Crown Prince and Deputy of Sharjah Opens
Sharjah: 13 November 2012: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, opened the exhibition entitled "Reverence for the Noble Prophet (PbuH) in Arabic Calligraphy, at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization- the first venue in the Gulf Region.
Accompanied by a number of Sheikhs, senior officials, artists and media representatives, Sheikh Sultan toured the exhibition and viewed the paintings after they listened to a presentation on noble Hilye, one of Arabic calligraphy styles.
The unique exhibition, which features 64 magnificent, classical and contemporary Hilye paintings drawn from the private collection of Mr Mehmet Çebi, Istanbul, was opened on Monday, 12 November 2012, and will continue until 10 January 2013.
The Hilye-i-Şerife (Noble Hilye), first originated as a genre of classical Ottoman calligraphy in 11th/17th century Istanbul. Devised by the great master calligrapher Hafiz Osman (1052-1110 H/1642-1698AD) the Hilye presents Hadith recounting the noble physical and spiritual attributes of the Prophet Muhammad (PbuH) according to a unique calligraphic layout, often embellished with rich illumination. Its popularity over centuries was closely linked with the deep loyalty and affection Muslims all over the world feel for the Messenger of God (PBUH).
Ranging from faithful celebrations of the original Ottoman style to innovative free-style compositions, the calligraphies by Turkish, Arab and Iranian artists are unique and exquisite masterpieces of beauty and spirituality that are characterized by a specific calligraphic layout, often embellished with rich illumination.
The Hilye's popularity has always combined aesthetic appeal with spiritual meaning, in that - over the centuries - it has always been closely linked with the deep loyalty and affection Muslims all over the world feel for the Messenger of God (PBUH).
Speaking on the occasion of the exhibition launch, Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department (SMD), said, "I am very happy to welcome you here today for the opening of 'Reverence for the Noble Prophet (PbuH) in Arabic Calligraphy', presented under the generous patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It is our particular pleasure to host this exhibition, at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic civilization as, it's very first venue in the Arab Gulf. The exhibition, which features classical and contemporary interpretations of the Hilye - a calligraphic style dedicated to the memory of the Prophet Muhammad (PbuH) - has been conceived as a collaborative project between the Museum and Mr Mehmet Cebi, who is not only an outstanding and much honoured collector of this particular calligraphic genre, but also supports and promotes calligraphic artists, who have turned their attention to reviving it.
We are very grateful to Mr Mehmet Cebi for his generous support and his willingness to share some of the most outstanding pieces of his collection with us here in Sharjah.
This exhibition has a particular, outstanding quality to it in that it combines magnificent artistic and aesthetic achievement with great spiritual devotion to our faith and its Messenger (PbuH), and it reminds us where our focus should always lie regardless of the challenges we face in our daily lives.
There can be no limits to the depth, width, or ways in which we demonstrate our love for Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), nor can this love be restricted to any particular form of expression. Through this exhibition we wish to portray our immense love for our Prophet and attempt to successfully encapsulate our great admiration for him.
Hosting this unique exhibition by the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization - in union with the country's celebrations of the 41st anniversary of its National Day - emphasises the UAE's policy to glorify the true Islam as well as its commitment to the Emirates' artistic heritage and love for humanity.
Finally, I would like to profoundly thank HE Bekir Bozdag, the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, HE The Ambassador of Turkey, HE Ms. Elif Ulgen, the Consul General of Turkey, and of course in particular Mr Mehmet Çebi, for honouring us with their presence and supporting this cooperation, which no doubt will be a great success.. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all those who spared no effort in organizing this exhibition, and wish everyone continued success and our country greater progress and prosperity.
The owner of the collection, Mr Mehmet Çebi, praised SMD's efforts and its leading and visionary role in promoting art and in helping to projecting a positive and inspiring image of Arab-Islamic civilization.
About Sharjah Museums Department:
The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) was established in 2006 by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. SMD manages more than 16 sites in the Emirate, covering most types of art, Islamic culture, archaeology, heritage, sciences, aquaculture and the history of the emirate of Sharjah and the region.
SMD aims to provide the highest standards of museum services through its museums, galleries, educational and research programmes, social communication programmes for Sharjah 's residents and visitors from the region. The vision of the department is to improve understanding, appreciation and respect for Sharjah's identity and the value of its cultural and natural heritage locally and internationally.
For more information please visit the website: www.sharjahmuseums.ae
For more information, please contact:
Aliaa Al Ori
SAHARA Communications
Tel: +971 4 3298996
Mob; 00971 558472270
Email: aliaa@saharagcc.com
Web Site: www.saharagcc.com
Budour Al Muhairi
Public Relations Coordinator
Sharjah Museums Department
Tel: 971 + 6 5197234
Email: balmuhairi@sharjahmuseums.ae
Website: www.sharjahmuseums.ae
© Press Release 2012
