|
Babylon International Festival Prepared by Abdul Aleem Al-Banna Content:
Babylon International Festival…..Why? Festivals, in essence, are the inheritors of the ancient ceremonies that ancient people and old human congregations used to hold since prehistoric times to mark certain occasions or the advent of seasons or years. Throughout the ages, the concept of festivals developed along with the development of civilizations till it became an occasion symbolising the existence of the peoples, such as the festivals marking the arrival of the spring season, or those of fertility and harvest in old times, which symbolized the rebirth of new life. Later, this concept was further developed
to become festivals that convey the general characterizations of the peoples
civilizations, where, at later stages, they transformed into a new role
– figure called the “performer” or the “relator”, whether it was a poet,
a story – teller, or a troupe staging a performance.
It is also a timely occasion to applaud and reproject the great historic feats, and those behind their construction on this sacred, hospitable land of Mesopotamia whose innovative contributions to human civilization never stopped throughout history. In addition to the many symbols of historical
glories, and loyalty to the land and its magnificent past, the Babylon
International Festival reflects a further humanitarian aspect, manifested
in the wide participation by various artists who flock to the event from
all corners of the world, to simultaneously declare in one single voice
of true, honest art, their commitment on confronting all kinds of evil,
corruption, iniquity, and wickedness in the world for the sake of human
integrity, and peoples rights to liberty, progress, and enlightenment.
The Higher Committee
The Babylon International Festival is one of the prominent international events concerned with musical arts, which include singing, folkloric music, musical theatre shows, opera, and ballet. Ever since its first session which bad started back on 22nd September, 1987, this festival attracted many outstanding groups from various Arab, Asian, European, American and African countries. They staged remarkable performances, conducted by famous troupes, and artistic figures, who are well known, not only locally, but throughout the world. They came to the historic city of Babylon, the birthplace of that magnificent civilization, represented by the great cultural achievements of great historical figures, such as Hamurabi, and Nebuchadnezzar, whose legacies transcended time and history to fuse with the great strides, and magnificent splendour of H. E. president Saddam Hussein, in the era of triumph, peace, progress and revival of the glorious Iraq, the land and the people, who pioneered for the world the saga of knowledge, and enlightenment more than seven thousand years ago. Like the mythical phoenix, it and embargoes to resume its journey of defiance and accomplishment. 
A Brief History of Historical Babylon The festival is held inside the historical city of Babylon, which is located about 90 kms to the southwest of Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. The walls of Babylon stand high in tribute to the legacy of Neuchadnezzar, who carried on his shoulders stood at its gates, guarding the history of mankind in its entirety. It was a symbol of one of the most exalted human civilizations that straddled the land of Mesopotamia. The name of the city, from the earliest times of history, and up to the present era of the leader Saddam Hussein, signifies for humanity, the apex of reason, and integrity, with its contribution to humanity, and human culture. Babylon was famous for its precise layout, its correctly – planned thoroughfares, the loftiness if its walls, the magnificence of its temples, the luxury f its palaces, and the splendour of its gardens. The main thoroughfare is “procession street” which begins from the Ishtar Gate. Official processions marking the Babylonian New Year used to go through this street. The walls were constructed in two rows. The outer wall was composed of three successive inner wall comprised of two successive walls, and ran for about 8 kms, flanked by a water trench about 80 meters wide. Probably, the most imposing landmark
of Babylon is the Ishtar Gate, which was considered one of the true architectural
beauties and artistic innovations.
To the north of the gate there were on both sides of procession street, two walls decorated with 60 lions, the symbol of the Goddess Ishtar, with red or blue manes contrasting against a background of glazed blue bricks whose splendour was no less than that of the Ishtar Gate. Among Babylon’s historic landmarks were the suspended Gardens, which were among the seen wonders of the world. They were located at the northern corner of the southern palace, and were constructed in seven lawyers, each of which is built of the same stones, and each seven stones were placed on both sides of a long corridor protected by a thick wall. It contained the Babylon Zaggurat, which is a high tower made of seven payers, reached through three staircases. At its summit, there is a chamber, in which the grand priest, according to Babylonian beliefs meets the God to receive his instructions. The chamber was also used to observe the stars and determine their time of appearance as well as to monitor the orders and the movement of enemy troops. Thee is also the Ishtar Temple, located in the centre of town, which is dedicated to the Akkadian Goddess Ishtar. There was another temple, the Nabo – shkhari temple located at the southern end of procession street. Babylon had many palaces, but the three
most important ones
The second, was the central palace which
was located next to the first palace on its northern side. It was used
as a court for the queen.
The Babylonian Theatre is also one of
the city’s important landmarks. It is constructed as tiers of semi-circles
that rise high from the centre stage outward.
It is considered one of the magnificent
historical relics, and may have been one of the war prizes, brought by
Nebuchadnezzar from his many military victories.
The festival features a wide variety of international arts and music, representing many cultures and civilizations. The culture, art, science and antiquities, converge to meet on the land of Babylon to entice, entertain, and educate the audience through the following functions: 1. The Arts It is the main feature of the festival, where musicals, singing, popular and folkloric ensembles stage their performance of various colours, and flavours. 2. The Cultural Scientific Function This is represented by the many symposia,
and seminars on antiquities, and musical arts, that are organized during
the time period of the festival.
3. Touristic and Antiquities Related Functions This is manifested by the role of cultural and artistic events in promoting tourism, which is a means for getting to know the facts about the Babylonian civilisation, and its relics, which can acquire a dynamism of its own by displaying the true identity of human development, telling and informing the later generations of the splendours of the past. 4. The Information Function This is best illustrated by the many media people who are invited to attend the festival. They come to the theatres of Babylon, representing all kinds of information media, the audio – visual, and the printed ones, which convey to the world, the performances staged by the numerous groups. 
The Theatres of Historical Babylon The historical city of Babylon features three theatres where artists and artistic troupes can give their folkloric and contemporary performances in music, dancing and artistic shows. These theatres have been equipped with modern sound and lighting equipment, as well as other service facilities such as exercise halls, leisure rooms, and quarters for make-up, change of costumes, and auditions and rehearsals. There is also in each theatre hall a completely integrated recording and external transmission system, which can air the events to local and international networks. 1. The Babylonian Theatre It is the biggest amphi-theatre of the city, which is equipped with a sizable stage with all the accessories needed to ensure a proper merging with the ancient atmosphere of the city. It is constructed in tiers of semi circular shape, rising outwardly. 2. Al Arsh (Throne) Auditorium It is the biggest hall in historical Babylon, which used to house the administrative centre of the Babylonian empire. Kings and victorious military leaders used to be received in it. Neduchadnezzar’s greatest triumphs were recorded in this hall. After Nebuchadnezzar, it served the same purpose under other kings. 3. Ninimach Temple Hall This temple was he private domain of the Great Lady, Ninimach, the lady of the heavens, who used to conduct her worship rites in it. It was one of Babylon’s important temples. In this present day festival, it has been reserved for high quality musical performances, whether solo, or in groups.
The city has many restaurants, cafes
and markets scattered in various parts, where assortments of folkloric
items and popular handicraft are offered.
The festival’s management plays host to the delegations taking part in the festival, and provides the proper lodging for them during the festival period, in line with the known generosity of the Iraqi people, and in a way that befits the world wide fame and status of the Babylon festival. 
In addition to the artistic musical performances
staged at Babylon’s theatres, the festival also provides for holding other
cultural activities, such as scientific symposia on archaeological works,
and excavations, and seminars on arts and music, which attract notable
figures from all countries of the world. Other activities include discussion
sessions, colloquia, cultural evenings, art shows, book fairs and other
Babylon related cultural functions, which are usually held at the many
outstanding cultural centres, in Baghdad, during the morning periods. This,
of course doesn’t conflict with the artistic and musical performances which
are staged at Babylon’s various theatres in the evenings.
The Babylonian Festival after the US-Occupation During his recent visit to Baghdad Rolf Meyer-Reumann has taken up the question of the future of the Babylonian Festival. The person in charge at the Ministry of Culture is still Mr. Hisham. Due to the prevailing circumstances in Iraq negotiations between the Ministry of Culture and the CPA on the future of the Babylonian Festival have not yet really started. Notwithstanding, cultural events in general are given special attention in restructuring Iraq. It has been therefore decided to keep this webpage open and extend it to other Iraqi cultural events in general.
Cultural news for Iraq (the news will be regularly updated):
The Baghdad Symphony Hall was completely destroyed in the US-war.
The Baghdad Symphony Orchestra is now playing at the Convention Hall near Rashid Hotel.
The Baghdad Symphony Orchestra will have a performance in Dubai early December 2003.
We are planning a German cultural event to take place in Iraq early 2004.
|
