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The Ninety-Nine

Except for one that is. There is one not-for-profit centre whose sole purpose is the exhibition of an Iranian businessman’s private collection — Mr Farhad Farjam — and it is one of the largest private collections in the region. Much like at British museums and galleries, entrance is free and the exhibition showing during Ramadan matches the time of year, focusing on Islamic art in 99 objects.

Many of our readers will know immediately why 99 is a significant number in Islam, but others may be unaware that it refers to the 99 names of Allah. The Farjam Collection draws on this significant number to showcase a selection of 99 pieces of Islamic art, featuring items as varied as a 19^th century curtain from the tomb of the Prophet, a 15^th century ivory plaque, an 11^th Century Qur’an section, and a variety of paintings from Iran and around the Middle East.

The eye-catching curtain from the tomb of the Prophet (right centre) was made using silver and silver-gilt threads. According to Emilie Faure, collection and exhibition’s manager at The Farjam Collection, the curtain was made using precious metals to ensure it would surive a long time. Taking a tour around the collection introduces the visitor to many such traditions — such as how travellers would take a morning prayer scroll on the road with them, which was designed to help protect them from trouble on the wild trails.

Inside the two-level exhibition area, visitors will also get an idea as to what would have adorned religious buildings through the centuries. Faure explains that most of the pieces would have been commissioned by the royal courts of old, but some of the pieces are copies, where expensive commissioned artworks would have been remade using lesser materials by craftsmen with lesser skills, but the items would have been cheaper for less wealthy buyers. Think cheap prints of the Mona Lisa flying off the shelves at the gift shop in the Louvre and you’re in the right ballpark.

Down in the collection’s lower level, paintings adorn the walls and unusual objects are displayed in cabinets. The paintings are chronologically arranged, starting with older Iranian art, ending up with more modern Middle Eastern paintings that were commissioned to mimic the style of 19^th century European art. These artworks seem further from Islam than other pieces that are literally used within the religion, but they all hold some level of Islamic significance.

It is this last point that makes the collection worthy of a visit during the holy month. For the large non-Muslim population of Dubai, trying to gain some added understanding for Islamic culture is not compulsory, but it is recommended. Starting at The Farjam Collection would be an accessible — and free — way to find out more about a religion that currently has over a billion people fasting. But, regardless of religion, this is a beautiful collection, well-maintained and carefully thought through with the help of Zayed University students. Cultural venues in Dubai do exist, so residents should make use of them where possible — particularly when they’re housed in the civilised environs of DIFC.

The Story of Islamic Art in 99 Objects is on at The Farjam Collection @ DIFC, Dubai, until mid-September.

See www.farjamcollection.com for more details.

charlie@khaleejtimes.com

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