endeavors in preserving and showcasing the historical documentation of the Kingdom within the context of Islamic history, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The institute's Orazsahedov expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's organization of the seminar, emphasizing its cultural significance in acquainting the Turkmen community with the rich heritage and cultural identity of Saudi Arabia through the lens of cultural exchange. Source: Bahrain News Agency