Syracuse, Sicily Sicily until it fell to the Aghlabids after another siege on 20/21 May 878. During the two centuries of Muslim rule, the capital of the Emirate of Sicily was moved from Syracuse to Palermo. The Cathedral was converted into a mosque and the quarter on the Ortygia island was gradually rebuilt along Islamic styles. The city, nevertheless, maintained important trade relationships, and housed a relatively flourishing cultural and artistic life: several Arab poets, including Ibn Hamdis, the most important Sicilian Arab poet of the 12th century, flourished in the city. In 1038, the Byzantine general George Maniakes reconquered the city,
Capital City Day (Kazakhstan) Capital City Day (Kazakhstan) The Day of the Capital City of Kazakhstan is an official Public holiday in Kazakhstan. It was established in 2009 and is celebrated on July 6. It celebrates the Capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana. On July 6, 1994, the Supreme Council of Kazakhstan adopted a resolution to transfer the capital of Kazakhstan from Almaty to Akmola. On May 6, 1998, Akmola was renamed to Astana and gained status as the capital city. On July 18, 2008, the government approved a bill making Capital Day a state holiday. since 2009, the best brass bands of Kazakhstan and