Presented under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court), the Andalusia: History and Civilisation exhibition offers a profound exploration into the rich heritage of Andalusia. It is part of an eponymous initiative which was launched by the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) and the National Library and Archives in collaboration with the Kingdom of Spain. The show is on view at SZGMC and will remain open until the 31st of May, 2024.
Displaying rare art pieces, scientific publications, and invaluable artefacts, the exhibit provides an immersive journey through the evolution of science, literature, and culture within the Arab civilisation in Andalusia. It spotlights the various societies that coexisted in Andalusia and their remarkable contributions across different fields.
The exhibition comprises seven sections. It begins with The Founding of a Great Kingdom, paying homage to the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a masterpiece merging Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine architectural influences. A Golden Age of Tolerance, the second section, focuses on the city of Medina Azahara which embodied the pinnacle of tolerance and intercultural exchange.
Knowledge and Enlightenment, the third section, delves into the life and legacy of physician, surgeon, and chemist Abu Al-Qasim Al-Zahrawi, a trailblazer in modern surgery and the inventor of revolutionary surgical instruments. This section is followed by Eloquence and Expression, where the poetry majlis of Ibn Zaydun, a famous poet whose verse left an indelible mark on Andalusia’s cultural landscape, takes centre stage. Meanwhile, Across Continents, the fifth section, narrates the remarkable achievements of Al-Idrisi, a distinguished cartographer and one of the foremost Arab geographers whose work influenced the current world map.
The sixth part, Connecting Cultures, is dedicated to the works of Andalusian philosopher Ibn Rushd, highlighting his role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue. The final section, The Last Kingdom of Al Andalus, showcases the beauty of the Alhambra Gardens, celebrating the grandeur of Al Andalus.
To get more information about The Andalusia: History and Civilisation initiative, please visit its official web page.
Additionally, you might be interested in attending Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran, an exhibition at MIA.
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