Oman's National Museum showcases masterpieces of Islamic era
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Muscat – National Museum, in collaboration with the Sharjah Museums Authority, has launched an exhibition titled Masterpieces of Art from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. The exhibition, which opened on Monday, will run until May 3.
Held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum, the event was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The exhibition features 82 artefacts highlighting the achievements of Islamic civilisation and Muslim scholars. Several pieces are being displayed outside the United Arab Emirates for the first time.
The collection is divided into three sections – Calligraphy Arts, Science and Innovation, and Harmony and Diversity – offering insights into the intellectual and cultural progress of the Islamic world.
Jamal bin Hassan al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, described the event as part of ongoing efforts to promote cultural exchange and knowledge.
'This exhibition builds on the success of the 'Omani Civilisation: Origins and Development' exhibition held in 2023 at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Antiquities, under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. It marks a significant step in the collaboration between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority,' he said.
Moosawi added that the exhibition showcases invaluable artefacts reflecting the scientific and intellectual achievements of the Islamic era. 'These treasures of knowledge demonstrate the cultural and intellectual progress of the time, illustrating how Islam played a pivotal role in shaping a civilisation based on science and the advancement of knowledge.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
OSAS promotes astronomy and science outreach in Tanzania
Muscat – Oman Space and Astronomical Society (OSAS) has successfully completed a visit to Tanzania aimed at promoting astronomy, moonsighting standardisation and citizen science outreach. Led by OSAS board member Abdulwahab Sulaiman al Busaidi and UK-based expert in Islamic moonsighting Ibrahim Jaafar, the visit included lectures, meetings with religious scholars, and strategic partnerships with government and religious institutions. The lectures covered topics ranging from galaxy formation to satellite communications, highlighting astronomy's role in national development and youth empowerment through citizen science. Speaking to Muscat Daily, Busaidi, who delivered a lecture titled 'Astronomy and Faith: Bridging Science and Islam', said, 'Our goal was not only to share knowledge but to plant the seeds of long-term collaboration in space science between Oman and Tanzania. Faith and science are not opposites. When aligned, they enhance our understanding of the universe and enrich spiritual practices.' The delegation's itinerary included key academic institutions, such as Zanzibar State University, Karume Institute of Science and Technology and Sumait University. A major highlight of the visit was a presentation on moonsighting and astronomy at Zanzibar Grand Mosque, where Busaidi discussed the Islamic importance of unified lunar observations using scientific tools. The visit also included a high-profile event at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam attended by senior officials – Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania H E Saud al Shidhani and the Deputy Mufti of Tanzania. The event also featured a meeting with President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi of Zanzibar. 'Tanzania has the potential to become a space science leader in Africa. This is not just science diplomacy – it's a shared vision of enlightenment,' said Busaidi. He added that the visit included a proposal to establish the Zanzibar Astronomy and Space Society and involve Tanzanian students in NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration.
Observer
17-03-2025
- Observer
Sharjah Museum's Islamic art masterpieces exhibit opens
MUSCAT: The National Museum, in partnership with the Sharjah Museums Authority, launched the 'Masterpieces of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation' exhibition. Held under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum, and in the presence of Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore 82 masterpieces of Islamic art, some displayed outside the UAE for the first time. Among the unique pieces featured are the first Quran printed with lithographic technology and a silver cup bearing the tughra of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, highlighting the lasting influence of Islamic art across the ages. Jamal bin Hassan al Mousawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, noted that this exhibition marks an extension of the ongoing cultural collaboration between Oman and the UAE. 'This exhibition represents a new chapter following the success of the 'Omani Civilisation: Origins and Development' exhibition in Sharjah in 2023,' Al Moosawi said. He added, 'It showcases the scientific and artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, which continues to inspire creativity and innovation today.' The exhibition is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a deep dive into the arts and innovations that flourished during Islamic civilisation: Arts of Calligraphy: Featuring rare Islamic manuscripts, Quranic pages and historic items such as curtains from the Prophet's Mosque and Kiswa (Kaaba covering), this section highlights the development of Arabic calligraphy and its role in religious and artistic expression. Additionally, it includes Islamic coins from the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, showcasing the art of calligraphic engraving on currency. Sharjah Museum's Islamic art masterpieces exhibit opens Science and Innovation: This section honours the groundbreaking contributions of Muslim scholars in fields such as astronomy, medicine and engineering, displaying artefacts like astrolabes, celestial globes and medical manuscripts. Visitors can also view tools used by Muslim physicians in the Middle Ages, reflecting the contributions of Islamic science to global knowledge. Harmony and Diversity: Focusing on the aesthetic diversity of Islamic art, this section highlights geometric, floral and pictorial motifs that emerged between the 2nd and 14th centuries AH/28th century AD. These artworks reflect the cultural exchanges and trade influences that shaped Islamic civilisation over centuries. Aisha Rashid Ali Bin Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed pride in this collaboration, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between Oman and the UAE. 'This exhibition is a testament to the shared Islamic heritage that unites our peoples and fosters greater understanding through art,' she said. The exhibition also offers an interactive experience for visitors, with digital demonstrations and interpretive panels that provide insight into the historical and cultural context of each piece. Additionally, guided programmes and workshops will help visitors engage more deeply with the rich history of Islamic art. Running until May 3, the 'Masterpieces of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation' exhibition is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistic and scientific achievements of Islamic civilisation, highlighting the importance of cultural cooperation between museums in preserving this invaluable heritage for future generations.
Observer
17-03-2025
- Observer
National Museum showcases unique Islamic artworks in Sharjah
Muscat: The National Museum opened an Islamic arts exhibition at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, on Monday. The exhibition showcases 82 unique artworks representing the development of Islamic art and the contributions of Muslim scholars throughout the ages. The exhibition, which will run until May 3, displays rare artifacts including a handwritten copy of the holy Qur'an dating back to 1074 AH and the first Mongolian dirham minted in Baghdad after the Mongol occupation. The exhibition includes three main sections: Calligraphy, Science and Innovation, and Cultural Diversity and Harmony. It also highlights the importance of Islamic arts in the scientific and artistic fields across history and embodies the deep ties between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman within the framework of cultural cooperation. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore a rich cultural heritage and reflects the ability of Islamic civilization to influence various fields. The text is translated by Khalid Al Kush and written by Amer Al Ansari
