By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON (AA) – A new Islamic culture gallery at the world famous British Museum opened its doors to visitors Friday.
The gallery, spread over two rooms, tells the story of cultures of the Islamic world from a region that stretches from West Africa to Southeast Asia from the seventh century to the present day.
The Albukhary Foundation Gallery provides an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to view artifacts presented in displays with themes such as science, calligraphy, fashion and storytelling.
The collection includes archaeology, decorative arts, shadow puppets, textiles and contemporary art.
The gallery notably features many examples of Ottoman culture, including an Ottoman mosque lamp made in Iznik, northwestern Turkey and a beautiful Ottoman banner from the period of Selim III (1789-1807).
It also features other objects from the rich Ottoman culture, including a pair of pearl-decorated wooden bath clogs, many examples of Iznik ceramic pottery and garments related to Sultan Selim III.
The gallery’s launch was celebrated with musical concerts, whirling dervishes and short plays that promoted Islamic culture.
The Albukhary Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Malaysia with an international presence. For the past 40 years, it has been promoting goodwill through education and cultural heritage.
