Shoppers at Wafi are enjoying a taste of Islamic culture with an exhibition displaying the renovation process of precious pieces of handwritten Arabic art.
Organised by Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage, Arab-Islamic Manuscript from Restoration to Binding, runs daily in Wafi mall’s main atrium until Sunday August 29, 2010.
The display features the highly skilled art of restoring important heritage documents and explains elements that threaten these valuable manuscripts, such as insects, funghi, discolouration and harsh weather.
Real manuscripts show the various stages of treatment and offer examples of the raw materials used for restoration, such as individual fibres of natural paper, which can last for centuries, even in damaging weather conditions.
Visitors to the exhibit can examine authentic replicas of some of the most famous historical Arabic manuscripts, such as The Book of Forty and The Book of Benefits. The exhibition also includes models of distinctive binding covers that help experts define the era and regions the manuscripts belong to, such as Ottoman, Mamluk or Persia.
Juma Al Majid, chairman of the centre, explains more about the centres activities: “We are the only non-commercial cultural establishment in the Arab world to restore and bind more than 2,000 books a month. It’s important for society and visitors to Dubai to learn more about these manuscripts, which mean so much in terms of Arab culture and history.
“The centre also restores books and manuscripts and produces microfilms in order to help researchers and students from all over the world. This helps thousands of researchers, writers and students obtain a wealth of vital information that connects us to our past,” he says.
Aser al Baseer, Wafi’s communications manager, says: “Wafi prides itself on its Arab themes and we embrace opportunities to connect to arts, culture and heritage. This exhibition gives real examples of ancient art pieces and has proven hugely popular with both our Arab regulars and tourists. I would highly recommend anyone who has not seen the exhibition to come along and enjoy a real piece of Arabic culture.”
With over 350 stores Wafi is the 2008 winner of Best Shopping Mall, Best Restaurant, Best New Hotel, Best Spa and Best Independent Boutique and boasts one of Dubai’s largest souks, world-class shopping and fine dining in the heart of Dubai.
