The residents of Taif were not surprised when UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced that Taif was among the 55 cities designated as Creative Cities worldwide. This recognition was expected for a city known for its firsts and located on the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains.
Taif’s distinction comes from its emphasis on culture and creativity in development strategies and its innovative human-centered urban planning. Taif has long been a cultural hub, where poets from various regions once gathered at the Okaz Market to compete, recite poetry, and spread culture and literature.
UNESCO Creative Cities
Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan said about this victory: “Taif, the land of poetry and literature, and (Okaz) are part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.” Taif Governor Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud considered this victory a crowning achievement for Taif’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, with a history of literature and culture experienced by its people for thousands of years. He expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Culture for his efforts and support for the capital of Arab poetry.
The Director of the Private Office of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Badr Al-Asaker, indicated on his account: “Taif joins the UNESCO Creative Cities list, a city whose rich history is marked by literature and whose present is filled with renowned names and inspiring achievements.”
Taif, Ancient Historic City
A number of intellectuals and literature enthusiasts in the province expressed their happiness at Taif being chosen as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of literature and poetry. They described this as a national achievement that adds to the nation’s accomplishments and affirms Taif’s leadership in the realms of poetry and literature, just as it leads in tourism, natural beauty, and many other attributes. Writer Hammad Al-Salmi said, “Taif is an ancient historic Arab city that emerged simultaneously with Mecca and Yathrib.
Moreover, it has a close connection to the Prophet’s biography and the Arab Muslim conquests eastward and westward. It has always been a market for literature, trade, and agricultural products, and the famous Souk Okaz emerged here. Taif boasts a beautiful natural environment that inspires literary, poetic, and artistic creativity.
It has played a significant role in disseminating many literary and artistic heritage elements that have distinguished it for thousands of years, holding a unique scientific status in the Arabian Peninsula.”
Capital of Arabic poetry
Dr. Latifa Al-Adwani, Head of the Taif History Center, said: “The Taif Governorate holds a significant position among cities, and it is not surprising that it is included among the creative cities worldwide. Last year, it was chosen as the capital of Arabic poetry due to its deep-rooted poetic heritage that predates Islam, and it is home to the famous poetry market (Souq Okaz), where the Mu’allaqat are showcased and hundreds of poets gather.”
Dr. Mohamed Othman Al-Thubaiti congratulated the UNESCO announcement of Taif as one of 55 global creative cities, recognizing its use of culture and creativity in development and its implementation of innovative urban planning strategies.
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