Islamic art centre featuring historical pieces opens in Abu Dhabi

An Islamic art centre opened in Abu Dhabi on Monday to a large crowd eager to view its historical pieces collected from around the Muslim world.

From paintings and sculptures to silk carpets, Ottoman pistols, jewel tapestries and shawls, the Miraj Islamic Art Centre boasted hundreds of art pieces at its new location in the Hilton Capital Grand.

Madina Mahmoud, a 43-year-old Russian who has been in Abu Dhabi for 15 years, was one of the visitors. “I used to make carpets when I was 15 years old for seven years,” she said. “I was interested in looking at the silk carpets and the work here is wonderful. Some of them have gold thread, it’s really fantastic.”

She said she would potentially buy one for her new home. “My husband bought one a long time ago,” she said. “You can’t just use it in any house as it’s such a fragile item.”

Leanne Randall, an events manager from South Africa, said Islamic art was her passion.

“I love art, especially Islamic art, because it’s so steeped in history,” she said. “It’s very different from normal art – it’s much more historical. The pieces are stunning and really a feast for the eyes, I’m just revelling in it, just the colours and textures are fantastic.”

Original article by Caline Malek

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Islamic art centre featuring historical pieces opens in Abu Dhabi