Latest news with #Daral-Atharal-Islamiyyah
Kuwait Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
'Mini Library' launched in Kuwait
Library, first of its kind, encourages exchange of ideas, knowledg KUWAIT: A mini free library—an idea widely embraced abroad but still novel in Kuwait—was recently introduced for the first time along the Gulf Road at Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI), located within the Amricani Cultural Centre. As a cultural organization built around the private collection of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (1948–2020), DAI was a natural and fitting choice to launch such an initiative—one that aligns with its mission to foster intellectual and cultural engagement in Kuwait. Open to the public, the library allows everyone to take or leave a book for free, encouraging the exchange of ideas and knowledge among people. The only gentle guideline: books should be family friendly. Though still in its experimental phase, the project is built on goodwill and a shared respect for books. It reflects the spirit of the popular Arabic proverb, 'The reader does not steal, and the thief does not read.' 'A reader already carries certain morals within them,' said Worood Alshatti, the founder of the initiative. The little free library stocked with donated books. 'A thief, on the other hand, isn't interested in books—he'd rather steal something of profit, not something that benefits others.' When the idea first struck Alshatti, who works as a translator at DAI, she found support from her colleagues who helped bring the project to life. From the engineer at the museum who crafted the wooden box that holds the books to the organization's staff who donated their old books, everyone believed in the potential impact of the project. Since its launch a few weeks ago, the mini library has sparked curiosity and consistent engagement. 'Every few days, I notice books being taken and new ones added,' Alshatti noted. If successful, Alshatti hopes the concept will expand across Kuwait. 'I'd love to see these libraries everywhere,' she said. 'It's a beautiful way to gently encourage people to read.' With the support of her team, she envisions placing more mini libraries in locations such as Al Shaheed Park, with its peaceful ambiance, and Souq Al Mubarakiya, with its cultural and historical depth. 'But for now,' she added, 'we're treating this as a learning process—trial and error to understand what works best.' Alshatti views books as essential companions in a distracted world. 'It's much better to have books in our lives than be consumed by social media and all that,' she said. An internationally recognized cultural institution, DAI engages the public through a diverse array of activities including an annual cultural season of lectures, concerts, children's programs, exhibitions, and academic research. While renovations at its Qibla Cultural District home continue, DAI currently operates out of the Amricani Cultural Centre and the Yarmouk Cultural Centre.
CairoScene
08-03-2025
- CairoScene
Five Islamic Museums in MENA to Visit During the Holy Month
During Ramadan, these institutions take on an even deeper significance, offering a chance to reflect and marvel at the history of Islam. From the intricate tile work of Istanbul to the rare Quranic manuscripts in Cairo, the MENA region is home to some of the world's most significant Islamic art collections, housed in stunning museums across its cities. During Ramadan, these institutions take on an even deeper significance, offering a chance to reflect on the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Islamic world. These museums not only display exceptional pieces of art but also provide profound insight into the rich traditions and history that have shaped the faith. Whether you're marveling at the architectural wonders of Doha's Museum of Islamic Art or uncovering the scientific achievements at Sharjah's Museum of Islamic Civilization, these five museums offer an unforgettable opportunity to experience the beauty and history of Islamic art, especially during this holy month. Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) With over 1,400 years of Islamic history, the Museum of Islamic Art in the heart of Doha showcases a stunning collection of ceramics, textiles, manuscripts, metalwork, and beautiful calligraphy from across the Islamic world. Museum of Islamic Civilization Home to over 5,000 artifacts that highlight the artistic, cultural, and scientific achievements of the Islamic world, Sharjah's Museum of Islamic Civilization features an impressive collection of Islamic coins and rare manuscripts, which reflect the diversity and richness of the Islamic world. From intricate calligraphy and ceramics to scientific instruments and textiles, the museum paints a vivid picture of Islamic heritage. Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah Dedicated to showcasing the cultural and intellectual heritage of the Islamic world, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah features a collection of rare Islamic manuscripts, Quranic texts, ceramics, textiles, and scientific instruments, offering a comprehensive look at Islamic art through the centuries. Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo In the bustling heart of Cairo, the Islamic Arts Museum offers an exceptional look into Egypt's rich Islamic history. With over 100,000 pieces, this museum takes you on a journey through the Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid periods, featuring Islamic calligraphy, pottery, textiles, and rare manuscripts. Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art Situated in the iconic Sultanahmet area, inside the beautiful Ibrahim Pasha Palace, The Museum of Islamic Art in Istanbul is a treasure trove of Turkish and Islamic heritage. With masterpieces from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, the museum is known for its incredible collection of carpets, illuminated manuscripts, and Ottoman calligraphy.
