The Madrid city council’s order for the imminent eviction of Casa Árabe from the Aguirre Schools building is awakening numerous protests in support of the diplomatic cultural center.
The Hispano-Arab Intercultural Circle (CIHAR) has expressed in a statement its “deep concern and rejection of the decision made by the Madrid City Council. This resolution not only has a negative impact on the essential work of cultural diplomacy that Casa Árabe performs in strengthening relations between Spain and the Arab World, but it also seriously undermines Madrid’s image as a multicultural, welcoming city and a reference for international projection.”
Likewise, CIHAR makes “a call to all political forces to keep in mind that culture and its dissemination are fundamental tools for preserving peace, fostering understanding between peoples, and building bridges of coexistence. Therefore, culture should not become an object of confrontation nor be used as an instrument of political disagreement.”
From the Hispano-Arab Intercultural Circle, they want to urge the municipal government of Madrid to “reconsider its decision and to annul the eviction of Casa Árabe from its headquarters. Likewise, we request that an agreement be reached with the other institutions that make up the consortium of the entity and that all necessary mechanisms be activated to ensure the continuity of Casa Árabe in Madrid. Casa Árabe is an essential reference for intercultural dialogue and a beacon of cultural diplomacy between Spain and the Arab world. Its work is comparable, in the field of Hispano-Arab relations, to that developed by the Cervantes Institute as a promoter of the Spanish language and culture in numerous Arab countries. Preserving its presence in Madrid is betting on an open, diverse city committed to culture as a space for meeting and understanding.”
“We urge the City Council,” the statement concludes, “to preserve this valuable cultural space, reaffirming Madrid’s commitment to diversity, integration, and international cooperation based on culture.”
The Hispano-Arab Intercultural Circle (CIHAR), chaired by Abdo Tounsi, a member of the Association of Arab Journalists and Writers in Spain, is an organization dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding, and cultural exchange between the Hispanic and Arab communities. Through various activities such as conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, CIHAR seeks to foster mutual respect, diversity, and collaboration between both cultures. Its goal is to create bridges that unite people from different backgrounds to celebrate their cultural richness and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation. CIHAR plays an important role in promoting intercultural understanding and in building a more inclusive and peaceful world.
