Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has inaugurated the second edition of the Chapters of Islamic Art exhibition at the House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah. This year’s theme, Travelogues, highlights the invaluable contributions of Muslim travelers, geographers, and cartographers throughout history.
Running for four months, the exhibition showcases rare manuscripts, books, and maps that capture the journeys of prominent Muslim explorers. Their works, which shaped the foundations of geographical knowledge, continue to inspire scholars and historians today.
Chapters of Islamic Art: A Journey Through Time
Held at HoW’s Khawarizmi Exhibition Hall until 5th July, the exhibition features curated pieces from renowned collections, including:
- Professor Richard Ettinghausen’s esteemed archives
- Priceless artifacts from the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre
- Rare manuscripts from the Sharjah Museums Authority and Manuscripts House
- Significant works from the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Saudi Arabia
Mawra Al-Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, emphasized the importance of travelogues in preserving cultural history. She stated, “This exhibition honors legendary travelers of Arab and Islamic history, offering a priceless legacy that documents geography, trade routes, and global interactions. The manuscripts and maps on display are not just instruments of measurement; they are bridges connecting cultures and traditions.”
Chapters of Islamic Art: Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition is divided into four sections, each shedding light on key aspects of Islamic travel literature and cartography:
1. Journeys in Ink
This section explores Al-Masālik wal-Mamālik, an influential branch of Islamic geography from the Abbasid period. It features rare works such as:
- The Routes and Kingdoms by Ibn Khordadbeh, one of the earliest records of global trade routes
- Surat al-Ard by Muhammad bin Hawqal
- The Journey of Ibn Jubayr by Ibn Jubayr
- Dictionary of Countries by Yaqut al-Hamawi
- Selections from Ibn Battuta’s Journey, chronicling his 29-year exploration of the world
Additionally, the section includes a key work by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, which reassesses the role of Arab navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid in Portuguese explorations.
2. Al-Idrisi: Mapping the World
This section focuses on Al-Idrisi’s 12th-century inverted map, regarded as one of the most accurate cartographic achievements of its time. It traces the evolution of maps, from Al-Idrisi’s groundbreaking work to modern digital mapping technologies like Google Earth.
3. Navigational Instruments
A showcase of precision-engineered tools, this section highlights:
- The astrolabe
- The sextant
- The octant
- The monocular
These instruments played a crucial role in early navigation and geographical discoveries.
4. Travelogues and Modern Mapping
This final section explores the connection between historical travel records and modern mapping technologies. It highlights innovations such as aerial photography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and digital storytelling, which have transformed exploration in the 21st century.
Preserving Islamic Art and Knowledge
The Chapters of Islamic Art series was first launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It showcases a vast collection of rare books from Professor Richard Ettinghausen’s extensive archives, donated by His Highness. The collection includes over 12,000 works covering architecture, art, history, and literature, further enriching Sharjah’s cultural landscape.
The exhibition serves as a tribute to the pioneering spirit of Muslim travelers and scholars, bridging the past with the present through historical artifacts and modern innovations.
For more information, visitors can explore the exhibition at HoW until 5th July.