Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Museums (QM) is showcasing its contributions at the prestigious Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, which commenced on January 25 in Jeddah. Representing the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), eight remarkable artefacts have been selected to reflect the theme of Numbers, highlighting the mathematical and scientific ingenuity interwoven into Islamic art.
Renowned globally for its exceptional collection, the MIA stands as a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Islamic world.
The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, presented by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, stands as a distinguished celebration of the profound artistic and cultural legacy of Islamic civilisation. Taking place at the renowned Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, the Biennale showcases an exceptional blend of historical treasures and contemporary works. QM proudly contributes to this prestigious event, with its display featuring in the AlMadar section, a curated segment that explores the intersections of Islamic culture and its rich intellectual heritage. ‘AlMadar’, meaning ‘the orbit’ in Arabic, embodies the dynamic connections that shape the cultural narrative of the Islamic world.
Among the highlights are eight masterpieces from the MIA, each offering a window into the numerical and mathematical ingenuity that defines Islamic art and its global influence. These include:
Talpur Dynasty Curved Sword, 19th Century CE
Mughal Kris Dagger, 17th Century CE
Kitāb Suwar al-Kawākib al-Thābita – Buyid Astronomical Manuscript, 12th Century CE
Mughal Celestial Globe, 17th & 20th Century CE
Timurid Decorative Brass Bowl, 15th Century CE
North African Zinc Alloy and Wood Printing Block, 19th Century CE
Darfur Sultanate Ornate Sword, 19th & 20th Century CE
Delhi Sultanate Embroidered Cotton Shirt, 14th Century CE
These artifacts are more than historical objects, they are embodiments of a sophisticated understanding of mathematics and its integration into art and daily life. From the celestial globe’s intricate mapping of the stars to the geometric perfection of a Timurid bowl, these objects showcase the deep interplay between science, mathematics, and art in Islamic culture.
Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, director of the MIA, remarked, “It is with great pride that Qatar Museums participates in the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah, a distinguished event that allows us to showcase the profound legacy of Islamic art and its intellectual heritage. The eight artifacts presented from our collection not only reflect the brilliance of Islamic craftsmanship but also highlight the central role of mathematics and numerical precision in shaping the art, science, and culture of the Islamic world. Through this contribution, we aim to emphasise the enduring relevance of these contributions, offering a deeper understanding of how numbers and geometry continue to influence our perceptions of the world around us.”
Building on the success of the inaugural Biennale in 2023, Qatar Museums’ expanded contribution for 2025 reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue and highlighting the shared heritage of Islamic art. During the first edition, Qatar Museums’ four loaned pieces were met with widespread acclaim. This year’s focus on mathematical and numerical themes brings an enriched perspective to the Biennale, further strengthening the collaboration between Qatar Museums and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation.
The 2025 Biennale, titled ‘And All That Is In Between’, will run until May 25, 2025 and features seven thematic components, including an expansive outdoor exhibition space.
Visitors are invited to explore these exceptional artifacts in Jeddah, where they will be part of a wider narrative celebrating the timeless contributions of Islamic civilisation to the global artistic and scientific landscape.
