Category: Amazing Feats

ARAB WOMEN : United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Arab Women in Science Platform Launches in Alexandria

Arab Women in Science Platform: Igniting a Collective Spark for Gender Equality in Science.

On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science and Technology, the Arab Women in Science Platform was officially launched on February 1, 2024, in Alexandria, Egypt. The enchanting event hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office of Egypt and Sudan / Liaison office with the League of Arab States and the Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) at AASTMT Main Campus in Abu Qir brought together over 150 high-level participants from diverse generations and fields, including natural sciences, human and social sciences, to discuss challenges faced by women scientists in the Arab region and explore strategies to advance women’s participation in science, technology, and innovation through the new Arab Women in Science Platform initiative.

A compelling initiative driven by the voice of Arab women scientists themselves, shaping a brighter future in the world of science

The figures remain dramatic. According to the UNESCO Science Report, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science graduates worldwide. Women accounted for one in three researchers (33%) in 2018, just 5 years ago, and represent only 22% of professionals working in AI, the field of the future. Focusing on the Arab States, only 24% of senior management positions in science and engineering are held by women, and even though 47,3% of Egyptian universities STEM graduates are women, they only represent 38% of the STEM workforce (CAPMAS, 2018). 

The Arab Women in Science Platform, launched one year after the call of the Egyptian and Sudanese women scientists’ made during the “Paving the way for Women Leadership in Science” dialogue in February 2023, to empower women in natural and social sciences across generations in the Arab region. It offers both online and offline spaces for women scientists to connect, share experiences, and access career-enhancing programs, including mentorship and training. Additionally, the platform raises awareness of gender stereotypes in science and advocates for gender-transformative policies and open science, with Arab women scientists actively involved in shaping the initiative.

10 & 11 February: Igniting a collective spark for gender equality in Science

The launch event featured insightful conversations, two panel discussions, and a workshop to structure the new community of Arab Women in Science, assess the platform prototype and identify innovative pathways to ensure inclusivity and foster systemic transformations in the scientific realm, and promote gender equality and support women scientists across the Arab region. Discussions and exchanges led to key recommendations that in the development of the platform include:

  1. Translating the Arab Women in Science Platform into an inclusive, accessible, attractive, clear and interactive website.
  2. Creating a strong community of Arab women scientists and men allies by investing heavily at the outset.
  3. Actively engaging with the private sector and the industry to ensure initiatives’ financial sustainability and women scientists’ employment.
  4. Addressing the professional challenges and opportunities of women scientists in the Arb region with a focus on research and training accessibility, women role models, gender stereotypes and displaced women scientists ‘support.

UNESCO office in Cairo also wish to acknowledge and warmly thank the bravery of women scientists in sharing their experiences and the difficulties they have encountered throughout their career, with a special thank to the Sudanese scientists, directly and violently impacted by the civil war.

Hearing the Voices of Arab Women Scientists: A National Surveys

Who better to shape the future of science in the Arab world than those who have dedicated their lives to its pursuit? These remarkable women, pioneers in their respective fields, embody the very essence of scientific exploration and discovery. Their voices, resonating with passion and dedication, hold the key to unlocking the full potential of Arab science.

UNESCO Office in Cairo recognizes that true empowerment stems from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Arab women scientists. To this end, a participatory approach has been adopted, involving extensive consultations and a regional survey designed to capture the experiences and aspirations of these remarkable women.

The survey, now available, seeks to engage the voices of all Arab women scientists. UNESCO office in Cairo extends a warm invitation to all Arab women scientists to participate in this transformative initiative. Your voice matters.

source/content: unesco.org

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UNESCO

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ARAB WOMEN

SYRIA : In Syria, Mural Sets New World Record

In Damascus, a mural made of recycled materials has just set a new world record. Syrian artist Moaffak Makhoul and a team of six compatriots began the project in October 2013 in an attempt to revive hope in their war torn home country. The mural spans 720 square meters (7,749.98 square feet) and set the Guinness record for the largest mural of recycled materials upon its completion in January, Art Daily reports.

The mural is located in Al Mazzeh, an upscale neighborhood in Damascus. It is composed of manufactured waste: colorful scraps from cars, bicycles, cooking utensils, pipes, soft drink cans, mirrors, and ceramics. Housewives also lent a hand, bringing personal objects or pieces of domestic waste from war zones.

Syria’s ongoing civil war has killed around 146,000 people, has forced millions to flee, and forced most of those who have stayed indoors. But the mural is bringing people back out onto the street, according to the report. Makhoul told the AFP he felt the need “to give something to [his] country, to make the Syrian people be known for their love of beauty, life and nature.”

source/content: news.artnet.com/ Artnet.com (headline edited0

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Syrian artist Moaffak Makhoul and his team pose in Damascus with Guinness World Records award for the largest recycled material mural, March 31, 2014. The mural, seen behind them, measures 7,750 feet. Photo: Louai Beshara, courtesy Agence France-Presse.

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SYRIA

EGYPT : Guinness Record: Bahr Al Baqr project certified as biggest wastewater plant worldwide

Regional Director for the Guinness World Records in the Middle East and North Africa region Ahmed Bakr Meklad said Bahr Al Baqr wastewater treatment plant has received a Guinness World Records’ certificate for being the largest water plant in the world with a capacity of 64.8 cubic meters per second along with the use of ozone in the wastewater treatment process.

Speaking to “Good Morning Egypt”, Meklad said the plant has been established with the highest and best international standards.

The plant was inspected by Guinness World Records team of judges over a period of one year during which data were exchanged to review the plant’s competitiveness with similar projects.

The cost of this massive project is LE20 billion, and its daily capacity is 5.6 million cubic meters to be used in the reclamation of 400 acres in Sinai, he said.

Considered one of Egypt’s most important projects, the plant treats more than 2 billion cubic meters of wastewater per year which will be used to irrigate 1,400 sq km of land in Sinai. It is located east of the Nile Delta in the town of Bahr El-Baqar, about 35 km south of Port Said.

The project is set to improve water security, provide jobs, support communities, and reduce pollution for decades to come.

The plant comprises the pumping building of the water intake – rapid mixing basins – slow mixing basins – sedimentation basins – filters with discs – ozone basins – chloride tanks, treated water, sludge condensing basins – mechanical drying buildings – solar units for sludge drying and an administrative area which includes (headquarter building – employers building – mosque – generators – workshops – chemicals – chloride – ozone) – interior roads networks and landscaping.

source/content: sis.gov.eg (headine edited)

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EGYPT

ABU DHABI, U.A.E: Guinness World Record for Power Set by Damen-Built Electric Tug in UAE

Fully electric tugs have quickly emerged from a novelty in the industry and now Damen Shipyards Group and its client SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, have set a Guinness World Record as the Most Powerful Electric Tugboat. The vessel delivered earlier this year demonstrated what the companies are calling “unprecedented for a fully electric tug” and further the growth of this sector of the industry.

The record was set by measuring the bollard pull of Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah, which achieved an average high peak pull of 78.2 tonnes. It is the first fully electric tug to operate in the Middle East and now has the unique distinction of the unique honor by a world-recognized body for record keeping. Launched in 1954 as a promotional idea for the Guinness Brewery, the Guinness Book of Records (today Guinness World Records) is an often-quoted source of data.

“This Guinness World Record achievement demonstrates that the transition to alternative energy does not come at the cost of performance,” said Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group. “We are very proud that the first electric tug in the Middle East is also making waves on a global level with this accolade and the fact that in parallel it is improving the sustainability of our operations alongside cost efficiencies in terms of overall fuel saving is extremely important.”

The record-breaking performance took place at Khalifa Port, AD Ports Group’s flagship facility where the tug is a key component of AD Ports Group’s Marine Services fleet and its electrification strategy.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 according to Damen is designed with a focus on sustainability. It offers zero emissions from tank to wake playing a significant role in reducing emissions.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 builds on the already efficient design of the diesel propulsion RSD Tug 2513. The spec sheet highlights a 320 gross ton tug with a length of 24.73 meters (81 feet). It is designed to operate at a speed of up to 12 knots and can be recharged in two hours. 

The vessel can operate with a crew of just two or three persons or a maximum of up to sic and can be customized with options for oil and pollution control or fire fighting. 

The electric version according to its spec sheet is very similar to the earlier diesel version which has a maximum bollard pull of 80 tonnes. It operates at a speed of 12.6 knots.

Damen has been at the forefront of electric tug development, including delivering the world’s first electric harbor tug, aptly named Sparky, in 2022 to Ports of Auckland. It won the prestigious “Tug of the Year” at the 2022 International Tug and Salvage Awards ceremony and pioneered the growing deployment of electric tugs in ports around the world.

source/content: maritime-executive.com

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Damen’s electric tug delivered to AD Ports set a new record for pull power for electric tugs (Damen) / Published Nov 12, 2024 7:44 PM by The Maritime Executive
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

QATAR : Individual honours, struggles, and mega events: Qatar’s 2024 in sports

A year that started with a sporting success in the form of an Asian Cup win at home ended in mixed results.

Titles, goodbyes, the highs and low: 2024 was anything but a boring year for Qatari sports as the country continued hosting mega events, yet similarly took a few stumbles on the pitch.

While the likes of Mutaz Barshim and Akram Afif dominated the headlines with their glories, the other side saw Qatari sides struggle to keep up their good form, whether in World Cup qualification or the Olympics.

Let’s take a look at some of the standout themes that defined Qatar’s 2024.

Barshim bags bronze in Paris Olympics 2024

Mutaz Barshim defied odds once again to win bronze at the Men’s high jump event, securing Qatar’s only medal of the Paris Olympics 2024.

While it was an underwhelming campaign for the Qatari contingent that had defied expectations to clinch two golds in Tokyo, Barshim’s win became a highlight. It was his fourth Olympic medal — a fitting end to a tournament that the high jumper had termed to be his last before the trip to Paris.

However, the 33-year-old multiple-time world champion hinted at the possibility of competing in the next Olympics, upon his return to Doha. “Never say never,” he said, in an exclusive chat with Doha News.

‘Sporting DNA : Mutaz Barshim keeps raising the bar and it all starts with his family

The year 2024 was also Aspire Academy’s 20th anniversary, which the country’s premier athletic scouting and training centre celebrated in style, hosting multiple seminars and events, such as the Aspire Global Summit as well as giving home to FIFA’s The Best Football Awards during its Gala Dinner in December.

Asian Cup triumph, Al-Haydos’ farewell and Afif’s ascent

The year ends in uncertainty for Qatar just like it started for Qatari football.

However, there were significant achievements in between. Much like the sport itself, it was a game of two halves for Qatari football — a perfect first half, followed by a tough second.

Qatar hosted and ultimately defended the Asian Cup crown in February as Akram Afif became the difference maker yet again. The tournament drew record attendance number as well as record engagement figures, underscoring yet another successful tournament in Qatar.

Al Annabi’s longstanding two-time Asian Cup-winning captain Hassan Al-Haydos retired from international football after the tournament, putting an end to the most capped Qatari career ever.

Qatar continued their good run under Bartolome Marquez Lopez at the World Cup Qualifiers thereafter, ending the second round unbeaten. The AFC U-23 Asian Cup was also hosted by the country in between, where Japan were crowned the champions.

It started going downhill with the loss against UAE at home with the start of the third round of the Asian Qualifiers to the FIFA World Cup 2026. While Afif clinched his second AFC Player of the Year title, Qatar’s hopes of making it to the tournament in North America hangs in balance with just two wins and three losses from the first six games. The team also crashed out of the group stages of the Arabian Gulf Cup following two draws and a defeat.

In the meantime, Qatar also hosted two of the Palestine national team’s qualifying games, the former of which in June saw Al Fida’i make it to the last round of World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history with a 0-0 draw against Lebanon. Similarly, the Qatar U-20 team seamlessly qualified, at home, for the U-20 Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next year.

Qatar was also the home to FIFA’s new club competition, the Intercontinental Cup, which saw European champions Real Madrid win in Lusail Stadium. The Stadium 974 was put to use for the first time since the 2022 World Cup for two of the tournament’s matches.

A good year for racket sports

The Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex was a busy venue this year as it hosted multiple tournaments throughout the year, including the Qatar Open tennis event in February, the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash event in September and October, followed by the World Padel Championship in November.

Russian player Karen Kachanov won the men’s Qatar Exxonmobil Open, while Polish Iga Swiatek claimed the women’s event held in February. Qatar Exxonmobil Open will now return as an ATP 500 event and was also voted the best ATP 250 event on calendar for 2024.

The QTerminals Qatar Classic saw Diego Elias and Nour Al-Sherbini come out on top of the men’s and women’s events, marking a thrilling end to the squash event.

Argentina’s men’s team and Spain’s women’s team maintained their dominance by lifting the World Championship in Padel, which saw some of the world’s finest compete in Doha.

Qatar’s squash ace Abdullah Al-Tamimi capped the year off in style, winning the Cape Town Squash Open 2024 his first title away from Qatar since 2022.

Glory in motorsports and skydiving

Qatar won four gold medals at the World Air Sports Federation (FAI)’s World Championships which was hosted by Czechia’s Prostejov in the first week of September.

Qatar won three golds in events across the Canopy Formation category and bagged solitary gold in male Style and Accuracy landing in the six-day tournament.

It was yet another year of glory for Qatari rally driver Nasser Al-Attiyah, who clinched his third FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (WR2C) in October after winning the 2024 Rallye du Maroc with his French co-driver Edouard Boulanger for the Dacia Sandriders.

Al-Attiyah’s decorated racing career now boasts seven Rallye Du Maroc titles, in addition to five wins in the Dakar Rally and 13 Middle East Rally wins.

What also stood out, however, was Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari’s victory in the Middle East Rally Championship as well as the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation’s triumph in the Baja Middle East Teams Championship — all of whom were awarded in December at the annual FIA Awards.

Qatar also hosted the pinnacle of motorbike and motor racing, the MotoGP and the F1 Grand Prix – the latter of which saw record-breaking attendance at the Lusail International Circuit.

Defending champion Francesco Bagnaia won the MotoGP event held in March, whereas Max Verstappen rose against the odds to win his second Qatar Grand Prix on December 1, despite starting away from the front of the grid.

source/content: dohanews.co (headline edited)

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QATAR

SAUDI motorcycle stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch sets new world record on ice

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute.

 Saudi stunt rider Mohammed Ibrahim Scotch kept his cool to set a new world record for a motorcycle wheelie — on ice.

Riding on one wheel of his Kawasaki ZX-6R, he completed 14 circles in one minute, a feat that has earned him entry into the Guinness World Records 2023 edition.

Scotch, 39, told Arab News that he had been preparing for around two years for the record attempt, which took place at an ice hall in Jeddah.

He said: “I’m proud of achieving this new record because it carries the name of Saudi Arabia, my country. I didn’t break the record, but I achieved a new world record that no one had done before.

“In 2017, to deviate from the norm and at the same time to have fun, the idea stuck in my mind, and I tried it first in a skating rink in Makkah.

“(In 2022), after researching and communicating with officials (from Guinness World Records), they informed me that no one in the world had achieved this record, so I decided to do it.

“I began the journey of rebuilding the project from scratch after obtaining approval from Guinness World Records. I searched for a private ice rink to execute this experiment,” he added.

Scotch designed studded tires and worked out the variables for his motorbike.

“When I received the official email from Guinness World Records congratulating me as a new world record holder, I could not believe it or comprehend it.

“I read the email more than once, and I told my mother, my family, and all my friends who stood with me in obtaining this record, and their joy was unbelievable,” he said.

Scotch has been riding and doing stunts since the age of 16 and turned professional in 2013. He has participated in several international stunt competitions including in Bulgaria, Egypt, and the UAE.

At the beginning of last year, he became a certified trainer with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

“I am glad that I could raise the name of Saudi Arabia to new levels with my latest achievement and my international appearances,” he added.

Scotch, whose achievements were recently acknowledged by the federation’s chairman, Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, aims to set more records.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Saudi stunt rider in Jeddah recently set new world record as he popped a wheelie on his motorcycle then drove in 14 circles on ice for one minute. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

ARAB world’s first joint satellite closer to lift-off after launch preparations completed

The 813 is scheduled for blast-off this year.

A satellite jointly built by Arab nations is a step closer to launch, with lift-off preparations complete.

More than 30 engineers from the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain and engineers and researchers from 11 other Arab countries helped to develop the 260kg Earth observation satellite called 813.

It was expected to be launched in June from China aboard a ride-share carrier rocket, but it is now scheduled for the last quarter of this year, according to state news agency Wam.

The project was announced in 2019 with the intention of bringing Arab nations together and increasing their space sectors’ capabilities.

The satellite is named after 813AD. That was the year that Baghdad’s House of Wisdom became a public academy and library. It would attract the finest minds and usher the Arab world into a period of intellectual advancement known as the Islamic Golden Era.

Engineers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Sudan, Kuwait, Oman and Lebanon have taken part in the satellite’s development.

Amar Vora, head of space for Serco Middle East, told The National in an earlier interview that the project was a “powerful signal from the Arab world”.

“Much like Europe’s model under the European Space Agency, where long-standing co-operation has transformed Europe into a space leader, this satellite shows that Arab nations can also leverage collective strength to advance strategic capabilities,” he said.

“It brings together engineers, scientists, researchers and policymakers across the region in a way that builds not only hardware, but human capital, sovereign capability and institutional trust.”

The satellite will enter a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550km to 650km, where it will help to capture data on agriculture, natural resource management and environmental monitoring around the world.

Engineers installed a hyperspectral imaging payload system in the satellite, which will allow in-depth analysis of soil conditions, water quality, crop health, land cover changes and pollution levels.

All stages of the satellite, including its design, assembly, integration and environmental and functional testing, were completed at the university’s National Space Science and Technology Centre.

It has also developed an operational system on campus so that data from the satellite can be received, processed and converted into maps and scientific resources that will be available for researchers and university students.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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A rendering of the 813 satellite. Photo: UAE Space Agency website

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ARAB NATIONS


SAUDI ARABIA : Makkah museum displays world’s largest Qur’an

The Holy Qur’an Museum at the Hira Cultural District in Makkah is showcasing a monumental handwritten copy of the Holy Qur’an, recognized as the largest Qur’an of its kind in the world.

The manuscript measures 312 cm by 220 cm and comprises 700 pages, earning the museum recognition from Guinness World Records for displaying the world’s largest Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The manuscript is a magnified reproduction of a historic Qur’an dating back to the 16th century, the SPA stated.

The original copy measures 45 cm by 30 cm, with the chapters written primarily in Thuluth script, while Surah Al-Fatiha was penned in Naskh, reflecting the refined artistic choices and calligraphic diversity of the era.

The Qur’an is a unique example of Arabic calligraphy, gilding and bookbinding, showcasing Islamic art through intricate decorations, sun-shaped motifs on the opening folio, and elaborately designed frontispiece and title pages that reflect a high level of artistic mastery.

The manuscript was endowed as a waqf in 1883. Its original version is currently preserved at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries, serving as a lasting testament to Muslims’ enduring reverence for the Qur’an and the richness of Islamic arts across the centuries.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

MAURITANIA : In Mauritania, meet Aziza Sidi Bouna, the Engineer Fighting Climate Change with Animal Waste

“Contributing to mitigating climate change” is the great challenge that Aziza Sidi Bouna, a 32-year-old Mauritanian renewable energy engineer, has set for herself. To achieve this, she has developed an innovative solution: producing biogas from animal, plant, and domestic waste. She is a pioneer in her field and is determined to revolutionize this sector in Mauritania. In 2019, she launched SBGAZ, a start-up specialized in valorizing agricultural and livestock by-products.

Regularly, she roams the markets of Nouakchott, the capital, in search of this precious raw material. “Until today, cow dung, excrement from certain ruminants like camels, were undervalued in my country. I wanted to change that,” explains this dynamic entrepreneur. “You can find the raw material everywhere: on the farm, in the village, at the slaughterhouse, and of course, at home. It is an almost inexhaustible source,” she adds. In fact, in Mauritania, livestock production is one of the pillars of the national economy. It represents more than 15% of GDP, which is thousands of tons of animal waste per year. It is more than enough to produce huge quantities of biogas.

A Source of Clean Energy

Once collected, livestock manure is placed in a biodigester, a natural solution for recycling organic waste, which allows for the production of a combustible gas, biogas, and also a highly effective fertilizer, digestate. “Production lasts between 15 and 45 days, depending on the season,” explains Aziza Sidi Bouna.

“Our biogas has the advantage of being carbon neutral. We don’t use any fossil energy to extract the gas. It’s called methanization, and it’s 100% carbon natural.”

Aziza Sidi Bouna, Founder and CEO of SB-GAZ

“We started designing several biodigester prototypes in 2019,” she continues. “The resulting biogas is a clean energy that can be produced cheaply. It’s much less expensive than propane gas traditionally used for cooking.” And to demonstrate this, the engineer highlights an irrefutable argument: with one kilogram of cow dung, according to her, one can produce gas for one to two hours of gentle cooking.

But that’s not all. Aziza Sidi Bouna’s biodigesters also transform organic waste and excrement into biological fertilizer, which is excellent for increasing agricultural yields. And she affirms, “Out of 100 kilograms of organic waste digested by the machine, we recover 10 kilograms of manure that is as good as or even more effective than chemical fertilizer.”

It Runs in the Family

Aziza Sidi Bouna is not alone in her ambitious project. Her right-hand man and the technical director of SBGAZ is none other than her father, Ahmed Sidi Bouna. As a rural economics engineer, he is particularly proud of his daughter, whom he has always supported, especially in a country where women are often confined to domestic work. Together, they aim to popularize biodigesters throughout society. Thanks to funding from the International Committee of the Red Cross, they have installed several biodigesters in the Mbera refugee camp, providing relief for families in their daily struggles. In Bassikounou, in the southeast of the country, SBGAZ’s first industrial biodigester is up and running, and “almost daily, more than 200 households come to fill their biogas bottles,” says Aziza. “With a USD150,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), I hope to achieve my dream of providing a clean and accessible source of energy to all Mauritanian and Sahelian households in the future,” she adds.

An Alternative to Fossil Fuels

This dream is within reach and, if realized, would have a tangible impact. In fact, the widespread use of biodigesters in Mauritanian households would reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as oil or coal, which are imported mainly from abroad. This would also reduce the emissions of fossil fuels that contribute to climate change. “With my project, I want to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the future of our children and our planet. This is the challenge of our century, and it is my responsibility as an entrepreneur,” says Aziza.

Protecting the environment by producing green energy is thus Aziza Sidi Bouna’s promise, and she hopes to create hundreds of new jobs through the development of this new sector. The young woman already employs five workers aged 28 to 45, including two women, “and many more in the future,” she says confidently. Aziza believes in the future, not just for herself but for all her country’s youth. She wants her journey to serve as an example for all the young people in Mauritania and beyond. “I want to change the mindset of the youth here, in the Sahel, and even in Africa. We, young people, have the power to make a difference,” concludes Aziza Sidi Bouna.

source/content: undp.org (headline edited)

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Photo: UNDP WACA

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MAURITANIA

LIBYA : Wadān commemorates the 111th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Qara al-Tawza’ in 1915 and recalls the heroism of the Mujahideen.

The residents of Wadān commemorated the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Qarat al-Tawza, which took place in 1915 between Libyan resistance fighters and the invading Italian forces.

The local youth council of the Jufra municipality organized a celebration on this occasion, during which several speeches were delivered praising the sacrifices and bravery of their ancestors in confronting the heavily armed Italian forces, who suffered heavy losses in lives and equipment, despite the limited resources and weapons of the heroic resistance fighters.

The celebration included equestrian displays, highlighting the prominent role horses played in the battles of the Libyan resistance and their importance at that time. The event also featured the lighting of the torch of resistance, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah in remembrance of the martyrs of the Battle of Qarat al-Tawza, and the laying of flowers in memory of the martyrs of Wadān who fell in the battles against colonialism.

The event was attended by youth from the National Agency for Voluntary Efforts, the Tozeur Martyrs Camping and Summer Resort Center in Wadān, the Scout and Guide Troop, the Cultural Forum, the Wadān Heritage and Tourism Association, and the Tozeur Martyrs Equestrian Club.

The program also included a detailed historical account of the Battle of Qarat Tozeur, a review of the heroic deeds of our ancestors in defense of the homeland, and the participation of a select group of poets who recited patriotic poems that embodied pride in history and struggle, and affirmed the deep sense of belonging and loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs.

source/content: lana.gov.ly (headline edited)

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LIBYA