HoW's 'Travelogues' exhibition draws 13,000 visitors over 4 months
The exhibition came as part of the 'Chapters from Islamic Art' initiative, graciously inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It showcases rare books gifted by His Highness from the collection of the late Professor Richard Ettinghausen, comprising over 12,000 volumes in Islamic history, art, and sciences.
Spanning over 13 centuries of intellectual contribution, the exhibition showcased the remarkable contributions of Muslim travellers and scholars such as Ibn Khordadbeh, Al-Istakhri, Ibn Hawqal, Yaqut al-Hamawi, Ibn Jubayr, Ibn Battuta, and Ibn Majid. It illustrated how travel writing evolved from personal narrative into a disciplined science, with defined purposes, methods, and tools, that advanced cartography, navigation, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, remarked that the 'Travelogue' exhibition was more than a showcase of manuscripts and maps, it was a journey into the intellectual legacy of Islamic civilisation, bridging generations with the Arab world's rich contributions to human and geographical sciences. The strong public response, she noted, reflects a growing appreciation for the roots of a civilisation whose impact still resonates today.
She added: 'HoW remains dedicated to crafting cultural experiences that reimagine the region's scientific and intellectual heritage through a modern lens—fostering pride, inspiring new generations, and positioning Sharjah as a global stage for cultural exchange and historical insight.'
The exhibition unfolded across four thematic
The exhibition unfolded across four thematic sections. The first traced the rise of '
Ilm al-Masalik wa al-Mamalik
(Science of Routes and Kingdoms) during the Abbasid era, spotlighting the intellectual drive behind this unique genre and the meticulous efforts of Muslim travellers who mapped the world into precise geographic and administrative zones. The second showcased Al-Idrisi's remarkably accurate medieval maps, landmarks in cartographic history that guided European geographers for centuries.
The third offered a closer look at ancient maritime tools like the astrolabe, sextant, and octant, reflecting the ingenuity of Muslim navigators. The final section explored how modern technologies, like aerial photography and GIS—are breathing new life into travel writing today.
Running alongside the exhibition was a vibrant programme for children and youth, featuring hands-on workshops inspired by the spirit of exploration. Designed to spark curiosity and imagination, sessions included 'Design Your Travel Journal,' 'Ibn Majid: Lion of the Sea,' and 'World Stage: Ibn Battuta's Journeys,' helping young minds rediscover the value of storytelling, mapping, and cultural exchange.
The exhibition was brought to life through a meaningful collaboration with the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, the Sharjah Museums Authority, the Manuscripts House in Sharjah, and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia.
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