DOHA: HE Palestinian Minister of Culture Imad Abdullah Hamdan affirmed that despite the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, Palestinian cultural identity will remain present and influential both locally and internationally.
According to Qatar News Agency, in remarks made on the sidelines of his visit to Doha for the opening of the 34th Doha International Book Fair, HE Hamdan emphasized the integral role of Palestinian culture in the face of conflict. He stated that Palestinian culture intersects with all other sectors, sharing in the adversities of genocide and the broader impact of the ongoing war in Palestine.
He expressed that culture is perhaps the most affected yet remains the most influential sector under these circumstances. Despite the challenges, he assured that culture will always express their identity, and their deep-rooted connection to it is essential and irreplaceable.
Discussing Palestine’s status as the guest of honor at the Doha International Book Fair, HE Hamdan noted that this selection was made by Qatar and serves as a testament to Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in cultural domains. This opportunity is a great honor and source of pride for the Palestinian people.
He conveyed his gratitude for this initiative, highlighting the deep cultural and fraternal ties between Qatar and Palestine. He stressed that Palestine’s presence at this international cultural event, despite ongoing aggression, sends a clear message that Palestinian culture remains strong and vibrant, with the Palestinian people continuing to uphold their cultural identity as an integral part of their historical existence.
HE Hamdan also pointed out the participation of 11 Palestinian publishers in the fair, alongside a distinguished group of writers and intellectuals. This reflects the dynamic nature of the Palestinian cultural scene, which symbolizes resilience and serves as a form of soft power, showcasing its ability to endure and regenerate.
Addressing the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture to protect Palestinian heritage amid ongoing Israeli aggression, he stated that both tangible and intangible heritage are cornerstones of national identity. The ministry is actively working to register key elements of Palestinian heritage, such as embroidery, Nablus soap, and the traditional Dabka dance with UNESCO, ICESCO, and other international organizations to safeguard them against erasure, theft, and falsification.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to document cultural and heritage sites in Gaza, especially those destroyed in the war, through the preservation of photographs, records, and videos. Sites that were not previously documented have suffered the greatest damage, emphasizing the importance of prior registration in safeguarding Palestine’s cultural memory.
Despite the immense challenges, HE Hamdan underscored that Palestinian culture remains a living voice, reflecting the heartbeat of the Palestinian people and their profound history on the global stage.
Palestine is the guest of honor at the 34th Doha International Book Fair, which continues until May 17. This marks the first time that 11 Palestinian publishers are participating, among 522 publishers from 43 countries in this edition of the fair.