November 30, Manama (BNA): The International Day of Islamic Art was celebrated for a month by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). Cultural and historical locations throughout the Kingdom came to life with an extensive schedule of events throughout November, turning these areas into lively venues that highlighted the richness, beauty, and continuing legacy of Islamic art.
BACA concludes International Day of Islamic Art celebrations
Lectures, panel discussions, and interactive workshops were all part of the program, which was designed to show how Islamic arts have shaped human civilization over the ages.
The International Day of Islamic Art is a worldwide event that honors the variety of this enduring cultural legacy, which includes calligraphy, architecture, decoration, and traditional handicraft. After Bahrain made a petition through BACA in 2019, UNESCO approved the name of this day, reaffirming Bahrain’s pivotal role in advancing Islamic culture globally.
The Authority made sure that this year’s program represented the increased status of Islamic art as a universal expression of beauty and peace, a vehicle for cultural discourse, and a link between ancient civilizations and modern society in keeping with its cultural mandate. In keeping with this goal, BACA gave special attention to involving all facets of the community, especially children and young people, who are recognized for their critical role in maintaining cultural identity and strengthening ties to their history. The month’s interactive events enhanced artistic appreciation, reinforced cultural values, and contributed to a greater public awareness of Islamic art.
In addition to over ten educational and interactive activities, workshops, and discussion sessions held throughout the month, both morning and evening, this year’s celebrations included a number of cultural lectures in partnership with the University of Bahrain, offering opportunities for widespread participation.
The programs gave spectators a fascinating opportunity to learn about the depth and diversity of Islamic artistic traditions by examining a variety of fields, including astronomical arts, Arabic calligraphy, Islamic architecture, and geometric decoration.
The involvement of famous Chinese calligrapher Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang, in association with the People’s Republic of China Embassy in Bahrain, was one of the program’s highlights. The Art Center hosted his show, Expressions of Arabic Calligraphy, which honored the Arabic script’s ageless beauty and expressive potential. Haji Noor Deen introduced younger generations to the creative and spiritual aspects of calligraphy by holding a number of specialized workshops in addition to the exhibition, including sessions specifically designed for schoolchildren.
Understanding the importance of cooperation, BACA enhanced community ties by collaborating with a number of private organizations and civil society groups, such as Bahrain Stargazers, Creative Horizons, and Sketch Walks. These collaborations demonstrated the shared endeavor to enhance Bahrain’s cultural environment and guarantee the long-term viability of artistic endeavors. More than 500 people of all ages participated in the program, including young people, students from public and private schools, and students from the University of Bahrain’s College of Arts. Their excitement brought life to the festivities and highlighted the ongoing significance of Islamic art in modern culture.
With this, BACA wraps up a month full of cultural events, emphasizing the importance of Islamic art as a limitless creative space and a crucial link that fortifies Bahrain’s cultural identity while promoting intercultural communication.
