SHARJAH — An exhibition of photographs — titled 'Mosques Around the World' — was inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at Qanat Al Qasba on Sunday.
Jamal Salem Al Teraifi, Director-General of Awqaf General Trust, and Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority, VIPs, officials and media representatives were present.
Organised as part of the Islamic Art Festival by the Awqaf General Trust in association with the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah at the Maraya Al Qanat — Gallery Hall, the exhibition displays over 150 photographs of mosques from 48 countries. Visitors can have a good look at a wide variety of mosque structures and styles.
Marwan Al Sarkal said: “The exhibition is unique as it is the first of its kind in the UAE. It displays photographs of renowned and old mosques around the world. Under each photo, the name of the mosque, its location and year of construction are given.”
Amal Al Quseimi from the Awqaf General Trust, said: “We are expecting exhibition officials from local departments, ambassadors and consuls of the countries of the mosques displayed here to visit the event. The exhibition falls under the umbrella of the Islamic Arts Festival and is sponsored by the Islamic Bank of Sharjah.”
The photographs include mosques from different cultures such as Russia, Pakistan, India, Sweden, far east countries, GCC countries and Turkey. They open a window to the history and culture of these countries as well as some amazing architectural designs. They also highlight the spread of Islam across the world.
The exhibition will continue till the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan also visited the exhibition of Iraqi artist Mahmood Hassan titled “Wejdaniat” featuring 35 artworks made of ceramic. Hassan’s calligraphy and various artworks that have a strong Islamic influence have been hailed as one of the most exquisites in modern Arabic art.