Iraqi debate over Baghdad as Arab cultural capital
As events to recognize Baghdad as the Arab Capital of Culture for 2013 get underway, Iraqis artists and creative producers express their discontent with the Ministry of Culture .
BAGHDAD — Baghdad is celebrating its selection as the 2013 Arab Capital of Culture. Since the program began, many differences have emerged between the Iraqi government and those working in cultural production.
In addition to these differences, to which Iraqi cultural circles have grown accustomed, a former Iraqi ambassador to UNESCO, Shawqi Abdel Amir, pointed out “the neglect of the Iraqi government in mentioning the role of UNESCO [in the festivities].”
The activities to commemorate Baghdad’s selection as the Arab Capital of Culture began in March, with a huge opening ceremony attended by senior Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Secretary-General of the Arab League Nabil Elaraby, as well as a number of Arab and foreign ambassadors.
Speaking to Al-Monitor, Abdel Amir said, “It is strange that the party supervising the ‘Baghdad, Arab Capital of Culture’ event for this year did not mention UNESCO.”
