In this heartfelt season finale of Hwar AlMadar, we're taken to Jeddah for the closing symposium of the Islamic Arts Biennale and are joined by curator Rizwan Ahmad and assistant curators Sarah Al Abdali and Dr Bilal Badat, who share their exceptional research on the Haramayn, exploring the artistic, historical, and spiritual significance of objects from the Muslim world. They delve into the process of curating these objects, the profound impact they have on viewers, and the diversity and sanctity associated with them. The episode also highlights the intricate Waqf tradition, the soulful journey of female representation in Islamic art, and their personal reflections on this monumental project. This emotional and insightful discussion offers a deeply spiritual lens through which to view the Islamic Arts Biennale and its lasting impact.

In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we dive into the deep history and cultural significance of Waqf – a traditional Islamic system for endowments – with special guests Raja Khalidi and Farah Abushullaih. Together, we discuss the roles of their respective institutions – the Khalidi Library and Ithra – in preserving Islamic heritage. The conversation explores the operational aspects of Waqf, the historical context of their collections, and the ongoing efforts to maintain and share Islamic cultural heritage with the world. The episode provides a rich narrative on the legacy of Islamic art, the impact of cultural preservation, and the unique challenges faced by custodians of these timeless treasures.

We discuss the Islamic Arts Biennale with curator Muhannad Shono and artists Charwei Tsai and Mehdi Moutashar. The panel dives into their experiences of integrating contemporary art into AlMadar, a core element of the biennale. The conversation explores the intersection of historic Islamic artifacts with contemporary artistic voices, highlighting the artists' personal journeys and creative processes. From Charwei Tsai's emotional connection to Jeddah, to Moutashar’s long-standing relationship with the city, each artist shares their unique perspective on contributing to this transformative exhibition. The episode provides a compelling look at how the biennale bridges historical narratives with modern interpretations, fostering a rich dialogue between past and present. في هذه الحلقة، سنتناقش مع القيّم الفني مهند شونو والفنانَين شاروي تساي ومهدي مطشر حول بينالي الفنون الإسلامية. سنتعمق خلال هذا الحوار في محاولاتهم لدمج أعمال الفن المعاصر ضمن المعروضات التاريخية في معرض المدار، أحد أهم أقسام البينالي. يستكشف الحوار التقاطعات بين التحف التاريخية الإسلامية وعدد من أبرز الأصوات المعاصر في عالم الفنون، مع تسليط الضوء على التجربة الشخصية والرحلة الفنية للفنانَين. بدءاً من ارتباط شاروي تساي العاطفي بمدينة جدة، ووصولاً إلى علاقة مطشر الطويلة بها، سيشارك كل فنان منظوره الفريد خلال مساهمته في هذا المعرض التحوّلي. تقدم هذه الحلقة نظرة فريدة حول الكيفية التي يربط بها البينالي بين السرديات التاريخية والتفسيرات الفنية المعاصرة لها، ليقدم بذلك حواراً ثرياً بين الماضي والحاضر

In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, Dr Huseyin Sen from the Qatar National Library talks about the significant contributions of Islamic science to the world. We delve into the library's important collection of Islamic scientific manuscripts and instruments, exploring the heritage of astronomy, map-making, and more. Dr Sen shares his personal journey in Arabic science, highlighting key figures and their impact on both historical and modern knowledge. We discuss the integration of Islamic science in the Islamic Arts Biennale as Dr Sen presents unique objects like the Moroccan astrolabe and the enigmatic qibla finder. The conversation emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the rich scientific history within Islamic civilization and its continued influence in contemporary times.

In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we delve into the intricate world of Islamic design. We are joined by Dr. Desmond Lazaro from The King’s Foundation at the School of Traditional Arts, and Dr. Mariam Rosser-Owen, the Middle East curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum. We discover the blend of form and function that characterizes Islamic design, learn about the rich history and methods behind these masterpieces, and explore the fascinating personal journeys of our guests into the realm of traditional and Islamic art. Whether you’re a student, art enthusiast, or history buff, this episode offers a deep dive into the artistic and cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

In this episode of Hwar AlMadar we engage in a rich dialogue with three experts from prominent European institutions that house Islamic art collections. Mina Moraitou of the Benaki Museum in Athens, Dr. Rasmus Bech Olsen from the David Collection in Copenhagen, and Elisabetta Raffo from the Bruschettini Foundation in Genoa discuss the significance of displaying Islamic art in European settings and the diverse histories these collections represent. They delve into the roots of their institutions' collections, the multifaceted connections between Islamic and European cultures, and the challenges and insights of showcasing this art to a modern audience. This episode also explores the collaborative efforts with the Islamic Arts Biennale, emphasizing the enduring relevance and beauty of Islamic art in today's world. في هذه الحلقة من حوار المدار، نغوص في نقاش ثري يجمع ثلاثة من المتخصصين من مؤسسات أوروبية مرموقة تحتضن مجموعات فنية إسلامية استثنائية. تشاركنا مينا مورايتو من متحف بيناكي في أثينا، والدكتور راسموس بيخ أولسن من مجموعة ديفيد في كوبنهاغن، وإليزابيتا رافو من مؤسسة بروسكيتيني للفن الإسلامي والآسيوي في جنوة، أفكارهم حول الفن الإسلامي في السياقات الأوروبية، وما تحمله هذه المجموعات من تاريخ متنوع وسرديات متعددةيتناول الحوار أصالة المجموعات، والروابط المعقدة بين الحضارات الإسلامية والأوروبية، والتحديات المعاصرة التي تواجه القائمين على عرض هذا الفن لجمهور اليوم. كما تُركز الحلقة على التعاون القائم مع بينالي الفنون الإسلامية، للكشف عن كيف لا تزال هذه الأعمال الفنية تحتفظ بأهميتها وجمالها في السياق العالمي المعاصر

في هذه الحلقة من بودكاست "حوار المدار" مع هلا أبوزيد، يناقش الخبيران الثقافيان الدكتور محمد جياكيتي والدكتور محمد القاضي من معهد أحمد بابا، والأستاذة أميرة حماية من متحف الفن الإسلامي بالقاهرة، أهمية الحفاظ على التراث والتبادل الثقافي. يستكشف الحوار أصول ومساهمات معهد أحمد بابا في مالي، وتاريخ وأهمية متحف الفن الإسلامي بالقاهرة، وجهودهما التعاونية في بينالي الفنون الإسلامية بجدة. كما يتطرق النقاش إلى الروابط التاريخية بين مراكز المعرفة الإسلامية من تمبكتو إلى القاهرة، بما في ذلك رحلة مانسا موسى الشهيرة وتأثير العصر الذهبي الإسلامي على حركة الفنون والعلوم

In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we welcome Captain Augusto Salgado from the Portuguese Maritime Museum, Lisbon (Museu de Marinha) and Dr Silke Ackermann from the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford. Together, they explore the intersections of Islamic science and art, emphasizing the shared contributions to global knowledge. Discover the rich history of the astrolabe, its cultural significance, and its lasting impact on modern technologies. This episode sheds light on the often-overlooked ties between civilizations and the continuous exchange of ideas that have shaped our world today.

In the first episode of Hwar AlMadar, the Director of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's Islamic Arts Biennale, Farida Alhusseini, alongside one of the three Artistic Directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale, Dr. Abdulrahman Azzam, and AlMadar Lead, Masa Al-Kutoubi discuss the vision of AlMadar. Meaning “The Orbit,” AlMadar is one of the seven unique components of the Islamic Arts Biennale that promotes collaboration and dialogue between institutions with significant collections of Islamic art around the world. Their conversation emphasizes collaboration among institutions, the importance of creativity and connectivity and the process of bringing diverse voices and collections together to create a transformative experience. They reflect on how historical and contemporary pieces are integrated, underscoring AlMadar's role in enriching cultural understanding and perpetuating Islamic civilizations’ legacy.

In this episode of the afikra podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with His Excellency Rakan Altouq – Vice Chair of the Diriyah Biennale Arts Foundation and Assistant Minister for Culture of Saudi Arabia – and Dr Julian Raby, one of the artistic directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale. Live from the historic Hajj terminal in Jeddah, they discuss the significance of this architectural marvel and its role as a fitting venue for the Biennale, aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of Islamic arts and culture. This edition, themed "وما بينهما," (AND ALL THAT IS IN BETWEEN), includes seven unique components that explore various aspects of Islamic art, from sacred texts and artifacts to contemporary installations. The conversation delves into the deep emotional and intellectual impact that the Biennale hopes to achieve, the inclusive and interdisciplinary approach adopted by the artistic directors, and the Biennale's resonance with both local and international visitors. The discussion emphasizes the Biennale's potential to reshape narratives, provoke new thoughts, and foster a sense of pride and identity among attendees.