Friday, July 24, 2009

Another rich cultural exhibition from ADACH




Islam: Faith and Worship’ inaugurated in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Sultan says UAE’s civil achievements over past decades placed it among ranks of modern developed countries.
ABU DHABI - Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) inaugurated Wednesday The "Islam: Faith and Worship" exhibition at Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
161 rare Islamic artifacts including the sword of Muawiyah, the Umayyad Caliphate; an embroidered Kaaba curtain that has not been moved in centuries and a replica of the Prophet Mohammed's footprint are being put on display at the "Islam: Faith and Worship" exhibition for the first time in Abu Dhabi and the first time outside Turkey. Most of the pieces are from the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Turkish and Islamic Arts museum, both in Istanbul.
The pieces were chosen through a committee of curators and followed not only the story of Prophet Mohammed but of many aspects of faith and worship in Islam." "Islam: Faith and Worship" has been organized following an agreement signed between Turkey and Abu Dhabi last July to promote the sharing of cultural resources, particularly those concerning Islamic heritage.
Turkish State Minister Selma Aliye Kavaf, the Turkish Ambassador to the UAE Hakki Akil, Director General Directorate General for Cultural Heritage and Museums Ministry of Culture and Tourism Dr Orhan Duzgun, Director General of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), other senior Turkish officials and a host of diplomats and Islamic art enthusiasts.
The exhibition is an unprecedented approach to displaying the objects, presenting them as part of a storyline that encompassed many aspects of faith.
In a speech at the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Sultan said the UAE has made comprehensive civil achievements over the past decades, placing the country among the ranks of modern developed countries, thanks to the wisdom and patience of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God bless his soul.
"As part of implementing the plan of our wise leadership and its sound vision, in setting a course and a strategy for comprehensive development in the country, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage today plays an essential role in building a comprehensive intellectual cultural awareness, opening up prospects for innovation, and working to promote cultural dialogue. This is in parallel to the implementation of a strategy for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, linked to the culture of our forefathers, their values, morals, faith and Arab identity," he added.

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