Panel clarifies Madinah’s cultural logo

MADINAH — The Higher Committee for the Selection of Madinah as the Islamic Cultural Capital chaired by Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Majed, Emir of Madinah, clarified Sunday that the event’s logo simply symbolizes the occasion and does not reflect any trends or interpretations beyond the declared objectives.

The clarification came in response to criticisms and comments circulated through local newspapers and Internet sites on the selection of the logo. The critics questioned the failure to include the green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque in the logo, which only has a minaret and the map of the Muslim world.

The statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency said the committee took note of the opinions and comments published in newspapers and websites as to why the green dome was left out from the logo.

“To make matters clear, the committee wishes to clarify that the logo was selected after a public contest under its supervision. The winner met the set conditions and fulfilled the requirements to reflect the grand occasion. The logo bears the historic architectural landmark in the form of the minaret of the Prophet’s Mosque. The map of the Muslim world represents Madinah’s stature among the believers,” said the statement. — SG