Arab culture permeates South American countries

DAMMAM: Arab culture has influenced life in South America for more than 100 years. The Spanish language includes many words derived from Arabic. There were also Arab influences on architecture, design and agriculture as well as on tradition and folklore.
Statistics show that more than three million Arabs migrated to the continent. Arabs are also said to be among Columbus’ sailors since he is known to have used Arab Muslim sailors for their skills in astronomy, navigation and shipbuilding.
Mohammed bin Salim Al-Sufi, manager of Culture and Dialogue of Civilizations Department at the Arab League, quoted a German scientist as saying: “The arrival of Arabs in South America preceded Columbus by half a century at least; Arab skulls have been found to support this idea.”
Al-Sufi stressed that historical and cultural relations between the Arab world and South America come from common values in addition to Arab contributions to the identities and traditions in these communities.
On the global spread of Arabic, a study by the British Council showed that Britons now prefer learning Arabic rather than French. Six Arabic-speaking countries appeared among Britain’s largest export markets, generating more than 12 billion pounds annually.
UNESCO has adopted a proposal for the establishment of a South American-Arab Dialogue, stressing the importance and relationship between the two cultures. A preparatory conference was held in Portugal in 1992 and included many specialists in the field of historical studies.
The Kingdom played a prominent role as it hosted the 3rd Meeting of the Ministers of Culture of Arab and South American Countries in April 2014.
The event reflected the Saudi vision to increase cultural communication and dialogue between the Arabs and the whole world, to deepen knowledge, and recognize diversity, both in culture and civilization.
In addition, the Kingdom established the King Abdullah International Prize for Dialogue Between Civilizations, and the King Abdullah Global Program for Dialogue and Peace as a part of UNESCO.