Daijiworld Media Network- Riyadh
Riyadh, Aug 6: In a monumental step towards preserving Islamic heritage and promoting global academic dialogue, Saudi Arabia is set to host a high-profile academic forum in November 2025, focusing on the history, culture, and architecture of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
Organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the forum will be held under the theme “Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques: History, Culture, Architecture – Toward Sustainable Knowledge and Digital Documentation.” The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's broader vision to blend traditional scholarship with digital innovation to safeguard Islamic history.
The event is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Guests of God Service Program, key stakeholders in the country’s efforts to enrich research and heritage conservation.
Experts and scholars from around the world representing diverse fields—history, Islamic arts, architecture, literature, digital studies, and media—are expected to participate in the forum. The discussion will span five key themes:
1. Saudi Arabia’s historical role in serving the Two Holy Mosques
2. Hajj as portrayed in ancient texts and travel literature
3. Architectural evolution and visual identity of the Mosques
4. Cultural memory and social dimensions of the Hajj
5. Integration of modern technologies in documenting pilgrimage history
The forum aims to explore how emerging tools like digital archiving and immersive media can enhance global awareness and education about Islamic legacy. Researchers are invited to submit academic papers by September 22, 2025, following which peer review and revision processes will take place before final selections are announced.
Parallel to this event, the 5th Hajj Conference and Exhibition will be held at the Jeddah Superdome from November 9–12, 2025, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This parallel initiative, with participation from over 95 countries, will focus on operational enhancements and innovations aimed at improving services for pilgrims.
Together, these two landmark events underscore Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to both preserving its religious legacy and elevating the global pilgrim experience through scholarship and innovation.