Sicily's Arab-Norman architecture was granted UNESCO world heritage status in Bonn at the weekend.
Former UNESCO ambassador and permanent Malta delegate, Raymond Bondin, had been confident of success on the sidelines of the Expo press-conference 'Island tourism: Sicily UNESCO mediterranean diet'.
The world heritage committee met in Bonn these days and the candidacy of the Arab-Norman Palermo together with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale was examined by UNESCO July 4.
"I am confident that UNESCO's recognition will arrive - announced Bondin July 3 - because Arab-Norman architecture is iconic and appreciated as such all over the world, I am very optimistic". The recognition is all the more significant - he added - in this day and age ravaged by islamophobic drives. "Palermo, Monreale and Cefalù are testament to a history that taught us that living together is possible - said Bondin - the long age of Arab expansion in southern Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to Sicily and Malta was not free of conflict of course, but there was a way of living together which left us, as a legacy, a cultural heritage influenced by Arab, Greek and Norman elements, to mention but a few, whose riches are unparallelled in the world.
Unfortunately, nowdays, this climate of hatred and fear is pulling us backwards. We can make it only if we prove our strenght. I work a lot in the Middle East, in particular in Palestine and Turkey and what I've understood is that we all want to live our lives and be safe with our loved ones". The final decision on Arab-Norman architecture will arrive in a few days, in the meantime, Bondin is already planning his next steps: "We will submit a candidacy for the chocolate of Modica, I've been told it's the only type of chocolate still 100% handmade".
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