At Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023, hosted by CrescentRating, a session on the Medina Network, a sustainable model for knowledge tourism, captivated the audience's attention. Spearheaded by Dr. Barbara Ruiz-Bejarano, Projects Director of the Fountains Foundation, the network aims to bridge the gap between tourists and the lesser-known Andalusi medinas that lie scattered across Spain and Portugal.
Joined by esteemed panelists, Rosinda Pimenta (Vice-Mayor of Camara Municipal de Mertola), Victoria Trasobares Ruiz (Director of Territorio Mudejar Association), and Pedro Valcarcel (President of Sharqalandalus Association), the session shed light on the network's potential to not only revive the rich heritage of Al-Andalus but also invigorate local economies.
Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano unveiled the essence of the Medina Network—a project driven by a passion for history, culture, and knowledge. While most tourists flock to Andalusia's famous cities like Cordoba and Granada, the network seeks to connect visitors to over 4,000 medinas, many of which are steeped in tangible and intangible heritage linked to the golden age of Al-Andalus. From the philosophical wanderings of Ibn Arabi to the architectural marvels, these sites narrate a tale of a rich heritage.
A vital objective of the Medina Network is to forge connections between historically significant locations in Al-Andalus and the remarkable individuals who once inhabited them. Victoria Ruiz shared her experiences in fostering local economies through cultural tourism. During the discussion, she unveiled Tobet, a town steeped in Islamic heritage, where architectural elements and archaeological sites bear witness to the profound influence of Islamic culture. With initiatives like the Martela Archaeological Research Center and the Martela Islamic Festival, Ruiz underscored the significance of community involvement and how Islamic heritage tourism can breathe new life into local communities.
Stepping forward, Pedro Valcarcel painted a vivid picture of Alcala la Real's historical significance, boasting a once-thriving Medina. He issued a passionate call to preserve deteriorating monuments, including the awe-inspiring plaster mosque in Alcala la Real, a rare architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. Valcarcel also introduced a stirring endeavor in Andalusi music, where a group of researchers and musicians immerse themselves in ancient Arabic texts, reviving the beauty of the language and its cultural essence.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists accentuated the paramount importance of Muslim-friendly tourism in the Al-Andalus region. With Islamic influence spanning five centuries, the area offers a treasure trove of cultural experiences for Muslim travelers. Rosinda Pimenta laid bare the town's endeavors in crafting tourism offerings inspired by their Islamic heritage. Whether organizing the Martela Islamic Festival or training local guides, Mertola's initiatives foster immersive encounters between tourists and the local community, delving deep into the region's unique history.
As the Medina Network blossoms, so does its potential to invigorate local economies. Pimenta shared their hamam (public bath) project's successes, sourcing local products like essential oils and towels, thereby bolstering nearby industries. Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano highlighted the significance of tailoring facilities to cater to Muslim tourists' needs, offering cultural visits to hammams and stargazing excursions, all intricately connected to the region's Islamic heritage.
The Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023 cast a spotlight on the Medina Network project, unfurling the splendors of Al-Andalus and its prospective impact on knowledge tourism and local economies. As the Medina Network continues weaving its tapestry of history and culture, it beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the mystical realm of Al-Andalus. Each step in this journey unveils the region's rich heritage and diverse history, leaving an indelible mark on the present and paving the way for a luminous future.
More information and sessions of Halal In Travel Global Summit 2023 are available through this link!
