Art of Islamic Miniatures in Focus in New Beit Al Quran Calendar
Shahnameh, an epic poem, and the art of Islamic miniatures is the focus of the calendar, with illustrations from a rare manuscript from the collection of Dr Abdullatif Jassim Kanoo.
Proceeds from the sale of the calendar, which costs BD3, will go towards running the centre's activities and services, which include acquiring artwork for exhibitions, giving lectures and publishing its work.
The centre's services are free of charge and open to the public, regardless of their religion or nationality.
The themes are always based around the celebration of Islamic culture and art, as well as subjects relating to Bahrain.
"This year's calendar has been specifically designed and edited by Dr Kanoo," said Beit Al Quran director Samar Al Gailani.
"Islamic miniatures are a celebrated art form that was first created by Muslims in Baghdad, and developed in Mosul in the 10th century.
"That started a trend across the Islamic world, and established famous schools in Iran, Turkey and India.
"This continued into the 19th century.
"The illustrations that accompany the Shahnameh, written by the Iranian poet Ferdowsi, are the zenith of the art form."
The high-quality calendar is the centre's main source of fundraising for the year.
"Institutions, organizations and individuals can also personalize the calendar to their specifications," said Mr Al Gailani.
"Companies can place a special order to have their logos printed on it.
Beit Al Quran is one of the most renowned Islamic museums in the world.
Opened in 1990, its concept was first developed by Dr Kanoo.
It was built with contributions that varied from across the nation, the Persian Gulf and enthusiasts from around the world.
There are two versions of the calendar, a wall calendar and a desk calendar.
Both cost BD3 each, but BD2 for orders of more than 10 copies.
Source: G Daily
