Islamic Art and Architecture Forum Launches at The National Museum on Wednesday Dr. Al-Mudhahka: Islamic Art Is a Unique Product That Contributed to The Development of Human Architecture

Sakhir – University of Bahrain
8 November 2022
In cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the University of Bahrain (UoB) is organizing the third edition of the Islamic Art and Architecture Forum, to be launched on Wednesday, 9th of November.
The President of University of Bahrain, Dr. Jawaher bint Shaheen Al-Mudhahka, stressed the importance of highlighting the Islamic experience in art and architecture as a unique product that contributed to the development of human architecture.
Dr. Al-Mudhahka praised the forum for running three years in a row, especially as it comes in celebration of the International Day of Islamic Art (18 November) which was approved by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019, after the recommendation of its Executive Board, endorsing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s proposal to allocate an international Islamic art day.
The President commended the University’s partnership with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in this forum, and in many events that contribute to enriching the cultural movement in Bahrain and help highlight the various cultural and civilizational elements in the Kingdom.
On her part, the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University, Dr. Sheikha Haifa bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, mentioned that the four-days forum focuses in its third edition on diversity in Islamic art and architecture, pointing to the expansion of Islamic civilization during its rich history in all parts of the world, which extended from Europe to Central Asia, and formed regional cultural centers distinguished by its aesthetic characteristics.
“As a result of this extension, creative expression has increased, and the visual language of the Islamic world has expanded to include diverse qualities as a product of cultural exchange,” she stated, noting that “Islamic art today is legacy rich in forms, styles and functions that reflect common principles despite their diversity.”
Moreover, the Dean of Engineering stated that the forum celebrates the Islamic art and architecture’s global nature, by highlighting the tangible and immaterial aspects, and the various modern practices that enrich the Islamic world.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is hosting the forum, which will be held in the lecture hall of the Bahrain National Museum, and in which a number of academics and students from the Department of Architecture and Interior Design from UoB will participate. The conference will review several scientific research and studies related to the Islamic architectural and artistic heritage.
The head of the forum’s organizing committee, Dr. Tamadher Ali Al-Fahal, stated that the event – which will be held from November 9 to 17 – includes a student competition to design a logo suitable for this annual event, as part of the activities accompanying the forum.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Fahal stated , “The Forum is scheduled to conclude its activities with a panel discussion on Thursday, 17 November, with a closing ceremony in which the speakers and students who won this year’s competition will be honored.”

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