Manama, Nov. 30 (BNA): The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) concluded its month-long celebrations marking the International Day of Islamic Art. Throughout November, cultural and heritage sites across the Kingdom came alive with a rich programme of events, transforming these spaces into vibrant platforms that showcased the depth, beauty, and enduring legacy of Islamic art.

The programme featured lectures, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, all aimed at highlighting the civilisational role Islamic arts have played in shaping human culture across centuries.

The International Day of Islamic Art is a global occasion that celebrates the diversity of this timeless artistic heritage, encompassing architecture, ornamentation, calligraphy, and traditional craftsmanship. The designation of this day was adopted by UNESCO following a proposal submitted by Bahrain in 2019 through BACA, reiterating Bahrain’s leading role in promoting Islamic culture on the international stage.

In line with its cultural mission, the Authority ensured that this year’s programme reflected the elevated stature of Islamic art as a universal expression of beauty and peace, a medium for cultural dialogue, and a bridge connecting past civilisations with contemporary society. With this vision in mind, BACA placed particular importance on engaging all segments of the community, particularly children and young people, recognising their vital role in preserving cultural identity and deepening their connection to heritage. The interactive programmes offered throughout the month enriched artistic appreciation, strengthened cultural values, and helped broaden public understanding of Islamic art.

This year’s celebrations included a series of cultural lectures in collaboration with the University of Bahrain, in addition to more than ten educational and interactive activities, workshops, and discussion sessions held throughout the month, both morning and evening, providing opportunities for wide participation.

The events explored diverse domains such as Islamic architecture, Arabic calligraphy, geometric ornamentation, and astronomical arts, offering audiences an engaging platform to discover the breadth and richness of Islamic artistic traditions.

A highlight of the programme was the participation of renowned Chinese calligrapher Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bahrain. His exhibition, Expressions of Arabic Calligraphy, held at the Art Centre, celebrated the expressive power and timeless beauty of the Arabic script. Alongside the exhibition, Haji Noor Deen conducted several specialised workshops, including dedicated sessions for school students, introducing younger generations to the artistic and spiritual dimensions of calligraphy.

In recognition of the value of collaboration, BACA strengthened community partnerships by working with several private institutions and civil society organisations, including Bahrain Stargazers, Creative Horizons, and Sketch Walks. These partnerships underscored the collective effort to enrich Bahrain’s cultural landscape and ensure the sustainability of artistic initiatives. The programme witnessed remarkable engagement from the public, attracting more than 500 participants of all ages, including youth, students from public and private schools, and students from the University of Bahrain’s College of Arts, whose enthusiasm added vibrancy to the celebrations and underscoring the continued relevance of Islamic art in contemporary culture.

With this, BACA concludes a month filled with cultural activity, highlighting the significance of Islamic art as a boundless realm of creativity and a vital bridge that strengthens Bahrain’s cultural identity while fostering dialogue and connection among peoples.

H.K, S.H.A