Book shows unique Islamic textiles from Sharjah

One of the world’s most important collections of Islamic textiles from the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation is being celebrated in a new publication created by Sharjah Museums Department (SMD).

“Islamic Textiles: From the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation’ was launched on July 7 at the ‘Travel through the land’ exhibition that explores the journey of transportation across various ages and brings together artifacts, 3D models, paintings and photographs from seven different museums which fall under SMD.

The exhibition, SMD’s cultural contribution to the Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2014, is located in the Art Bazaar section and the book is also available at the Islamic Book Fair at the festival.

The book elaborates on the exquisite textiles that have a special religious significance for having been used in Islam’s most holy places in Makkah and Madinah.

“This beautiful and scholarly book is the first comprehensive guide to these magnificent textiles, which have all been collected over a 20-year period by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah,” explained Manal Ataya, Director-General of SMD.

“This is the second publication in our series highlighting key pieces from the collections of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. This series is intended both to draw attention to the artistic, historic and religious significance of our collections, and also enable a wider audience to learn about their provenance.”

The textile collection featured in the book date back to the 17th to the 21st century AD (1th to 15th Hijri century). It stands as a peerless showcase of the exceptional resources, precious materials and artistic excellence that has been lavished on these textiles throughout the ages.