On 16th November, the eighth NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC 8) visited the Great Mosque of Rome, which is the largest in Europe.
The group was welcomed by Mr Abd Allah Radwan, the Director of the Italian Muslim Cultural Centre, which is housed within the same complex as the Mosque: as the home of Muslim culture in Italy, the Centre hosts a vast library and runs a varied programme of cultural activities on a daily basis.
Mr Radwan gave the group a fascinating guided tour of the premises, explaining the history of the Cultural Centre: who were the main donors, and how it was conceived and built. He also provided an erudite but extremely accessible description of the Muslim religious calendar, with its traditions and festivities.
This visit afforded a perfect complement to the emphasis which the NRCC academic syllabus places on the strengthening of mutual understanding and respect among Course Members.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Eleonora Fuser, ITA C)
NATO Defense College