It took little over eleven hours on a non-stop flight from Kuwait to Korea on the Amiri plane for the Kuwaiti delegation to reach Seoul. The group was headed by the representative of H.H. the Amir, Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and President of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

During the flight, another journey in time was omnipresent in the head of Dar al-Atharal-Islamiyyah (DAI) Director-General Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah. She used the time to think about the connections between Kuwait and Korea in history. In her remarks at the opening of “al-Fann” on 1 July 2013, she alluded to the first time Korea was mentioned in Arabic texts in mid-ninth century. It was in “Book of Roads and Kingdoms” (Kitab al Masalik wa al-Mamalik) by Abu al-Qasim Ubaid’ Allah ‘bn Khordadbeh, who described the land, people and culture of Southern Asia with a reference to United Silla. By the 12th century Korea was well established in Arabic sources and was depicted in the world atlas of al-Idrisi. In her speech, Sheikha Hussah threw light on the trade-route that connected the two extreme ends of the Old World and noted that it was not short of cultural exchanges.

She paid tribute to Dr Lina Lee from SK Holdings, an international company and supporter of the DAI. She also recognized Dr Lena Kim, who spoke at DAI’s 3rd Cultural Season on “Influences of Islamic Art on Korean Art” - the lecture which sparked this exhibition a decade later, noting that it was quite a coincidence that the director of the National

• Al Fann in Korea

• International Museum Day

• Docent Evening

• Sheikha Hussah Named

• ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

• Cultural Seasons 18 and 19

• A Visit to Sicily

IN THISISSUE

Dear Friends, After a really long, wet winter, it seems spring is finally here. With so much going on at the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, the change in weather makes it easier . . . to come and go to lectures, visit the exhibitions and participate in all the other activities in programme. Enjoy!

Bader al-BaijanFriends of the DAI Steering Committee

DAI in Seoul: Al-Fann Exhibition

Bareed ad-Dar is the quarterly newsletter of The Friends of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI).Gulf Museum Consultancy Company WLL (GMCC) is the commercial entity authorized to exploit and promotethe commercial and other rights relating to The al-Sabah Collection, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah.gmcc@darmusuem.org.kw © 2013 GMCC, Kuwait

RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEEDFriends of Dar al-Athar al-IslamiyyahNational Council for Culture, Arts & LettersP.O. Box 23996, Safat, 13100, KUWAITT: +965 2240 0992F: +965 2242 0088E: publications@darmuseum.org.kw

at the National Museum of Korea

LNS

1653

MNewsletter of the Friends of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah,Year 14, Issue 4

DAI Celebrate International Museum Day 2013

For more than 30 years, the world has celebrated International Museum Day in mid-May. The event is an occasion to raise awareness of the importance of museums in the development of society. From America to Oceania including Africa, Europe and Asia, this international event has grown each year, with almost 30,000 museums organising activities in more than 120 countries in 2012.

On 18 May 2013, the DAI joined the party and organized a festive day under the international theme “Museums (memory + creativity) = Social Change.” The activities began at 1 PM and include a plethora of activities, indoors and out.

Inside there were concerts, a play, and special exhibition tours, including the “Safari Amricani” children’s tour. Outside there was a host of activities including face

Museum of Korea (NMK), Dr. Kim Youngna is the sister of our lecturer back in 1997. Director Kim with her insight and her remarkable team of specialists were of invaluable help to our DAI team.

Sheikha Hussah thanked Mr. Woo Wongil, President and CEO of SBS, one of the leading national broadcasting networks in South Korea, for their sponsorship of the exhibition as well as the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, H. E. Mr. Yoo Jinryong who inaugurated the “al-Fann” exhibition.

During the opening, Kuwaiti traditional music was played by a troupe that came from Kuwait to entertain the huge crowd of Korean officials, Arab ambassadors, professors from the art school in Seoul and the many interested individuals that attended.

The Kuwaiti delegation had the opportunity to explore some aspects of culture in Seoul during their very short stay. They visited the National Museum of Korea, hosts of the “al-Fann” exhibition, which was founded in the year 1945 and has some 330,000 objects with 13,000 on display. The delegation was guided through the impressive galleries presenting the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture including the Pensive Bodhisattva, the gold treasury of Baekje kingdom, the Gaya Confederacy and Silla dynasties, and exquisite Korean ceramics.

painting, henna tattooing, graffiti boards, face photo cutout stands, impromptu flash music performances and other special children’s activities. Traditional street food, refreshments and sweets were also available, ensuring that the body and the soul were both nourished during this festive celebration.

The DAI will be hosting an International Museum Day event again this year. Scheduled for 17 May, the theme is “Museum Collections Make Connections” and that is exactly what we plan to do on the 17th.

The Samsung “Leumm” Museum was another extra ordinary experience. The museum consists of three buildings designed by three prominent architects, the Swiss Mario Botta, the French Jean Nouvel and the Dutch Rem Koolhaas. To move from one building dedicated to Korean celadon.

The entire journey was unforgettable, thanks to the NMK team of director Dr Kim Youngna, director of the education and cultural cooperation bureau Mr Woo Sang-il, and the head of the exhibition division, Mr Kim Kyu-dong. They went out of their way to ensure not only the success of the exhibition, but also the success of the DAI delegation visit.

Director of the National Museum of Korea (NMK), Dr. Kim Youngna).

South koreaGam-sahab-nidaFour memorable days were spent in Seoul, South Korea, exploring the beauty and charm of the city and its people. The Kuwaiti delegation arrived on 30th June and was received by His Excellency the Kuwaiti ambassador Mr Mut’ab al-Mututeh and the embassy staff, Mr Abdulrahman al-Shehab and Mr Jaber al-Kanderi.

H.E. Sheikh Salman al-Sabah was engaged with an array of official visits to minister of Culture, Sports and Youth and a visit with the Kuwaiti team participating in

Kuwait’s Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and President of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah (right) presented Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism H. E. Mr. Yoo Jinryong (centre) with a golden dhow as exhibition sponsor Mr. Woo Wongil (left), President and CEO of SBS, looked on.

The DAI delegation at the Korean National Museum

the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Incheon 2013. The minister was accompanied by Sheikha al-Zain al-Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth.

Mr. Ali al-Youha, Secretary-General of National Council for Culture Arts and Letters (NCCAL) was also busy in negotiations with his counterparts to find new way to enhance the cultural relations between the two countries. Despite their busy schedules, the Kuwaiti officials were able to enjoy part of the culture of Seoul, through museum visits and tasting the delicious culinary cuisine.

A dinner was hosted by the director of NMK and Korean food was displayed and consumed with great appreciation by the Kuwaitis. Reciprocally, a lunch

was thrown by Ambassador Mututeh to celebrate this occasion and to share a taste of Arab food with our South Korean friends.

On the day of departure Sheikha Hussah, accompanied by DAI friends, was given a special privilege of having a Korean breakfast hosted by Vice-Chairman of SK Chemicals, Mr Chang Won Chey at the company’s elegant headquarters in Seoul. Dr K. C. Choi, President and CEO of SK E&C and Dr Lina Nakyung Lee, Vice President/Chairman’s office of SK Holdings also joined us at the breakfast. Lively conversation prevailed during the one hour and a half meeting in which art and music were dominating the conversation, especially as Mr. Chey is an avid patron of arts and actively encourages musicians, pianists in particular.

DAI CelebratesInternational Museum Day

Sheikha Hussah Recognises DAI Docents

More than 250 people took advantage of the beautiful weather and the wealth of activities to help the DAI celebrate its first participation in International Museum Day.

On 8 May 2013, Sheikha Hussah hosted a special reception for DAI Docents, including many Junior Docents and their guests. The evening was organised to thank the docents for their service to the

Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah, the Amricani Cultural Centre, and the many thousands of visitors they’d hosted over the three years since the programme started. Docent Coordinator Afi Khan and two

exceptional docents who are actively involved in various education programmes, Mutlaq al-Juraid and Maha alEssa were recognised for their extraordinary service.

Official Visits to the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah

The Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah had many high profile visitors over the last few months. The visitors toured DAI’s three exhibitions: “Splendors of the Ancient Near East”, a selection of 100 artifacts covering from the Bronze Age to the dawn of the Islamic Era, “Splendors from the Kuwait National Museum”, a selection of artifacts displayed to show the history and position of Kuwait in the ancient world, and “Verses from the Holy Quran on Works of Art”, a selection of Qur’anic manuscripts and artifacts from 2 AH through the 13th century AH (8th – 19th centuries CE). Many also enjoyed the “Story of Amricani” multi-media presentation.

On the occasion of the French National Day and on behalf of the Minister of Culture, the French Ambassador in Kuwait, HE Mrs. Nada YAFI presented Sheikha Hussah Al Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah one of the most prestigious French State distinctions: “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This award, created in 1957, recognises significant contributions to enhance the arts in France and throughout the world. Committed to promoting cultural diversity, France paid special tribute to ‘’a prestigious figure in Kuwait, Sheikha Hussah Al Sabah.’’ Sheikha Hussah was honoured for her prominent role

in fostering dialogue between cultures and people, both in Kuwait and around the world, through the activities of the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah. The event, held on 8 July 2013, was attended by a large audience which included many ambassadors, Francophiles, and leaders in the Kuwait community.

a brief moment to take a picture with the DAI staff and her entire delegation, and then completed her visit by signing the DAI Guestbook.

H. E. Mr Frans Timmermans, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Nicolaas Beets the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kuwait, H.E. Mr. Hafeez Mohammed al-Ajami the Ambassador of Kuwait to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and their respective delegations visited the Amricani Cultural Centre on 8 August 2013. They were received by DAI’s director of public relations Osama al-Balhan, Sheikha Alia Jaber al-Sabah and docent Maha alEssa. Before concluding his visit to the Amricani Cultural Centre, Mr. Timmermans took a brief moment to write a message in the DAI guestbook.

During a visit to Kuwait, 25 - 27 August, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took time to visit the Amricani Cultural Centre. The Prime Minister, accompanied by members of his delegation, was greeted by DAI General Director Sheikha Sheikha Hussah and DAI manager Osama al-Balhan.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde visited the Amricani

H.H. Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan and DAI curator Salam Kaoukji look at a Mughal Katar dagger H.H. Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammed al-Sabah visited the Amricani Cultural Centre on 29 May 2013. He was received by H.E. Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah, the Minister of al-Diwan al-Amiri Affairs and the co-founder of The al-Sabah Collection.

Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammed al-Sabah (centre), Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (to his right), NCCAL secretary-general Ali Al-youha (to his left), NCCAL assistant secretary-general Abdul Kareem al-Ghadban (far right) and DAI manager Osama al-Balhan (far left).

(from left to right): Mrs Elena Gagarina, Kremlin Museum Director General, NCCAL assistant secretary-general Abdul Kareem al-Ghadban, the Kremlin Museum’s Director of International Relations Mrs Zelfira Tregulova, and the DAI’s Amal al-Hazzaa.

Sheikha Hussah, Director General of Dar al-Athar al Islamiyyah, French Ambassador Mrs. Nada Yafi, Sheikh Ali Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Governor of Kuwait City, Mr. Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hussah al-Sabah Named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres

H. E. Mr Frans Timmermans, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands signing the DAI guestbook.

Sheikha Hussah shares information on a 4th – 5th century CE carpet with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde with docent Maha Alessa in the “Splendors” exhibition

In early March, H.H. Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan visited The al-Sabah Collection office. He was greeted by DAI curator Salam Kaoukji and given the opportunity to interact with objects from the collection.

On 7 July 2013, the Amricani Cultural Centre was visited by H.E. the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Emma Bonino and her delegation. Greeted and accompanied by DAI’s General Director Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah, Mrs Bonino toured DAI’s latest exhibitions. After the tour, Mrs Bonino took

Cultural Centre during her November visit to Kuwait. At the Museum, she was received by DAI manager Osama al-Balhan and docent Maha Alessa.

(front row, left to right): Sheikh Ali Khaled al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to Italy, Sheikha Hussah, the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs Emma Bonino, and the Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Nicoletti

Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World

An Evening at the Pritzker Prize World

US Secretary of State Visits Amricani Cultural Centre

TaSC on Google Art

“Nur: Light in Art and Science from the Islamic World”, is an exhibition organised by Fundacion Focus-Abengoa (FAF), in Seville, Spain. The exhibition, which ran from 25 October 2013 through January 2014, was curated by Dr Sabiha Khameir, who also wrote the accompanying catalogue. Duque de San Carlos y Marquếs de Santa Cruz, a board member of

FAF and friend of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI), was instrumental in securing the participation of The al-Sabah Collection in this exhibition.

During his brief visit to the State of Kuwait, US Secretary of State John Kerry managed to find one hour to visit the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah at the Amricani Cultural Centre on his way to the airport. Secretary Kerry was received by Sheikha Hussah and by Mr Abdulkareem al-Ghadban, NCCAL Assistant Under-Secretary for the DAI. Secretary Kerry was accompanied by Sheikh Salem Abdallah al-Jaber al-Sabah, Ambassador of Kuwait to the US, the Ambassador of USA to Kuwait Mr Matthew H. Tueller, a delegation from the US Department of State, and members of the American press.

Secretary Kerry expressed his utmost admiration for the superb art that has been collected by Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, co-owner of The al-Sabah Collection. Before leaving, he wrote in the guestbook, sharing his impression of the visit:

LNS 6 GVase early 8th century AH early/14th century CESyria, EgyptGlass30.6 cm H x 17.6 cm W x 16 cm D

LNS 8 HSBowl12th century - 13th century AH/18th century - 19th century CE IndiaRock crystal, gold, diamonds and rubies 4.6 cm H x 9.2 cm D

The purpose of the Focus-Abengoa Foundation’s exhibition is to spotlight and share the cultural legacy of one of the most important Islamic civilizations. The exhibition, which includes Al-Andalus presents the alliance between light, art and science, sharing the common artistic language in Islam. Fifty objects from The al-Sabah Collection are integrated into

The Kennedy Library in Boston was the chosen place to host 2013 Pritzker Architecture Prize. This prestigious prize was established by the Hayat Foundation in 1979 to honour annually a living architect. An international panel of jurors, headed by Lord Palumbo, who himself is an architectural patron, Chairman of the Serpentine Gallery’s Board of Trustees, and former Chairman of the Arts Council of Great Britain, reviewed nominations and selected Toyo Ito for this year prize.

Ito is the sixth Japanese architect to become a Pritzker Laureate and the thirty-eighth architect to be so honoured throughout the world. One of Ito’s latest

the exhibition, including an inscribed and illuminated page from the Qur’an manuscript (LNS 65 MS f87 v), the folio from the Automata manuscript (LNS 17 MS f150v), a glass vase (LNS 6 G), a candlestick (LNS 19 M), numerous medical instruments (LNS 557 M a, b, c, e, f, h, j, t, u, v; LNS 712 M a-u), aquamarine beads (LNS 2107 J b), sapphire beads (LNS 2107 J c) and a rock crystal bowl set of gems (LNS 8 HS).

projects, completed in 2013, is the “Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture” (TIMA) on the island of Omishima, making it the first museum in Japan dedicated to the work of an individual architect.

Sheikha Hussah Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah was cordially invited to attend the award dinner, held on 29 May 2013, by Mr and Mrs Thomas J. Pritzker. Mr Pritzker is a trustee of the Pritzker Foundation, Chairman of the Board of the Art Institute of Chicago and a member of the Aspen Strategy Group. He is also a keen collector of Himalayan art and an honorary professor of history at Sichuan University in China. (from left to right): Thomas Pritzker, Toyo Ito, Lord Palumbo

While visiting the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah at the Amricani Cultural Centre, US Secretary of State John Kerry stopped for a photo with VIPs and some DAI staff and docents. FRONT ROW (from Left to Right): US Ambassador to Kuwait Matthew Tueller, DAI director general and co-owner of The al-Sabah Collection Sheikha Hussah, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Kuwait Ambassador to the United States Sheikh Salem Abdallah al-Jaber al-Sabah, NCCAL assistant undersecretary Abdulkareem al-Ghadban.

As his visit to the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah at the Amricani Cultural Centre drew to a close, US Secretary of State John Kerry took a few minutes to sign the guestbook.

Thank you! What an extraordinary place. It was such a privilege - and exciting - too much for a short visit - to learn about the gift of a doctor’s vision and a leader’s tolerance that resulted in so much benefit to his people and such a great example for all of us!

Thank you so much for the personal tour and for sharing the history of Kuwait and Amricani –

Warm regards,

John F Kerry

U.S. Secretary of State

The al-Sabah Collection (TaSC) now has a virtual audience for its very real collection. TaSC and more than 300 other international collections have joined the Google Art Project, which allows visitors to explore objects in the comfort of their own home or office.

The al-Sabah Collection currently has 48 objects posted on the site, providing a sample of the depth of the collection. In the first seven months, there were

42,000 visits to our collection, from people in the United States (7,108), China (5,672), Russia (2,726) and Spain (2,103) and more than 160 other countries, as far away as Argentina and Greenland.

The Art Project is collaboration between Google and some of the world’s most acclaimed and diverse art institutions. It presents 323 collections, 8,411 artists and 61,869 works of art. Powered by a broad,

connected suite of Google technologies, visitors can explore these collections from around the world, view artworks at incredible zoom levels and create their own galleries.

To access the Google Art Project, click on the link on www.darmuseum.org.kw or go to www.google.com/+GoogleArtProject or www.google.com/cultural institute/project/art-project or YouTube: Google Art Project.

DIRECTOR,S CIRCLE

BENEFACTORS

DONORS

A L A M I A H

AIYDA SALEM AL-SABAH

MARIAM NASERAL-SABAH

SHAFIKA ALI AL-MUTAWA

INTISAR SALEM AL-SABAH

RIHAM FOUAD ALGHANIM

AMAL SABAH AL SALEM AL-SABAH

BUTHAINAH M. AL-SALEH

ABDULAZIZ SULTAN ESSA

RACHADHABIB TABIAT

NASRALLAHSYED BEHBEHANI

NOURA ABDULAZIZALGHANIM

SABAH AMIN AL-RAYEESPAULA AL-SABAH

HIND HAMEDAL-BAHAR

NASSER MOHAMMED AL-RASHED

KUTAYBAYUSSUF

ALGHANIM

PATRONS

SUPPORTERS

AFRAH MUBARAK AL-SABAHALI FAISAL AL-KHALEDANAM ABDULLAH AL-MUDHAFBASEMAH MUBARAK AL-SABAHDIRAAR YUSUF ALGHANIMEMAD MOHAMED AL-BAHAR

FAHAD MAJID AL-SALEM MOHAMMED GHAZI AL-SEDAIRAWIMUNIRA KHALID AL-MUTAWA NADIA MOHAMMAD AL-BAHARRAKAN IBRAHIM ALGHANIM

ABBASA ISMAIL BEHBEHANIABBAS ABDULLAH AL-DASHTIADEL TAWFEEQ AL-ZUHAIRADEL SALEM AL-ABDULJADERAHMAD ABDULLAH AL-SARRAFALI ASHOUR AL-JAFARANWAR FAISAL AL-SABAHALIA ABDULRAHMAN AL-MESHARIALTAF ESSA SULTAN AL-ESSAAWATIF SABAH AL SALEM AL-SABAHBADRIYA SABAH AL SALEM AL-SABAHBIRGIT AL-MUTAWAENASS SAUD AL-MARZOUQFADEELA DUAIJ AL-SABAHFAHAD ABDULRAHMAN AL-RADIFARIDA MOHAMMED AL-HABIB

GEORGE SALEH ABU AYYASHHANA AL-ABDULMUGHNIHIND ABDULLA AL-SABAHJANICE OLDSKEVIN BURKEKHALIFA DIRAAR ALGHANIMLEENA HUSNI DEIRANIELINA SAADI ABOUDHEIRMANAL BADER AL-GHARABALLYMARZOUQ DIRAAR ALGHANIMMOHAMMED IBRAHIM AL-FRAIHMOHAMMED MAHMOUD RASHEEDMONA MOHAMMED AL-KHONAINIMONA MOHAMMED FAROUKIMUNA MUHALHEL AL-MUDHAFMUNIRA SULAIMAN AL-KHUBAIZI

NAHLE MUHALHEL AL-MUDHAFNAJLA MOHAMMED AL-FARAJNOUF KHALED AL-MARZOUQPHILIP FOUAD BARDAWILSAMER KHANACHETSAWSAN ABDULLAH ABDULRAHIMSHEREIFA BADER AL-TAYYARTAREQ ABDULAZIZ AL-AWADHITAREQ AZMY EL-SHEIKHTAREQ BADER AL-MAILAMWOROOD AL-SUHAILYASER ASHOUR AL-JAFARZEYAD HAMAD AL-FARES

One of the most famous surviving icons from the ancient world, the Cyrus Cylinder, which is kept at The British Museum in London, found its way to Kuwait, in a replica form. The Cyrus Cylinder is considered to be the first charter of human rights and the replica of this 2,600-year- old inscribed clay document from Babylon in ancient Iraq, was presented to Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah as a gift from H.E. Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Hoseini, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The presentation was made during the inauguration of the exhibition “Splendors of the East: Antiquities in The al-Sabah Collection” at the Amricani Cultural Centre on 1 April 2013.

The Cyrus Cylinder replica is made of clay and is written in Akkadian cuneiform script in the name of the Achaemenid king Cyrus the Great. The original piece dates from the 6th century BC and was discovered in the ruins of Babylon in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) in 1879.

The Cyrus Cylinderobverse and reverse sides

Material Baked clay

Size 22.5 centimetres (8.9 in) x 10 centimetres (3.9 in) (maximum)

Writing Akkadian cuneiform script

Created About 539–530 BC

Period/culture Achaemenid Empire

Discovered Babylon, Mesopotamia by Hormuzd Rassam in March 1879

Present location Room 52 (previously 55), British Museum, London

Identification BM 90920

Registration 1880,0617.1941

Gift from Iran

Dar al-Athar al-IslamiyyahIn the 19th Cultural SeasonAs usual the DAI cultural season programme is one of the cardinal features of culture in Kuwait. The variety of activities presented is designed to draw attention to Kuwait and enticed many people in the Gulf come to Kuwait just to enjoy a lecture, or musical event, or a classic film, or an opening of a temporary exhibition – all free to the public. This season, like the previous ones, is full of interesting lectures, workshops, musical evenings, theatre and much more.

This year the Dar al- Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) introduced an evening at al-Maidan Cultural Centre (MCC) specifically for special art films. Tuesday evenings, at least once a month, have been set aside for “movie night”. The season opened with “When We Were Kings”, the story of the Ali vs Foreman rumble in the jungle. “The Fog of War”, featuring Robert McNamara’s take on the war in Vietnam and his role in it, was shown in November. Two films were screened in December: “The Cyclist”, the story of an Afghani immigrant family living in Iran, and “The Ambassador”, a documentary on corruption by Mads Brugger.

Another new feature is setting aside Sundays at al-Maidan Cultural Centre for the embassies in Kuwait to have as a venue to their events. So far this year, the Argentine Embassy has presented “Cuartetango”, a concert of tango music, and the Indian Embassy, an evening of traditional Indian music. The Italian Embassy shared Cesare Picco’s “Piano Calling” and the Polish Embassy offered “Musica Lingua Mundi”, featuring Valentina Baginska and a multi-national choir/

‘Baha’ to give their classes, allowing students to be surrounded with a vibrant artistic environment that promotes both education and entertainment.

The lecture series, which in the past, attracted the most prominent scholars, thinkers and artists, continues with outstanding scholars from best museums in Europe, USA, Asia and Arab institutions participating. Dr Ziad Rajab opened the season, giving the Tareq Rajab Museum Lecture on “Treasures from the Islamic World in the Tareq Rajab Museum” on 23 September 2013.

This was followed by a series of Arabic lectures, the first on 30 September, on the history of Mallorca as recorded by Ibn Amira El-Makhzoumi, was given by Dr Nicolás Roser Nebot. A second Arabic lecture, by journalist Slimane Zeghidour on “Islam: An Ancient Religion in Europe” got October off to a good start on the 7th. The final Arabic lecture of the quarter was given on 21 October by Dr Maha al-Sinan on 1,000 years of art in the Arabian Peninsula. Dr Anna

The education team is more active than ever this season. The Children’s Art Workshop programme has activities for children ages 6 – 12 almost every Saturday morning. The docent programme has expanded, with training offered in Arabic and English. This fall, 9 docent candidates completed the English training and 5 finished the first Arabic training. For those interested, training in both languages will be offered again in March.

Sunday morning at the Amricani Cultural Centre (ACC) is another new feature of the 19th Season. This is a forum for government school teachers to use the

Bennett’s lecture “The Sevso is a Fantastic Treasure” shared the finest collection of ancient Roman silver ever found with the DAI audience on 28 October.

“Sufi Romances of the Deccan: The Illustrated Tradition of the Gulshan-I Ishq (Flower Garden of Love), was the topic of Dr Navina Najat Haider’s lecture on 4 November. 11 November was dedicated to theatre, with Nassar al-Nassar’s production of “Wasmiyah”, a love story in the past and present, taking the al-Maidan stage. In an English lecture on 25 November, local

architect Dr Asseel al-Ragam addressed “The Myth of Al-Sawaber”, challenging the many misperceptions surrounding the status of this housing complex today.

December started with a lecture by Professor Alastair Northedge on “Samarra, the Abbasid Capital City” on the 2nd. From old Iraq, Dr Joachim Gierlichs took the audience to south-eastern Anatolia in his 9 December lecture, “A Victory Monument in the Name of Sultan Malik Shah in Diyarbakir: Medieval figural reliefs used for political propaganda?” The year closed out

with two Arabic lectures. On 16 December, Dr Fahad al-Mutairi spoke about the miracle of man’s greatest achievement: language. Then, on 23 December Saud Sulaiman al-Sanousi, winner of the 2013 International Prize for Arabic Fiction for “The Bamboo Stick”, gave the final lecture of 2013, sharing his story with the audience.

When it’s not “movie night” at al-Maidan, Tuesday nights are busy at the Amricani Cultural Centre (ACC). The DAI Forum is back with a variety of activities. The Forum season opened with a lecture on ancient carpets by noted scholar (and author of two books on carpets in The al-Sabah Collection) Friedrich Spuhler on 24 September. “Poetry Night” in November introduced the audience to the verses of Kuwaiti poet Dr Fatima al-Matar. “Library Night” on 8 October and “Explore Amricani Night: Verses from the Holy Qur’an on Works of Art” on 10 December gave participants the opportunity to discover special aspects of the ACC. Finally, interactive workshops on CPR (29 October), jewellery making (26 November) and crocheting (24 December) encouraged participants to try their hands at a new skill or refresh their memory of something they’d learned in the past.

Wednesday at al-Maidan has become associated with the best of Kuwait traditional music as well as introducing new local talents in classical repertoire. The DAI Music Circle changed its name this season, becoming the DAI Music Diwaniya. It was founded by enthusiastic volunteers to organise Wednesday evening with fascinating recitals. In the first four months, the audience has enjoyed the Bin Hussein Band performing Kuwait sea songs, Jason Carter performing music from Afghanistan and Kuwait on

his harp guitar, Spanish guitarist Antonio Rey (with support from the Embassy of Spain), Iranian music from the Iranian women’s band Naghmeh, the music of Mohamed Abdel Wahab presented by Dr Ayman Tyseer, the Sound of Horns, classical compositions performed on the piano by Renara Akhoundova, a “Clarinet Soiree” with The Academic Clarinet Quartet, a night of traditional Arab music, another featuring the music of Yemen, then Egypt, and finally, Maja and Dan: Music from Hijaz.

Finally, once a month Saturday afternoons attracted families to the Amricani Cultural Centre for special

“Family Day at ACC” activities. On 26 October “The Art of Colour” was the focus with families finding specified colours in the various exhibitions before creating their own edible colour wheel. In November, families explored the “Splendors of the Ancient East: Treasures from The al-Sabah Collection” exhibition on a very special treasure hunt held on the 23rd. Modern art was the subject of 28 December’s Family Day, with families making and decorating kites presenting a modern look at any object on display in the ACC.

All that has been mentioned above was not possible without a library that supports the research and study of the collection, therefore, this year our programme has two days, for lovers of antiquarian books to enjoy learning more about them.

This is an excerpt from a really interesting account of the DAI trip to Sicily. The full report – with more photos - can be found on our website, www.darmuseum.org.kw

The day after our arrival in Palermo, after a healthy breakfast at the veranda of our superb hotel Villa Igiea, our journey started by discovering historical monuments set in the heart of this capital of Sicily. The location of this island within the Mediterranean Sea has always attracted a string of foreign domination. Palermo became the capital of the Arab emirate before going back to Roger I, a Norman King, in 1091. By then, the triumph over past powers was represented physically by the creation of lavish churches and forts. The aim of our trip was to look at different types of monuments, spread along the island, carrying evidence of an influence of Islamic art adopted in Norman arts.

Before reaching the destinations of the day, we were given information about previous civilisations: Greek, Roman, Barbarian, Byzantine and Arab, followed by the latest - the Normans. The plan was to look at medieval Sicilian art and learn about the empire led by Roger I. We discovered that as a ruler, he was said to be surrounded with Arab architects and scholars, like El Idrissi and he spoke fluent Arabic.

One of our first stops was an imposing Cathedral with an enormous façade which carries a ‘waoh’ factor. Beneath the porch on the left, a column from the earlier mosque carries a passage from the Qur’an. Built on the former mosque ground, the location has been also an imperial burial ground in the crypt with coffins for many famous kings and queens, all impressive to see.

The next visit was to the Piazza della Vittoria to discover the imposing Cappella Palatina Basilica, built in 1130. From we were stood, the complex architectural features reflected Norman and Arab skills: rounded arch windows, reminded us of an architectural feature which in the past was used to keep the heat at bay during the hot season, a technique used by those who came from sunny countries. We were led to understand the meaning of religious images painted on the apse and the cupola embellished with Greek writings, amazing illustrations covered and glowing byzantine mosaics. Pointed and round arches resting on standing granite columns and a ceiling of the central section of the nave, made of carved wooden coffers, also called Fatimid stalactite, the latter an Arab technique, popular in Spain, identified as ‘muquarnas’ in Arabic.

We then were driven to the Porta Nuova Gate. There our guide pointed out the symbols of an arch, built in 1583 to celebrate Charles V victory over the Ottomans. After, we visited the Norman palace, Palazzo dei Normani, built in 1140 for Roger II, impressive by its austere appearance.

After a refreshing lunch at the local Gaggini restaurant, built under medieval arches, we were ‘fed’ with several facts given by two lecturers, before heading to the San Cataldo church. Outside this religious monument, we were invited to a side door of an ancient mosque, which excavations showed only ruins, later covered by a church.

We took the road briefly to discover Saint Giovanni deli Emeriti, an important monument nestled next to a fresh looking green garden. Founded by Roger I, we were first given historical facts by two historians. Built by Arab and Norman craftsmen, the most striking feature was the unusual five red domes resting on a cubic form of a stern looking church. Inside, the nave, composed of a large room with three apses in the presbytery, rests on six columns. We notice up a wall, an Arabic writing still protected today.

When later we were taken to the San Giovani del Lebbrosi, we noticed a striking resemblance (except for the colour) with the tower bell covered by a dome of the same Arab-Norman style. We were also told about the discovery of remains of the Saracen Yahia fortress.

We reached the 12th century Monreale Cathedral ready to listen to its historical details. This place of worship represents the pinnacle of a co-existence

between Arab-Norman artists. The impressive display of artwork amazed us for its quality and shine.

Later we entered the spacious cloister, built in the 12th century, which resembled the North African style, with that open courtyard attached to a prayer hall of a Mosque. Before leaving, we were shown outside some foundations which were being excavated, providing possible evidence of traditional bath - Hammam on a Norman floor.

On Sunday the roads were quieter and our driver Grazzia took us to the Castello Favara, along the Sicilian coastline. As we were driving, Grazzia pointed out the façade of St Domingo church, built during the Fatimid period, called ‘genourdo’, a word taken from djenna in Arabic meaning paradise.

We reached the Favara Palace, which belong to the Chiaramonte family. A group of cheerful school children gave us an inside view of the architecture.

Fadeela Bird:Discovering Islamic Arts in Sicily: 18 – 27 April 2013

Built by Djaffar around 937, in Kalbit style, it was later altered when the Norman took over the country. Christina, a young supporter, added that in recent years the location was used for producing sugar cane. Some pottery was discovered and compared to that created in Sousse, Tunisia. Another new friend, Lucia explained the use of the apse. On the way out, we stopped at the two stalls of handicrafts made locally.

We continue to la Zisa, Arabic for the beloved palace, built between 1165 and 1167. This valuable building was located outside of Palermo, in what is today appeared to be a poor area of the city. Thanks to the authorities and those volunteers who value such construction, the palace was restored after its collapse in the 1970-80. We were privileged to be taken to such an unusual location and appreciated the determined

efforts of local authorities to preserve it. La Cuba, the next palace visited, was also built in a Fatimid/Norman style, looking like a rather plain palace for William II.

An early breakfast on the hotel terrace, in the middle of the garden facing the bay of Palermo, was an exquisite way for us to get connected to our next expedition. We were driven along the motorway to the hamlet of Cefala. The thermal bath of Cefala, was mentioned by El Idrissi, a famous geographer working for Roger II. The Hammam appeared to be like an ordinary plain single storey house which has been renovated, thanks to volunteers. A local historian gave us insight into this health sanctuary, often forgotten by foreign visitors. Built before the 7th century, it is the only original Arab bath house surviving example in the island. Outside, one of our companion pointed out a fainted inscriptions in Arabic, on a portion of a marble slab, as saying : ….Of our Lord Emir, two admirable baths.’’ . The road back was again illustrated by a splendid view of the Mediterranean Sea.

After a long drive we reached the top of a village called Caccamo, blessed with an impressive 12th century old Arabo-Norman fort, visible for miles. Strategically built at the highest point of the village, no wonder it survived invasions. As we climbed the narrow roads before reaching the steps to local houses, it felt like being in a Kasbah. This fine example of a twelve century Arab- Norman architecture is today used for conferences.

After visiting the fort, we lunched at a friendly local restaurant, savouring local pasta and fish of the season. We were invited to visit a private home by a local resident. The curiosity was one room partly built against the flank of the mountain!

Our arrival at the Castel Buono at Relais Santa Anastasia, our hotel for the evening, coincided with the evening meal, perfect timing for all of us. We sampled delicate roast veal with vegetables and a fine strawberry parfait. As one of our group said “in this place we are experiencing simple pleasures, surrounded by friendship in a beautiful surrounding with nil sophistication”.

The next day we were driven to the small town of Frazzaro, celebrated for its 11th century abbey built in early Norman style. Along the way we stopped at a village called San Marco d’Alunzio, to visit the Museum of Decorative Arts, created by Antonio Presti.

Next was Cefalu, a settlement originally created during the 9th century BCE, now celebrated for its Norman cathedral. From our coach, we walked along the streets, crossing the Arab Kasbah and dwellings built in that narrow fashion, before reaching the seafront. We stopped at a medieval fountain, recently restored, used for washing clothes until not long ago. Some of us headed to the famous Arab-Norman cathedral of Cefalu, built in 1131 under Roger II. After, we walked back along another street to our coach, stopping from time to time to see those interesting little shops selling Sicilian goods, dry almonds and fruits, pastas, and tee-shirts with the local logo.

We enjoyed our last dinner around the big table of our hotel. Again sampling some delightful special Sicilian dish, presented like a work of art. It was time to share our impressions and photos before heading to our rooms.

The next day we went to discover the Abbey of Convent di Fragala, on Madabya Mountain. Built six hundred and thirty meters up the mountain, between the 11th and 12th centuries, we were inspired by the will of a population who did not have modern technology to transport the heavy materials. We entered a spacious open courtyard, which had a resemblance to the early Islamic Sahn (courtyard), and were kindly welcomed with refreshments and local biscuits of the region. The Abbey‘s functions has always been popular to the villagers and it is recognised that early settlers from Arab lands taught the islanders how to improve the water system, agriculture, plants and how to collect rain water by using roof tiles in different ways. As lunch time approached, we were treated to a local lunch with kindness and respect for our customs.

We started our next day by discovering the historical town of Mazara, known for its fishing industry. We enter the town from the sea side, to look at the remains of a wall panel of an ancient mosque before heading to the main heart of the town. We walked along the streets with habitations still reflecting their original architecture. Nearby, we stopped at the imposing cathedral, crowned by a pediment on which figures of past rulers were crushed under the horse shoes of the Normans.

We entered the heart of the town, looking at the lively population, walking like us, along the main road in this sunny afternoon. We enjoyed the sight of modern shops, small buildings and the feeling of safety. We noticed other residents such as North Africans who came from neighbouring Tunisia, only 70 km away from Mazara.. The proximity of the sea side gave a friendly atmosphere to the town. At the time of our visit, families and youngsters were having an evening stroll, looking happy with their lives. We loved the modern look of the town centre, fashionable shops, bright display of clothing and those restaurants advertising their local food with their open terraces.

We enjoyed dinner time around tables at the hotel. This time we were invited to sample one of the national dishes: couscous, delicately presented with a piece of white fish. Being our last evening together, we all shared some of our recent experience. Marina, our guide and Grazzia, our driver, received a token of our gratitude for guiding us safely along the paths of past civilisations.

ICON

GMCC Corner:

DAI Education

Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah

Splendors of the Ancient East

Programme Off to a Good Start

Begins Accepting Applications

LNS 1653 MOffering-stand in the form of a Markhor goat supporting an elaborate superstructure Mesopotamia, Early Dynastic I, 2900 to 2700 BCE

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We’ve made kites and made animals talk; we’ve explored the art of colour and the art of comic books (creating our own Superheroes based on objects in the Splendors exhibition). And that’s in just two programmes, Children’s Art Workshop, which also investigated the importance of seals in security and identity and modern ‘conflict’ art from Syria at Dar al-Funoon, and Family Day at Amricani.

In addition, two new groups of docents completed the training and joined the DAI Docent team. More exciting, one of the groups completed the training in Arabic – the first time that’s been offered.

A new group of Junior Docents, the Class of 2015, also completed their docent training and two of the five introductions to museum specialities (conservation and museum-based education). By March they will be introduced to the three remaining specialities (curating, administration and exhibition presentation) and then begin intensive training in the speciality of their choice.

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From its elaborate corkscrew horns the animal can be identified as the Markhor goat that is found in Central Asia. It is firmly planted on a rectangular stand with a massive armature issuing from its back. Curling tufts of hair are prominent at the knees and two large dew-claws are rendered above each hoof. The eyes were originally inlaid, one retaining its shell inlay with a circular hollow for the pupil, probably of lapis lazuli. The forehead has a triangular shaped depression but the current shell and lapis lazuli inlays are modern replacements.

The object was made by the lost-wax casting process and is extraordinary not only in scale but in its complexity: the body, head and horns, candelabra, legs and base were each cast separately and then the body was cast onto the legs, head and candelabra. The animal’s body is a unique example of the use of an alloy of iron, arsenic and copper known as speiss over a core. Archaeologists working at Tepe Hissar in northern Iran analysed metallurgical slags of this rare material some years ago and suggested that finished objects might someday be found. The other parts of the stand are made from arsenical copper, the alloy commonly used for most early third millennium objects, and one can still see the copper pins that held the various sections in place during casting.

New this season, the education team is working with a local elementary school to develop programmes that can be included in the core curricula of designated grades and/or subjects. We are working with the kindergarten class at AUS and have completed a reading readiness integration that had the children creating stories based on characters found on objects in the “Splendors of the Ancient East: Antiquities in The al-Sabah Collection” exhibition. In the Spring we will implement a math-based programme for the same classroom.

The calendar is still full of activities, straight through to our last Family Day at Amricani on 31 May 2014. For information on all DAI education programme activities, please visit our website at www.darmuseum.org.kw

The Splendors of the Ancient East catalogue is a scholastic tour de force that is rich in knowledge, remaining accessible to the non-specialist while retaining scholarship. It is also a pleasure for the eye, as most of the collection

The Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah (DAI) is now accepting applications for the volunteer Junior Docent programme. Starting in September 2014, 12 hand selected students between the ages of 13 and 16 will begin a two-year Junior Docent programme, where they will learn about all aspects of museum administration, including conservation, acquisitions, collection management, museum management and communications, exhibition planning and execution, and museum-based education.

“Docents are already an important part of the Dar al-Atharal-Islamiyyah,” said NCCAL assistant under-secretary Abdulkareen al-Ghadban. “These highly trained and enthusiastic volunteer ambassadors are earning rave reviews from our visitors for their informative and inviting tours of Amricani exhibitions. The Junior Docents who started the programme in September 2012 are proving to be will be just as successful. So we are excited to be recruiting a second group that I am confident will be equally outstanding.”

The purpose of the DAI Junior Docent programme is to introduce students to professional opportunities in the museum world. Participants will study art history and observe/learn about six different museum-oriented

professional paths. Each participant will then select two paths and do a six month “residency” in each. At the conclusion of the programme, the students will work together to create, curate, execute and manage every aspect of an exhibition.

“What we hope to get from this, in addition to more wonderful docents, are the next generation of museum specialists. We want the kid who’s thinking about studying chemistry at university to think about being a museum conservationist. We want the one considering graphic design to look at museum applications for those talents,” said al-Ghadban. “In short, we want to grow our own replacements . . . that’s what I meant when I said we hope they’ll contribute even more.”

In order to be considered for a Junior Docent position, candidates must commit to two three-hour sessions every month from September 2014 – June 2016 (with short summer breaks built in). They must complete the application (available from info@darmuseum.org.kw) and have a letter of reference from a teacher. Applications are due at the DAI office in the Amricani Cultural Centre no later than 4 PM on 10 May 2014. The selection committee will notify all candidates of their decision by 1 June 2014.

The Junior Docents Class of 2014 has completed their training and is now busy preparing their exhibition, scheduled to open on 17 May at the International Museum Day celebration at the Amricani Cultural Centre. This poster-based exhibition requires the participants to plan every aspect of an exhibition, secure at least one object for it and prepare a poster detailing the look, feel and appeal of their exhibit.

Three of the authors, Sidney Goldstein, Trudy Kawami and Pieter Meyers, along with the catalogue’s editor and exhibition curator, Deborah Freeman were at the opening conference of the exhibition. For those who weren’t lucky enough to have attended that event, the catalogue brings a vast collection of pieces into a coherent narrative. Reading the articles included gives everyone the chance to read their monographs, “hear” their voices and more importantly, understand how they interpreted the object.In addition to Goldstein and Kawami, additional chapters were written by Martha Carter and Prudence Harper on Hellenism in the Arts and Late Antiquity respectively.

Pieter Meyers contributed a chapter on the Technical Examination of some Objects in Splendors of the Ancient East. In that chapter, as in the paper he presented at the conference, Meyers examines the objects forensically and metaphorically deconstructs them, revealing their structure, metallurgy and techniques of manufacture, not to mention the high degree of skill employed.

The book is welcome addition to any library; either as a distinguished companion to the exhibition or as a stand-alone volume. The catalogue covers a largearea and illuminates some lesser-known areas ofstudy about a geographical area that is of great importance.

is intrinsically beautiful on both the aesthetic value

as well as the way one is put in touch with ancient peoples. Many readers have noted that they can feel the communities that created the objects through these objects that they used, wore or personalised.