Berlin displaying masterpieces of Islamic art
Tehran
Times: Berlin’s Martin-Gropius Building is playing host to an exhibition
displaying masterpieces of Islamic art including rare copies of the Holy Quran.
The
Berlin exhibition shows some of the most important works of art from the
Islamic world, including pages from the Persian heroic epic “Shahnameh”. The
miniatures are among the most remarkable in the world.
The
exhibition also includes the oldest known Arabic manuscript of the “Canon of
Medicine” by Avicenna (980-1037), the Iranian physician and the most famous and
influential of the philosopher-scientists of Islam.
Also
included in the exhibit is a double page of the “Blue Quran” from the 9th
century. The blue parchment sheets are inscribed with gold letters in the Kufic
script and are among the most valuable and elaborate Quran manuscripts in the
world.
Running
from March to June and featuring selections from the Aga Khan’s invaluable
collection, the exhibition is arranged under two main headings. “The Word of
God” section concerns Quran manuscripts, illustrated sheets and artifacts that
deal with the pilgrimage to Mecca or Islamic mysticism and have served many
artists and architects as a source of inspiration. “The Route of the Travelers”
section takes the visitor on a journey through the Islamic world.
In
general, the artworks on display; the paintings, drawings, book illustrations,
manuscripts, inscriptions, metalwork vessels, ceramics, and wood carvings,
offer a view into the extraordinary variety and overwhelming richness of the
Islamic culture.
Source:
IBNA News Agency