Doha: Unesco’s resolution proclaiming November 18 as International Day of Islamic Art means recognition and confirmation that Islamic art is a global cultural heritage that contributes to enriching cultural diversity, freedom of expression and calls for reconciliation and tolerance among people, said Dr. Omar Al Ejli, Lecturer at Community College Qatar (CCQ).
Unesco’s 40th session in 2019 ratified November 18 Int’l Day of Islamic Art. Since its ruling, several activities across countries have been held to spread Islamic art’s history and heritage to all parts of the world.
Islamic art covers the visual arts produced in the Islamic world, which covers periods, genres. Islamic art also includes architecture, calligraphy, pottery, and many more.
“Celebrating Islamic art annually is an invitation for people to know the heritage of this art and to encourage all means that contribute to the celebration of this occasion,” Dr. Omar told The Peninsula.
Dr. Omar pointed out that art is a renewed message towards cultural communication and exchange of cultures between nations and peoples and a major milestone for the nation’s civilisation, culture, and identity. He emphasised that art is a cultural title and a branch of knowledge that deserves more serious studies, analysis, and writings that reveal its essence, historical path, and its manifestations in the tremendous achievements preserved in museums.
“Islamic art is also seen as an academic subject that deserves attention. There was widespread controversy about some branches among the Muslim thinkers themselves, as well as with the orientalists and others,” he added.
On steps that can be taken to ensure global participation irrespective of religion, Dr. Omar said, “The Unesco endorsement of the day is important. However, exhibitions specialising in the heritage of Islamic art must be held, and to benefit from relevant international cultural events, and calling for seminars and lectures for elites of specialists to let people know about this art.”
He noted several awareness programmes can be carried out now through social media in different languages documenting its heritage throughout time.
Dr. Omar said Islamic arts should be listed within tourism programmes and events targeting the various groups in society and distributing booklets that define the various Islamic arts. He also called on universities to encourage postgraduate students to choose “The Heritage of Islamic Art” as the subject of their theses and researches.
