Handel’s Messiah to Be Performed at Mukawir, Launching a Cultural and Spiritual Programme Towards the 2030 Commemorations of St. John the Baptist
Mukawir holds special significance as the site traditionally associated with the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, making it a particularly fitting setting for Messiah, a work that explores themes of faith, redemption, and hope.
Marking the occasion, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hijazeen, said: "Jordan has long been, and will always remain, a safe haven and a beacon of peace, stability, moderation, and religious coexistence. Home to some of the world's most significant Christian pilgrimage and heritage sites, the Kingdom continues to preserve and protect humanity's shared religious and cultural heritage. Under the Hashemite Custodianship of the Islamic and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, Jordan remains steadfast in safeguarding the sacred heritage of Jordan and Palestine and in promoting the values of peace, mutual respect, and interfaith dialogue. Today, we proudly launch a cultural and spiritual journey towards the global commemorations of St. John the Baptist in 2030. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving our shared heritage while strengthening Jordan's position as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage, cultural tourism, and international dialogue."
In his turn, The European Union Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, added: “The European Union has long supported the preservation and development of historical sites across Jordan, including Mukawir. This project aims notably to enhance sustainable cultural heritage initiatives and strengthen the ability of civil society actors to collaborate in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
The European Union Delegation supports this initiative as part of its continued commitment to safeguarding Jordan's cultural heritage and advancing culture as a driver of sustainable development and community engagement.
The initiative reinforces the Kingdom's role as a meeting place of civilizations, faiths, and cultures and its unique position as a destination for religious and cultural tourism. It also seeks to honour the legacy of St. John the Baptist through one of the most important works of sacred music and to acknowledge Jordan’s contribution to peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue across and beyond the Middle East.”
The event is also supported by the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian, Goethe-Institut Jordan, and the Embassy of Hungary in Jordan. It forms part of the European Union’s broader commitment to promoting Jordan’s unique cultural heritage through community-centred initiatives that support sustainable economic development.
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