The Sheikha of Kuwait, the co-founder of the Ancient Islamic Museum (Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, DAI), and owner of the Al-Sabah Collection Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah visited Armenia upon the invitation of President Armen Sarkissian’s wife, Nouneh Sarkissian. The sheikha visited Matenadaran, the Cafesjian Museum, and the National Gallery of Armenia among other tourist sites.
Nouneh Sarkissian said that Armenia is interested in having cultural ties with Kuwait and other countries. “Since Sheikha Hussa is knowledgeable on the Arabic culture, we decided to invite her to introduce her to the Armenian culture with the hope that we can have a cultural exchange. We offered her the opportunity to have some of the rarer books and letters in the Al-Sabah collection be presented in Yerevan. We would send the collection of Arabic letters in Matenadaran to Kuwait in exchange. This is how we will present our cultures, which will then tie our people and our countries together, because culture, music, and books are what bring us together.”
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Aravot Daily asked the sheikha what impression she received from her cultural excursions in Armenia. “I came to Armenia at the invitation of Nouneh Sarkissian. I am very impressed by everything I have seen, especially Matenadaran. I am also impressed by the Modern Art Museum.” She added that they are preparing to hold an Armenian Culture Week in Kuwait, which will not only be limited to the presentation of works of art or rare letters.
Nouneh Sarkissian also said that there will be a Kuwaiti Cultural Festival in Yerevan, which will not only include art and music, but also national cuisine and handicrafts. “We have already begun to plan it. We hope that this festival will take place next year.”
Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah said that Armenia remains in the hearts of Kuwaitis because there are many Armenians living in Kuwait from Syria, Lebanon, and other countries. She said that she also loves the Armenian cuisine, especially desserts. She described Armenia as a small but unique and beautiful country that has a rich cultural heritage. Armenia’s main feature is its culture.
Gohar Hakobyan
