Berlin’s Martin-Gropius Building is displaying masterpieces of Islamic art, including rare copies of the Holy Qur’an.
The Berlin exhibition shows some of the most important works of art from the Muslim world, including pages from ‘Shahnameh’ (Grand Book), a magnum opus by renowned Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi. They are among the most remarkable in the world.
The exhibition also includes the oldest known Arabic manuscript of the ‘Canon of Medicine’ by Avicenna (980-1037), the Iranian physician and most influential Muslim philosopher-scientist, Mehr News Agency reported.
Also on show is a double page of the ‘Blue Qur’an’ from 9th century. The blue parchment sheets are inscribed with gold letters in Kufic script and are among the most valuable and elaborate Qur’anic manuscripts in the world.
Running from March to June, the exhibition is arranged under two main sections. First, ‘The Word of God’ consists of Qur’anic manuscripts, illustrated sheets and artifacts that deal with pilgrimage to Mecca or Islamic mysticism which have inspired many artists and architects. Second, ‘The Route of the Travelers’ takes visitors on a journey through the Muslim world.
The artworks on display, namely the paintings, drawings, book illustrations, manuscripts, inscriptions, metalwork, ceramics and wood carvings, reveal the extraordinary variety and overwhelming richness of Islamic culture.
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