October 10, 2007

Kuwait City, Kuwait

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


U.S. Embassy Diplomats Participate inEmbassy’s Islamic Culture Appreciation Program


On October 4, twelve members of the United States Embassy visited the Arab Organizations building in Shuwaikh as part of the Embassy’s Islamic culture appreciation program.  Building engineer Usameh Wenes led the tour, which highlighted exquisite works of art from Syria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Kuwait.  Embassy staff learned about the history and origin of the various masterpieces in the building and gained a better understanding of the broad artistic and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.  Highlights from the tour included the 5 story mashrabia, the 1.5 ton wooden front doors, and the ornate Egyptian carved ceiling near the main staircase.  The Embassy’s cultural appreciation program invites local speakers and arranges site visits to important Islamic buildings in Kuwait every two months as part of its efforts to broaden Americans’ understanding of the rich art, history and culture of the Middle East.