In celebration of the International Day of Human Solidarity, the Islamic Art Museum in Cairo inaugurated the temporary exhibition, "The Magic of the East Through the Eyes of a Polish Prince." The event was opened by Ahmed Siam, Director-General of the Islamic Art Museum, alongside Michał Czaplosz, Acting Polish Ambassador to Cairo.
The opening was attended by notable figures, including Gehan Atef, Director-General of the Coptic Museum; Hatem Tag El-Din, former Egyptian Ambassador to Poland; Dr. Magdalena Denker, Chair of the Board of Eastern Art Collections at the National Museum in Warsaw, Poland; Dr. Ali Abu Dashish, Executive Director of the Dr. Zahi Hawass Foundation; Dr. Shaza Ismail, Professor of Coptic Archaeology and Arts at Helwan University; Dr. Mari Misak, Secretary-General of the International Council of Museums; artist Ahmed Shaker; Maciej Zajdel, Second Secretary and Cultural Affairs Officer at the Polish Embassy; and Emma Marwood, Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy.
In his speech, Ahmed Siam highlighted that the exhibition aligns with the International Day of Human Solidarity by fostering cultural exchange and emphasizing the values of peace, development, and mutual understanding between societies.
Polish Ambassador Michał Czaplosz expressed his gratitude for the collaboration with the Islamic Art Museum, praising the exhibition as a valuable cultural encounter and commending the museum's efforts.
Reham El-Taher, Director of Exhibitions at the Islamic Art Museum, explained that the exhibition features 30 rare artifacts, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Eastern societies through successive Islamic eras. The collection showcases developments in military arts, music, social and scientific life, attracting travelers and orientalists alike. Notable pieces include:
A lacquered book cover inscribed with Persian writings and depicting a battle scene.
Manuscripts reflecting the artistry of Islamic book production, particularly during the Ottoman era, with gilded and illuminated pages.
A Mamluk-era Qur'an, a silver 19th-century hookah on display for the first time, an Iranian quiver, and a silver-handled powder flask from the Muhammad Ali dynasty.
Dr. Magdalena Denker emphasized the exhibition’s portrayal of the works of 19th-century Polish traveler Wacław Seweryn Rzewuski, whose maps and drawings express his admiration for the East. The exhibition juxtaposes 30 artifacts inspired by his experiences, reflecting his fascination with Arabian horses, Arabic calligraphy, Islamic manuscripts, and the region's rich social customs.
This exhibition exemplifies the ongoing cultural dialogue and shared heritage between Poland and the Islamic world, celebrating the East's allure through a Polish lens.
Follow the latest news on Google News
