Latest news with #SharjahMuseumofIslamicCivilisation
Gulf Today
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed attends opening of Oman exhibition
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of the emirate of Sharjah, attended the inauguration of the 'Masterpieces from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation' exhibition at the National Museum of Oman on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until May this year, serves as a cultural platform highlighting the deep historical ties and close collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman in preserving heritage and promoting Islamic culture. The inauguration began with a speech by Jamal Al Mousawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, in which he welcomed Sheikh Sultan and the attendees to the opening of the exhibition which aims to showcase the beauty and evolution of Islamic art and is the result of collaboration between the National Museum of Oman and the Sharjah Museums Authority. In his speech Al Mousawi explained the exhibition is divided into three sections: Calligraphic Arts, Science and Innovations, and Harmony and Diversity. These sections showcase a selection of artifacts that highlight the richness, diversity, and deep cultural heritage of Islamic art throughout history. He noted that the National Museum of Oman is committed to showcasing and educating visitors about this artistic legacy. Additionally, he emphasised that the exhibition aligns with the museum's approach to cultural diplomacy, reinforcing its role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation. Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, delivered a speech in which she expressed her delight at the opening of the exhibition in a prestigious cultural institution. She emphasised that this event reflects the strong fraternal ties and deep historical relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman, fostered by the wise leadership of both nations. She highlighted that the visit of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to Oman was a key motivation for organising this exhibition. It aligns with his vision of using culture and the arts as a bridge to strengthen bonds between brothers, reinforcing values of cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries. These ties are deeply rooted in history and extend across various fields, shaping shared cultural, historical, and social connections over the years. 'This exhibition is not merely a platform for displaying a collection of rare Islamic artworks; it is a window through which we can reflect on the rich historical legacy we share. It embodies the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity that have distinguished Islamic civilisation throughout the ages,' she said, adding: 'We are honoured to present a remarkable selection of rare artefacts, being exhibited for the first time outside the United Arab Emirates. These pieces stand as a testament to our shared heritage and the profound historical ties that unite our people.' She extended her gratitude to the team at the National Museum of Oman and all those involved in organising this distinguished cultural event, which provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate the timeless beauty of Islamic civilisation. Following the speeches, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah officially inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ceremonial ribbon. He then toured the exhibition, receiving a detailed explanation of the artefacts and their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. The exhibition features 82 rare pieces, being displayed for the first time outside the UAE including Islamic manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and historical coins that illustrate the evolution and richness of Islamic artistic heritage across successive civilisations. During his tour, he viewed several exceptional artefacts of great historical and cultural value that exemplify the artistic diversity and innovation that characterised Islamic civilisation over the centuries. These included a silver cup bearing the Tughra (imperial signature) of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, a hexagonal dinner chair crafted for Al Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun, the first Islamic dirham minted in Baghdad after the Mongol invasion, an 11th or 12th-century incense burner in the shape of a cat, and a gilded ceramic ewer from the 13th century.
Muscat Daily
17-03-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
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.
The National
23-02-2025
- Science
- The National
Queens, warriors and thinkers – painting honours Islamic history's greatest women
The painting Islamic Scientists was one of the last that Syrian artist Mahmoud Hammad produced before his death in 1988. It is also perhaps his most ambitious. The work tackles a vast timeline, condensing centuries of Islamic history into a 120cm x 180cm canvas. Yet, the painting has a marked blind spot. The canvas is populated entirely by men – with no reference to the achievements of the female thinkers and intellectuals of the Islamic Golden Age. A new companion piece, A Wonderful World, by Iraqi artist Afifa Aleiby aims to address this oversight. Commissioned by the Barjeel Art Foundation, it will be officially unveiled during a ceremony at Sharjah's House of Wisdom on Sunday. A Wonderful World will be displayed beside Hammad's Islamic Scientists, which is also part of the foundation's collection and has been displayed at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation since 2014. Hammad's Islamic Scientists brings together 16 influential thinkers and scientists from the Islamic Golden Age, which is generally dated between the eighth and 13th centuries. Besides its artistic virtues, the painting is a formidable reference point for those wishing to learn more about the intellectual achievements of the medieval Islamic world. Ibn Rushd is in the centre of the canvas with a copy of his book The Incoherence of the Incoherence in hand. The Andalusian polymath is huddled beside Al Farabi and Ibn Sina, the latter who holds his influential work, The Book of Healing. Jabir, meanwhile, holds his The Secrets of Chemistry as he watches the group from afar, alongside the Persian polymath Razi. There is also, of course, Ibn Khaldun with his book Muqaddimah. Al Kindi, famously regarded as the Philosopher of the Arabs, holds a scroll as he looks towards the distance. Al Biruni beside him holds an astrolabe. In the upper left corner, meanwhile, Abbas Ibn Firnas takes to the sky with wings strapped to his shoulders. Besides being a poet, physician and inventor, the Berber-Andalusian polymath is regarded as the first person to have attempted flight. The painting also has other clues about the achievements of the time. A horoscope wheel touches on the astrological studies by medieval Arab scholars. In the upper right corner, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, built in the early eighth century, reflects on architectural contributions. Suheyla Takesh, director of the Barjeel Art Foundation, says Islamic Scientists was evidently an ambitious undertaking by Hammad. 'There was quite a detailed and meticulous study period that led up to this large-scale piece,' she tells The National. Yet, Islamic Scientists represents only a part of the achievements of thinkers during the Islamic Golden Age, and the foundation wanted to highlight the prominent female thinkers of the time, launching an open call in 2023. 'The open call laid the framework for the painting,' Takesh says. 'It had to be the same size, and it had to have 16 figures. It was up to the artists to find who they would like to represent, research them and then come up with a piece.' The initiative was part of the foundation's ongoing efforts to expand its collection of works by women artists from the region. 'We also started reflecting on the fact that the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation receives a lot of school groups who come and look at Islamic Scientists,' Takesh says. 'Young women come and look at this painting, and we really wanted them to have a more comprehensive picture of our collective history. To have role models that were not only men but also learned women." Though the open call yielded several 'wonderful proposals', Takesh says: 'None fully aligned with our vision for the project at that time.' Finally, in March last year, the foundation reached out to Aleiby. 'We already had a few of her works in the collection,' Takesh says. 'She has an incredible technique and very unique painting style. She is an established artist and has already achieved maturity in her approach and style. She seemed like the perfect fit for this project.' However, Aleiby was initially hesitant to accept the proposal. 'I initially saw the open call on social media,' she tells The National. 'I thought it was a great idea and I hoped it would materialise, but I didn't see myself taking on the project. I don't usually take on commissions.' However, Aleiby couldn't ignore the gravity and necessity of a companion piece to Islamic Scientists and she, too, wanted to highlight the efforts of female intellectuals and figures in the medieval Islamic world. 'It was not an easy decision,' she says. 'The subject matter was difficult. Its proper execution was difficult.' Yet, within a few months after taking on the project, and after strenuous research aided by the foundation, Aleiby completed A Wonderful World. The sprawling painting, much like the work that inspired it, brings together a group who come from various parts of the world and with disparate intellectual interests and contributions. In the upper left portion of the canvas is Fatima Al Fihriya, the ninth-century Arab figure renowned for establishing Al Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fes, Morocco. The mosque eventually became a university, which has been regarded by Unesco as the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution. Al Fihriya's sister, Mariam, is depicted beside her. She is celebrated for founding Al Andalus Mosque, which was a centre of education and learning. Queen Amina is also portrayed in the painting. The Hausa warrior queen sits almost at the centre of the canvas, a shield is propped up beside her. Ruler of the city-state Zazzau in modern-day Nigeria, Queen Amina was renowned for her military campaigns and for fortifying her cities with lofty walls, many of which survive today. Facing Queen Amina is Dayfa Khatun, a former princess of Aleppo. The Ayyubid royalty was the regent of Aleppo from 1236 to 1242. She is famous for having protected Aleppo's autonomy during a period of marked political and regional turmoil. She was also a patron of architecture, having commissioned several notable structures, including Al Firdaws Madrasa and the Khanqah Al Farafra. Zubaydah bint Jaʼfar Al Mansur has a starring role on the canvas, standing in the centre of the throng with her palms upwards. On her left, a mosque looms, symbolising Baghdad, whereas the Kaaba is depicted on her right palm. The Abbasid princess, who was the wife of Caliph Harun Al Rashid, was celebrated for her philanthropy as well as her intellectual pursuits. Among her most famous acts was commissioning a series of wells, reservoirs and pools along the pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Makkah and Madinah to provide water for pilgrims. Razia Sultana, meanwhile, is depicted in the upper left portion of the painting. She was the first and only female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate in India, having ascended to the throne following her father's death in 1236. The sultana's rule was marked by significant improvements to Delhi's infrastructure. She was also known for her efforts in promoting trade and education. Two figures in the painting even precede the Islamic Golden Age and lived in the time of the Prophet Mohammed. These include Rufaida Al Aslamia, the first female Muslim nurse and surgeon, and Al Shifaʼa bint Abdullah, who was a distinguished companion of the Prophet Mohammed and whose medical expertise earned her the title of "The Healer". While viewing the painting, it is clear the 16 figures hail from different parts of the world and different eras. Aleiby says she wanted to represent these nuances through their clothing. Andalusian figures, such as Lubna of Cordoba and Fatima de Madrid, are dressed in garbs that are European. Khatun's headdress and vest, meanwhile, bring to mind medieval Syrian styles and are notably distinct from Razia Sultana's. However, there were notable gaps in the research, meaning Aleiby had to take some liberties with her depictions, she says. Her figures of Rufaida Al Aslamia and Al Shifaʼa bint Abdullah, for instance, are based on documentaries she watched. A Wonderful World, Aleiby says, stands out from the rest of her oeuvre. It is not an expressive work, she says, but one that aims to document and communicate history. 'I want to show how these women played a role in our lives and in the creation and development of our culture,' she says. 'That they were not just staying at home, but that they were building infrastructure, going to wars and writing poetry.' A Wonderful World will be displayed at the House of Wisdom alongside Islamic Scientists until the end of Ramadan. The two will then hang next to one another at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. "We would very much love for the pair to remain together," Takesh says.
Sharjah 24
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
APC explores Sharjah's cultural heritage
Cultivating cultural awareness The visits reflected the parliament's vision to cultivate awareness and deepen members' understanding of the area's history and cultural legacy. They also showcased Sharjah's efforts, as the host city, to introduce new generations to the importance of culture and knowledge in building a bright future, inspired by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in establishing the emirate as a centre for culture, knowledge, and civilisational dialogue . Discovering ancient history The members began their tour yesterday morning at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, where they explored the region's ancient history through exhibits highlighting archaeological discoveries dating back thousands of years. They examined ancient life tools, from pottery to jewellery and weapons, which narrate the stories of civilisations that once thrived in the Emirates. The museum provided a rich experience connecting past and present, emphasising Sharjah's role in preserving historical heritage for future generations . Exploring Islamic civilisation Next, the group visited the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation, where they discovered Islamic treasures embodying contributions to various fields of science, art, and culture. They marvelled at the celestial dome showcasing Muslim astronomers' achievements and viewed rare collections of manuscripts, coins, and scientific instruments reflecting Islamic civilisation's ingenuity through the ages. This visit offered members an opportunity to understand the rich Islamic heritage and its role in shaping human culture . Engaging with contemporary art The tour concluded at Sharjah Art Foundation's Al Mureijah Square, where members explored contemporary art exhibitions featuring diverse works by artists from around the world. They learned about the foundation's role in supporting visual arts and promoting cultural and artistic exchange, opening new horizons for understanding art as a universal language of dialogue and self-expression. This visit provided an opportunity for members to interact with artworks and appreciate the cultural and creative values that enrich societies .
