In the framework of ‘2026, Year of al-Ándalus’, the Círculo Intercultural Hispano Árabe (CIHAR) celebrated last Thursday, June 11, in the Ambassador’s Hall of Casa Árabe in Madrid its XII Annual Meeting, with the delivery of its Gold Medals 2025 and the presentation of a key editorial work, Visiones actuales de al-Ándalus (Current Visions of al-Ándalus).
After welcoming words from the general director of Casa Árabe, Miguel Moro Aguilar, and the director of CIHAR, Abdo Tounsi, the ambassador of Palestine, Husni Abdelwahed, and the chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Tunisia, Nadia Barhoumi, spoke, highlighting the importance of CIHAR’s cultural activity to promote dialogue, understanding, and cultural exchange between the Hispanic and Arab communities.
Subsequently, the mayor of the Malaga town of Cútar, Francisco Javier Ruiz Mérida, and representatives from the Cútar Interpretation Center participated in the event.
After projecting a video summarizing the numerous cultural activities carried out by CIHAR from June 2025 to 2026, Basilio Rodríguez Cañada, president of the Sial Pigmalión Editorial Group, took the floor to present the editorial novelty Visiones actuales de al-Ándalus.
Next, the prestigious CIHAR Gold Medals 2025 were awarded, whose decision was made by the board of directors on April 1. These awards honor trajectories of excellence in research, dissemination, and strengthening Hispanic-Arab ties.
The distinguished in this edition were, in the category of individuals: Álvaro Martínez Sevilla, José Miguel Puerta Vílchez, María de los Ángeles Utrero Agudo, María Isabel Fierro Bello, Nagwa Gamal Mehrez and Ridha Mami. In the category of entities, the medals were awarded to Cútar Interpretation Center (Málaga), Espacio Ronda de Madrid, and La Madraza (Center for Contemporary Culture of the University of Granada).
Present at the event, in addition to the mentioned diplomats, were the ambassadors of Egypt, Sudan, and Syria.
As described above, during the event the book Visiones actuales de al-Ándalus, which gathers reflections from experts and contemporary voices on a legacy that remains alive in our culture, our way of thinking, and our way of living, was presented. Published within the framework of the Year of al-Ándalus 2026 promoted by the Círculo Intercultural Hispano Árabe, this volume transcends history to explore the relevance of a heritage that still resonates in architecture, science, philosophy, art, literature, gastronomy, and cultural diplomacy.
Through a plural and deeply human perspective, the work intertwines scientific rigor and personal sensitivity to show that al-Ándalus does not belong solely to the past, but continues to inspire the present and project itself into the future. Its pages invite the reader to rediscover a shared heritage that continues to offer lessons of creativity, knowledge, and coexistence.
Number of pages: 260
Publisher: Sial Pigmalión
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9791388333163
Price: 21 euros