By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: The love shown for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Indian Hajis in their travelogues is incomparable. On the basis of these travelogues, the history of culture and civilization of Arabian Peninsula can be written, said Faisal Hassan Tarad, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi.
He was inaugurating the 3-day seminar on “Indian Travelogues’ Accounts on the History and Culture of Arabian Peninsula” on 21st Jan. 2011 at India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
Delivering key-note address, Prof Akhtarul Wasey, Vice Chairman, Delhi Urdu Academy said: So far we have seen India from the eyes of Arab travelers, now it is the first time when we will see Arabian Peninsula in the light of Haj travelogues. Eminent Islamic scholar Prof Wasey also talked about the history of Haj travelogues in Urdu and said the 20th Century produced more Haj travelogues than before.
Prof PK Abdul Azis, Vice Chancellor, Aligarh Muslim University, appreciated the move and hoped it will prove a milestone in the Indo-Arab relations. Ex-Jamia Millia Islamia VC Syed Shahid Mehdi and Dr Ebraheem M Al-Batshan, Cultural Attache, The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi also addressed the gathering.
In his presidential speech, Justice MSA Siddiqi, Chairman, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, said the tradition of Haj travelogues in Urdu has become part of Urdu literature. “I hope this seminar will set its direction and pace,” he said.