DOHA - The Islamic Art Exhibition at Fanar has been attracting a good number of visitors with rare Arabic calligraphies, old manuscripts of the Holy Quran and photographs of famous Islamic monuments.
The exhibition, which will run until January 23 was set up as part the official opening of Fanar (Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre) last week.
Three well-known calligraphists are available on hand, displaying their skills and offering their work to the public.
A major attraction of the exhibition is the valuable collection of Arabic calligraphies, engraving verses from the Holy Quran as well as other texts of religious importance.
"We have bought all these calligraphies from Ircica (Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture) in Istanbul, Turkey," Abdul Salam Al Basyouni, a senior official of Fanar told The Peninsula yesterday.
The works are by well-known calligraphists from Turkey. They are also offered for sale at prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
Pointing to a rare piece, illustrating the names and attributes of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) Al Basyouni said: "This particular piece is worth $50,000 and we are keeping it as our own property. This is the joint work of a brother and sister from Istanbul. The calligraphy was done by Mohammed Ozjay, while the intricate ornamentation was done by his sister Fatima Ozjay."
Several manuscripts of the Holy Quran dating back to 600 years are on display. A photographed copy of the Quran collected from the Top Kapi museum in Istanbul is also among the exhibits. The original manuscript is attributed to the period of the fourth Caliph Usman bin Affan.
A manuscript of the Quran, that won the first prize in an international contest conducted in Qatar is also on display. It will soon be printed and circulated for the use of the public as a special project of Qatar, said Al Basyouni.
Other attractions include photographs of famous Islamic architectural marvels in Istanbul and authentic brass lanterns going back to the era of the Mamouk sultanate in Egypt, and unique art work made on ceramic.
Haji Noor Deen from China is exhibiting his innovative Arabic calligraphies, with a Chinese touch. Two popular calligraphers from Turkey, Fuad Bashar and Mumtaz Durdo have also been attracting visitors with their skill and mastery on the art.
Men and women were seen yesterday curiously watching their art and getting their own names illustrated on personalized post cards offered by Fanar.
© The Peninsula 2008
