Culture

Tunisian Muslims join hundreds of Christians in interfaith procession for peace

Published

9 months ago

August 16, 2023

The annual Feast of the Assumption in Tunisia took a whole new dimension when hundreds of Muslims in the country joined their Christian counterparts in an interfaith ceremony outside the capital where the sermons harped on peace and tolerance.

During the Feast which held at Tunis’ La Goulette suburb on Tuesday, Catholic faithful and Muslim participants marched behind a Madonna statue as it was carried to the town hall where they were recieved by the Catholic Archbishop of Tunis and the Bishop of Trapani, Italy, Archbishop and Bishop of Trapani, Pietro Maria Fragnelli, who delivered sermons alluding to Tunisia’s tense migration politics and the recent riots that have led to the death of more than five persons in Sfax.

“Let us not forget that the statue of the Virgin Mary made the journey from Trapani to La Goulette 100 years ago where she was so well received and respected,” he said.

“We are delighted that the Madonna can walk the streets to bless all the inhabitants of La Goulette and Tunisia. This procession aims to show that La Goulette and Tunisia are a model of coexistence between religions and countries of origin,” he added.

Hundreds of Catholics, including many black Africans, and Tunisian Muslims took part in the procession behind a statue of the Virgin, to call for “living together” after strong tensions in the country around the issue of migrants.

The tradition of the Assumption march dates back to the mid-19th century when La Goulette was home to Sicilians, Sephardic Jews, Maltese, Greeks and Spaniards. It was started by Sicilian fishermen.

The ceremony was halted by Tunisian officials in 1964 but was revived in 2017, and since then, the Virgin Mary figurine has been carried slightly farther from Tunisia’s oldest church which was consecrated in 1879.

Related Topics:Christians Feast of Assumption Featured Interfaith Procession Muslims Tunisia

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

5 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.