ISLAMABAD: The inauguration of the Silk Road Culture Centre (SRCC) took place on Tuesday, drawing ambassadors, diplomats and cultural enthusiasts from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The organisers said the event marked the beginning of a new chapter in fostering international cultural understanding and collaboration.

SRCC Chairman Jamal Shah appreciated the participating nations for their contributions, which included artworks, cultural artifacts, and other exhibits that highlighted the rich and diverse heritage of the Silk Road nations.

“The remarkable cooperation and generosity of our international partners have truly brought the spirit of the Silk Road to life,” he remarked, adding, “This centre now stands as a vibrant space for cultural exchange, reflection, and learning, created through the collective efforts of many.”

Organisers say it is a new chapter in fostering international cultural understanding and collaboration

He emphasised the SRCC’s mission as a symbol of unity and diversity, aimed at promoting mutual respect among nations. The centre plans to host exhibitions, workshops, performances, and educational programmes that celebrate the historical Silk Road’s shared legacy, inspiring future generations to value cultural diversity.

Gratitude was expressed to the event’s sponsors and partners, including Zong Pakistan, Serena Hotel Islamabad and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Hunerkada Islamabad, and the Sir Syed Memorial Society (SSMS), for their critical role in bringing the vision of the SRCC to life.

A significant development announced at the event was the inclusion of SRCC under the SSMS governing body, ensuring a robust foundation for its future initiatives. Additionally, SRCC will host a Sir Syed Research Centre, focused on academic excellence, cultural studies, and innovation inspired by the legacy of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

“The SRCC is more than a venue. It is a platform where art, history, and tradition converge to create meaningful connections,” said Mr Shah. “This iconic building symbolises the strength of cultural collaboration and the beauty of togetherness.”

The inauguration served as a commitment to the transformative power of cultural exchange in promoting global harmony. As the SRCC opened its doors, it aspired to become a cornerstone of cultural and academic excellence, uniting nations and individuals in the spirit of shared understanding and respect, the organisers of the event maintained. Ambassador of Russia to Pakistan Albert P. Khorev said that the centre would serve as another bright spot on Islamabad’s cultural map.

“It will serve the purpose of raising mutual awareness of the cultures along the great historical route. The Russian culture is one of the jewels in this regard, comprising great masterpieces of architecture, music, theatre, painting, and other forms of art, which represent our national character and diversity of ethnic and religious groups. They all peacefully coexist and enrich each other,” the Russian envoy said.

“I am confident of the centre’s commitment to developing joint projects, and promoting intellectual and cultural exchanges in the region,” Albert Khorev said.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Kistafin congratulated Mr Shah on establishing the centre. “The ancient Silk route was a network connecting nations across the entire Eurasian continent. Besides trade, it was also about developing cultural ties, exploring new civilizations, new traditions and customs. We believe that such initiative can help us today in terms of reviving those relations, enjoyed in the past,” Ambassador Kistafin said.

He informed his audience that Kazakhstan for centuries served as a bridge connecting east and west and was part of the ancient Silk Road. “Our embassy is delighted to contribute to the centre,” said the ambassador.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2024