Category: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

OMAN: Unesco recognises Jibreen Castle and Omani Historian Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has recognised Oman’s rich cultural history by including two significant Omani cultural milestones in its list of anniversaries for 2024-2025. This recognition includes the 350th anniversary of the Jibreen Castle and the 150th death anniversary of renowned Omani historian and poet Humaid bin Mohammed bin Ruzaiq.


Since 1956, Unesco has been instrumental in commemorating historical events and eminent personalities of its member states, elevating their significance on a global platform. Such celebrations are pivotal in fostering international understanding, enhancing cultural exchanges and promoting peace.


An architectural gem of the 17th century, Jibreen Castle marks its 350th anniversary of construction under the reign of Imam Belarab bin Sultan al Yarubi. Completed in 1675, the castle is a testament to Oman’s architectural prowess, built by the era’s finest craftsmen and architects. Beyond its architectural magnificence, Jibreen Castle was a centre of knowledge and learning, and served as a residence for the imam and the seat of his governance.

It flourished as an educational hub, attracting scholars and educators in various fields such as jurisprudence, literature, history, astronomy, mathematics, medicine and chemistry. It produced over 40 distinguished scholars and writers under Imam Belarab bin Sultan’s patronage.


In addition to Jibreen Castle, Unesco commemorates the 150th anniversary of the passing of the 19th century Omani historian Ruzaiq. His contributions were monumental in documenting the historical phase from the rise of the Al Busaid dynasty to the end of Sayyid Said bin Sultan’s reign in 1856. His works, characterised by neutrality and meticulous research, provide invaluable insights into the European presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arab region. Ruzaiq’s writings are not only historical records but also serve as critical references for contemporary researchers in Omani history.


The inclusion of these two elements takes the total number of Omani contributions to Unesco’s celebration programme to eight. The sultanate has successfully highlighted six other Omani figures in the past, including linguist Al Khalil bin Ahmed al Farahidi in 2005, pharmacist Rashid bin Omairah al Hashimi al Rustaqi in 2013, polymath Sheikh Nour al Din Abdullah bin Humaid al Salmi and physicist Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Muhammad al Azdi, known as Ibn al Dhahabi, in 2015, poet Nasser bin Salem al Rawahi, also known as Abu Muslim al Bahlani, in 2019, and the famed navigator Ahmed bin Majid al Saadi in 2021.

Unesco’s recognition of Omani cultural heritage underscores the sultanate’s significant contributions to the global cultural landscape, celebrating the rich tapestry of its history and the enduring legacies of its eminent personalities.

source/content: muscatdaily.com (headline edited)

_________

__________

OMAN

LEBANESE Georges Chakra’s creations on the Golden Globes red carpet

Arab fashion was not absent from the recent Golden Globe Awards, held in Los Angeles, thanks to Lebanese designer Georges Chakra’s creations.

The creations of the Lebanese designer were showcased by US singer-songwriter Andra Day and model Molly Sims on the red carpet, each selecting distinct styles from Chakra’s collection. Andra Day chose a black semi-sheer gown adorned with floral ruffles, while Molly Sims opted for a gold, pleated dress with a floral epaulette on one shoulder.

A trademark of Lebanese design

Chakra’s journey into the fashion world began with an initial foray into interior design in Lebanon. However, seeking a different path, he moved to Canada to study fashion design at the Canadian Fashion Academy. In 1985, at the age of 22, Chakra returned to Lebanon and opened his first couture house. His designs quickly gained popularity in Lebanon owing to his European-influenced style that resonated well with the local taste. Chakra’s brand, ONNA Group, was launched in 1994 and has been expanding ever since.

Chakra made his international debut at Paris’s Haute Couture Fashion Week in 2001 with his collection, marking the beginning of his regular appearances at this prestigious event. He has also presented his collections at Mercedes Benz Prêt a Porter Week in New York. His work has featured in notable films such as “The Devil Wears Prada” and television series like “Gossip Girl.” Chakra’s designs have been chosen by numerous celebrities and have featured in major fashion magazines like InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Elle, and others. His clientele includes celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Hiba Tawaji, Goldie Hawn, Catherine-Zeta Jones, and many more.

source/content: kawa-news.com (headline edited)

_________

_____________

LEBANON

BAHRAIN : The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity in Literature & Arts chooses Bahraini Fawzia Al-Sindi, the ‘Cultural Personality 2024’, for its 6th session

The Sharjah Award for Gulf Women’s Creativity in Literature and Arts announced the selection of the Bahraini innovator and poet, Fawzia Al-Sindi, as the cultural personality for its sixth session for the year 2024.

Al Sindi will be honored on April 23 at Al Jawaher Center for Events and Conferences in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, as part of a ceremony honoring the award winners.

The award, which is organized by the Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, was created in special honor for the cultural figure among the creative Gulf women pioneering in cultural work.

Salha Ghabish, head of the Council’s Cultural Office, said: “This addition required many discussions with the award’s work team, including members of the jury, as we saw the importance of honoring female figures with distinguished creative, intellectual and professional contributions who are well-known in the Gulf and Arab cultural arena, and whose works have reached the international level through translation.” And communicating with cultural bodies in the world and participating in introducing Arab and Gulf culture through their productions.”

The Bahraini Fawzia Al-Sindi was chosen as one of the influential figures in Bahraini and Gulf society. She has literary and poetic works, and her works have been translated into English, French, Italian, Spanish and German. She has written many articles in Arab newspapers, including the Emirati Gulf, and has participated in many conferences, literary festivals and intellectual forums in the Arab world. And the world.

Regarding her winning the award, Fawzia Al-Sindi said: “I am pleased and honored to have been chosen as a ‘cultural personality’, which in its cultural and human depth represents a tribute and honor to my poetic and literary experience and to all Arab poetic experiences, with my gratitude to those in charge of the Cultural Office of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah for honoring poetic and literary experiences.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

_________

___________

BAHRAIN

EGYPT: ‘Oldest complete Coptic Psalter’ re-exhibited at the Coptic Museum after restoration

After undergoing a meticulous five-year restoration, the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo has re-exhibited its most treasured artefact – the oldest complete Coptic Psalter ever discovered.

“This is the first time we possess a complete book of Psalms dating to late fourth century AD, making it the oldest complete Psalms book unearthed to date. We’ve never encountered such an early book in Egypt, and I’ve found no evidence of an earlier genuine book anywhere else,” said the late director of the Coptic Museum and Coptic studies expert Gawdat Gabra when he first saw the book days after its discovery in 1984.

The Book of Psalms (Psalter) by David is one of the most valuable artefacts in the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo, having been discovered in a tomb going back to the early Christian period. 

It is the oldest Coptic Psalter ever translated from the Septuagint text. After almost four years of restoration, the museum has re-exhibited the Psalter in a special hall in the museum.

The book comprises 498 parchment sheets, encased within wooden bindings laced with leather. Rendered in a dialect of Coptic — a defunct language utilizing Old Greek characters augmented by seven hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt’s twilight era — the Psalms are meticulously inscribed by hand.

According to Gihan Atef, director of the museum, the manuscript harbours numerous Greek terms alongside some Coptic lexemes hitherto unrecorded. It is penned predominantly in brown ink derived from iron, though sporadic patches exhibit black carbon ink, ostensibly applied in efforts to rectify damage. Evident signs of wear manifest where fingers once turned the delicate parchment leaves.


Upon its discovery, the book’s pages were fused together, save for the final quintet, two of which remain blank. Affixed to the book via leather cords dangles a diminutive ankh — a symbol from ancient Egypt, seamlessly integrated into Christian iconography — crafted from bone.
Hamdi Abdel-Moneim, head of the restoration section at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) said that a team of restorers from both the MIA and the Coptic Museum embarked on a long journey to restore the Psalter.

He pointed out that the manuscript suffered from various forms of damage, including the detachment of its pages due to sewing deterioration. Most of its pages were plead and dried, chemical decomposition was found, along with the loss of parts from the edges and traces of liquids. There was also degradation, deterioration, and erosion of the inks, as well as dryness of the leather cover and cords.

The restoration works included the complete dismantling of the manuscript and addressing all aspects of damage. UV and infrared digital imaging were conducted, along with photographic documentation. Throughout the restoration process, Abdel-Moneim continued, all pages were numbered before disassembly, and specialists in codicology and Coptic texts were consulted.

The Coptic Museum is comprised of two wings joined by a narrow hallway. Inside, approximately 16,000 collectibles are showcased, arranged by type across 12 distinct departments.

The departments encompass a wide range of subjects such as Stones and Plasterboard, Development of Coptic Writing and Manuscripts, Textiles, Ivory and Iconography, Wood, Metals, Pottery, and Glass. Visitors can also marvel at mesmerizing Coptic art and manuscripts of the Holy Bible, some dating back thousands of years.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

_________

_________

EGYPT

JORDANIAN Fashion Designer Kish Jeane Breaks World Record with outfits for Lebanese Superstar Najwa Karam

Jordanian Fashion Designer Kish Jeane, breaks Guinness World Records by making the longest cape in the world for Lebanese superstar, Najwa Karam.

The cape is 55.7m long, with 118m of fabric and 3m of gold reflective leather used to craft it.

Jeane, who is known for his use of reflective leather in his designs, designed the cape drawing from Greek mythology for inspiration . He also added the name of Najwa’s most recent album “Charisma” in Arabic calligraphy on the back of the cape.

Najwa Karam also wore a gold cage shoulder piece with a white jumpsuit, also designed by Jeane. She wore both outfits to her welcoming event in Jordan, celebrating her participation in the Jerash Festival .

Kish Jeane will also be the first Jordanian designer to participate in New York Fashion Week, as he will be presenting his Spring Summer 2024 Collection there.

source/content: jordannews.jo (headline edited)

_________

(Photos: Handouts Kish Jeane)

___________

JORDAN

EGYPT: Sherine Abdel-Wahab First Arab Artist Awarded at ‘Billboard Women in Music’

Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel-Wahab became the first Arab artist to be awarded at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.

Sherine, 43, claimed the title of Billboard Arabia, a partnership between Billboard and SRMG, a Saudi-integrated media group.

She became one of seven winners of the Global Force Awards at Billboard Women in Music, part of the Billboard Awards held at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles on 7 March.

Global Force also included Annalisa (Billboard Italy), Maria Becerra (Billboard Argentina), Sarah Geronimo (Billboard Philippines), Nini Nutsubidze (Billboard Georgia), Tia Ray (Billboard China), and Luísa Sonza (Billboard Brasil).

Sherine was awarded for her Kalam Eineh at No. 1 and El-Watar El-Hassas at No. 2 which topped Billboard Arabia’s global flagship charts.

In her acceptance speech, Sherine expressed her appreciation for Billboard, saying “I am very proud you enjoyed my work, and of course, I am thrilled and proud that there is a music award specially for women. I hope that my work will always reach the entire world.”

Billboard Arabia was launched in June 2023 to shed light on Arab artists, while pledging “to be the premiere global destination for artists with Arab roots.”

According to Billboard Arabia, the platform follows the well-established parameters set by Billboard over eight decades, drawing data from leading digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Anghami, YouTube, and Apple Music, reflecting Arab music preferences globally.

In its inaugural year, Billboard Arabia included ElGrandeToto, Marwan Pablo, Amr Diab, and Ahmed Saad in its top five Arab artists.

source/content: english.ahram.org.eg (headline edited)

___________

Still from Sherine Abdel-Wahab s acceptance speech

__________

EGYPT

DUBAI, U.A.E / BAHRAIN / LIBYA: Sheikh Mansoor honours Winners of 27th Dubai International Quran Award 2024

Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum named Islamic Personality of the Year.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has honoured Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the Islamic Personality of The Year award.

The award was coferred at the closing ceremony of the 27th edition of The Dubai International Quran Award in recognition of her efforts and contributions in supporting Islamic, humanitarian, charitable and social causes.

The award was received on behalf of her by Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a the ceremony held at The Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed also honoured members of the award jury alongside 10 awardees.

Mohammed Al Ammri from Bahrain took top honours during the awards ceremony, followed by Naji bin Sliman from Libya, while Sheikh Tijan Ambi from Gambia took third place.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

______________

The grand ceremony of the 27th edition of The Dubai International Quran Award in Dubai.Image Credit: DMO/X

_______________________________________________________

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / BAHRAIN / LIBYA

SAUDI ARABIA: UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum names Saudi Academic Ghadah Al-Harthi as ‘Ambassador of Youth Patrons’

Saudi academic Ghadah Al-Harthi has been appointed ambassador of young patrons by the London-based Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the leading museums in the world.

Al-Harthi, who is based in the UK, is an associate professor at Central Saint Martins; a consultant at the London-based cultural consultancy Barker Langham; and an adviser at Chatham House, an international think tank.

Following her appointment, she said: “I am happy to be chosen as an ambassador by this prestigious museum that has a significant influence on the international cultural scene.”

She added: “My efforts will be focused on education and innovation to ensure the participation of the youth in cultural influence.

“My academic and consulting experience in innovation and culture with British universities and companies will allow me to support the museum’s senior management to develop global cultural communication methods and diversify cultural and art projects across the Middle East and Europe.”

The Young Patrons Group is an effective and important circle that supports the museum in achieving its goals. It includes leading patrons and donors supporting arts and culture at an international level.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied arts and decorative arts, was founded in 1852 as a public institution, and is sponsored by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It contains a collection of 4.5 million varied items, including 20,000 of the most important Islamic pieces in the Middle East. At least 2 million people visit the museum annually.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

_____________

She added: “My efforts will be focused on education and innovation to ensure the participation of the youth in cultural influence. (Supplied)

_________________

SAUDI ARABIA

SHARJAH Ruler releases last “Sultan of History” Encyclopaedia titled – ‘History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State’

The last book of the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia, titled “History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State,” was launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

This volume completes the encyclopaedia, which is a thorough and authoritative study of Oman’s history. This is the 84th edition of His Highness’s varied works, encompassing several realms of study, including history, biography, literature, theatre, and more.

The latest volume, “History of Oman from Human Settlement to the End of the Ibadi State” is a chapter of Oman’s historical encyclopaedia. His Highness selected a name for the Oman Historical Encyclopaedia that has precise connotations and profound allusions. He titled it the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia, which means “Authoritative Reference to History.” The “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia is now complete with the current release.

The “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia is divided into four main parts: Part One covers Oman’s history from human settlement until the end of the Ibadi state. Part Two tells the story of Oman’s Nabhani monarchs from 1154 to 1622 AD. Part Three details the history of Oman’s Yarubid dynasty from 1622 to 1747 AD. Part Four of the encyclopaedia covers the history of the Al Bu Said imams in Oman from 1749 to 1856 AD.

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, delved into the history of Oman from its first settlement until the end of the Ibadhi state in his current volume of the “Sultan of History” encyclopaedia.

The 84th volume of publications has been divided into five chapters and five appendices. The first chapter focuses on human settlement in Oman, while the second delves into the history of Oman’s Azd monarchs. The third part focuses on Oman’s position throughout the early Islamic period and succeeding periods. The fourth and fifth chapters deal with Oman’s first and second Ibadhi states. Rare papers, one-of-a-kind maps, and significant archaeological objects discovered in Sharjah round out the encyclopaedia.

Three years of thorough research and historical study went into this piece of work. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al-Qasimi meticulously tackled Oman’s past, incorporating his extensive understanding of history, geography, and archaeology with his extensive field experience.

He also drew from his own library, which contained rare books, rare references, and priceless manuscripts, as well as historical records and maps. The encyclopaedia “Sultan of History” is a valuable historical resource, revealing major events and archaeological locations, and historical facts that add to our understanding of Oman’s past.

source/content: sharjah24.ae (headline edited)

_____________

______________________________________________

SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

ALGERIA inaugurates Mosque ‘Djamaa El Djazair’ ahead of Ramadan 2024 with World’s Tallest Minaret and the 3rd Largest Mosque in the World

Algeria has finally inaugurated Africa’s largest mosque featuring world’s tallest minaret after years of delay.

The mosque with a minariet standing at 265 metres (869 feet) is being inaugurated ahead of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

Known as Djamaa El Djazair, the mosque reportedly cost close to $900m to build and was constructed by a Chinese firm.

The mosque is the the third largest in the world after the holiest sites in Makkah and Madinah and the largest in Africa.

It is located in the al-Mohammadiya area of Algiers and extends to an area of 200,000 square meters. The area of the prayer halls alone will be about 215,000 square feet.

The Great Mosque will also have a library, a conference center, a house of Quran, a museum and a research center.

source/content: cceonlinenews.com (headline edited)

___________

___________

ALGERIA