Damascus is the capital of Arab culture for 2008 (as decided by UNESCO). Some one told me that last year it was Riyadh. Really? Why? I thought the point of these designations was to increase tourism, and Saudi doesn't encourage tourism other than to Mecca and Medina (there isn't even a such thing as a tourist visa).
But Damascus knows how to do it right, starting out with a star-studded fireworks-laden celebration outside Dar al-Asad for Culture and Art. I didn't go, but it looked pretty awesome on TV: photos. The President and First Lady of Turkey were in attendance, as well as the Emir of Qatar and Amir Moussa, head of the Arab League. Is there any coincidence between Qatar not being on Bush's itinery last week, though he had time to visit every other Gulfi, and the Emir's gracing the celebration with his prescence?
Coming soon as part of the year-long celebration: Farouz concert!!! Well, Fairouz in a singing play, but still, it's been 30 years since she's sang in Syria. The cheapest tickets cost somewhere between $100-200. Fairouz loves sharing her music with the people!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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