QU hosting exhibition of Islamic manuscripts

Held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage HE Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, the exhibition is an initiative of the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs and Dr Luit Mols, the curator of the collection at the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, The Netherlands.

The exhibition, which will run until December 17, marks the 400th anniversary of Arabic studies at Leiden University. The collection bears witness to the rich historical bonds between the Arab and Islamic world and The Netherlands. It aims to give the audience in Qatar, especially youth, the opportunity to explore historically significant Islamic manuscripts and other works.

At the ceremony, QU president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad joined the Netherlands ambassador Yvette Burghgraef-van Eechoud and Minister al-Kuwari and launched the exhibition in front of an audience comprising members of QU leadership and officials from the diplomatic and government sectors. The programme included a special lecture and guided tour by Dr Mols.

Minister al-Kuwari stated that cultural heritage is one of the basic pillars of Qatar’s development, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. He described the exhibition as a celebration of a strong relationship between Qatar, the Arab Islamic world and The Netherlands.

“It is an opportunity to promote goodwill and friendship among us, and to present to our young people the beauty and importance of their cultural heritage. I thank Qatar University and the Netherlands embassy for organising this event which enhances the links between Islamic and western cultures.”

Prof al-Misnad said QU is pleased to partner with the Netherlands embassy in organising this educational and cultural event which will contribute to enriching dialogue between western and Islamic cultures.

“This exhibition will serve to deepen the knowledge of the community about its rich Islamic heritage, and as such is very much in line with QU’s commitment to promoting its strong Arabic identity. I hope students will come in their numbers with their families and friends to be part of this historical and cultural event and share this opportunity to enhance their Islamic values and deepen their understanding of their heritage.”

Ambassador Burghgraef-van Eechoud observed that the exhibition is the result of the excellent co-operation with Qatar University and the Minister of Culture.

“This is another milestone in the bilateral co-operation in the cultural and academic fields between Qatar and The Netherlands. Academic co-operation is not only important for science. It is also a valuable bridge between civilisations and people.”

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi said: “The impact of the Leiden collections is profound by all means and provides insight for diverse fields of study from history to linguistics, law to geography.

“As the College of Arts and Sciences is home to related undergraduate and graduate programmes in history, Arabic, and Gulf studies, it is an honour for us to witness the temporary return of these featured reproductions to the cultural context from which they originated.”

Visitors to the exhibition will view 41 reproductions focused on five themes - Qur’an calligraphy, depictions of Makkah and Medina, scientific works, and illustrated works of prose and poetry. The fifth theme shows the exchange of decorative motifs between different fields of art and the interconnectivity of designs between the art of the book, the minor arts and architecture.

The exhibition will run until December 17 for the public. It will be re-located to CAS Women’s Building where it will run from December 21 to January 1 for the benefit of QU female students and female members of the public.