Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC) Sultan Al Qasimi Inaugurates Unprecedented Exhibition From Vatican Ethnological Museum

Artefact from the exhibition ‘So that you might know each other’ / Courtesy of Vatican Ethnological Museum

His Highness toured the exhibition, exploring the 70 exhibits that include textiles, musical instruments, jewelry, rudimentary weapons, books and manuscripts. The exhibition commemorates an unprecedented collaboration between the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Vatican Ethnological Museum and will run until June 14th, 2014, is being held at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC), and marks the celebrations of Sharjah as the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, tours the exhibition / Courtesy of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC)

During the tour, His Highness was accompanied by Sheikh Salim bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Director General of the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Mohammed bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health, His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah, His Excellency Jamal Al Turaifi, Adviser at His Highness Ruler of Sharjah Office, His Excellency Mohammed Diab Al Mousa, Adviser at Al Diwan Al Amiri (the Royal Court) in Sharjah, Dr. Amr Abdul Hameed, Sharjah Ruler’s Adviser for Higher Education Affairs, Ali Al Marri, General Manager of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies, Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Director General of Sharjah Media Corporation, Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, and HE Hisham Al Madhloum, Director of the Arts Section at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Information.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi at the exhibition / Courtesy of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC)

The Vatican was also represented by a high profile delegation, including Dr. Roberto Romano, the Secretary of the Vatican Museums, in his capacity as the representative of the President of the Vatican State, Giuseppe Card. Bertello, H. E. Archbishop Petar Rajic of Vatican Embassy in Kuwait, His Excellency Giorgio Starace, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Jean-Paul Tarud-Kuborn, Chilean Ambassador to the UAE, and Fr Nicola Mapelli – Director of the Vatican Ethnological Museum, in addition to a a large number of local and international dignitaries.

The guests from the Vatican introduced the history and context of the 70 artefacts to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who in turn contributed his own stories and memories relating to some of the items on display.

During an intermission after the tour, His Highness Ruler of Sharjah presented a number of his personal exhibits in front of the guests, including historical manuscripts and documents which belonged to the Vatican in the past, showing information on sailing routes to the Arabian Gulf, and explaining the geographical nature of the region.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi at the exhibition / Courtesy of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC)

It is the first time ever in its 300-year history that the Vatican has collaborated with a partner in the Muslim world for an exhibition. The objects being showcased in the exhibition have been carefully selected by a curatorial team made up of experts from Sharjah and the Vatican. The final selection, bringing together a broad spectrum of artefacts from imperial enamels to village instruments, aims at highlighting the fascinating cultural diversity of Muslim communities around the world, the achievements, of its people, their daily lives, their customs and their spirituality. In date, the objects range from the 17th to the early 20th century, therefore symbolizing traditional ways of life that pre-date the onset of modernity and globalization.

Commenting on this event, Manal Ataya, Director General, SMD, said: "This ground-breaking exhibition is the first of its kind in the Middle East, bringing together the Vatican and Sharjah in an unprecedented project symbolising interfaith and intercultural dialogue and friendship."

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi at the exhibition / Courtesy of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC)

Ataya added: "We are delighted to welcome the Vatican exhibition to Sharjah, especially as it was conceived with the direct involvement of our local colleagues throughout all stages – from the initial selection of the objects and the research into their cultural significance to the layout and design of the show in the Majarrah Gallery of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. The collaboration was inspirational for all involved, and we hope that the visitors will get a sense of the interfaith and intercultural spirit that that this exhibition aims to evoke with its objects and stories."

Fr Nicola Mapelli, the Director of the Vatican Ethnological Museum added: “The hosting of this exhibition between the Vatican Ethnological Museum and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation is an indicator of how interfaith channels can be opened and intercultural dialogue encouraged. Opening these channels is vital for the promotion of understanding and communication between faiths – one of the most important factors in today’s world.

In more than 300 years of our history, this is the first time that we have ever partnered with a museum in the Muslim world: and we are proud that this partnership has been made with the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. Teamwork and dedication have been key aspects of bringing this exhibition to fruition; as teams from both Museums spent an entire year selecting and sorting through the Vatican’s vast archives. The results stand in true testament to their stalwart dedication.”

Dr. Roberto Romano, the Secretary of the Vatican Museums, and Giuseppe Card. Bertello President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, said: "Usually people associate the Vatican Museums with Michelangelo and Raffaello, but in reality the Vatican has taken care of Islamic artefacts in exactly the same way, and have been treated with the same passion, respect and love."

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi with a Vatican delegation / Courtesy of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC)

The Sharjah Museums Department

The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) was established in 2006 by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. SMD manages more than 16 sites in the Emirate, covering most types of art, Islamic culture, archaeology, heritage, sciences, aquaculture and the history of the emirate of Sharjah and the region.

SMD aims to provide the highest standards of museum services through its museums, galleries, educational and research programmes, social communication programmes for Sharjah‘s residents and visitors from the region. The vision of the department is to improve understanding, appreciation and respect for Sharjah‘s identity and the value of its cultural and natural heritage locally and internationally.