Ambassador Abegebriel, who is also a lecturer at the Indonesian State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, assured Prince Sultan that Indonesia has experience in conservation and preservation of ancestral cultures, such as the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple, which have long been included on the UNESCO`s World Heritage list.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to maintain ancient sites, as the outcome of past civilizations, was also confirmed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is the younger brother of Prince Sultan bin Salman.

“The Crown Prince is serious in campaigning for moderate Islam and holding dialog with civilizations of all nations,” Abegebriel remarked.

In addition to the ancient sites, the old markets from the Age of Ignorance, which were built before the Islamic civilization, have also become tourist destinations. The Age of Ignorance or “jahiliyyah” era, about before 610 AD, is the era before the first revelation of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

One of the markets that has long been ignored is Souq Ukaz or Ukaz market, which was a popular market during the Time of Ignorance, especially among poets.

“Next week, using the Royal aircraft facility, if God willing, we will visit the cultural city of Souq Ukaz located in Thaif,” the ambassador stated.     (T/RS5/RS1)