Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale

Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
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Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 February 2023
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Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale

Uzbekistan unveils never before seen Quran pages at the Islamic Arts Biennale
  • Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale

JEDDAH: The darkened hall at gallery 5 at the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Hajj terminal in Jeddah offers visitors plenty of ambiance to see the artifacts from a dozen respected institutions. One highlight is by the Republic of Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, roughly a six-hour flight away.

Visitors will have an opportunity to witness the treasure trove of Uzbekistan artifacts brought in for the first time at the first ever Islamic Arts Biennale.

The Uzbek team carved out a beautiful and integral part within the Islamic Arts Biennale by showcasing 17 ethnography and textiles of the Islamic period. The collections on display came in from the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, the Samarkand Museum-Reserve, as well as the original book “Al-Jami as-Sahib” by Imam al Bukhari. But most of all, the true gems were two legible pages of one of the oldest Uzbek Qurans. They make their world premiere at the Islamic Arts Biennale.

Soft spoken, eloquent and elegant, Gayane Umerova, the executive director of the Art and Culture Development Foundation under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has eyes glistening as bright as the golden threads in the garments on display.

The Katta Langar Quran from the eight century is one of the oldest manuscripts in the Islamic World and is named after an Uzbek village. The Quran has a significant place in this exposition, as 13 pages were restored recently in cooperation from specialists of the Louvre Museum in Paris. At the Islamic Arts Biennale, four of those pages will be showcased, two of which will be seen by the public for the very first time ever.

“It's the first time I would say those pages are shown outside of Uzbekistan. It was kept in quite bad shape before it was restored—it was really kept not as an object to be shown at art institutions, it was more used as an object of research,” Umerova told Arab News.

“For us it was a great success what we did in Paris but also was very privileged to bring it here to Saudi, as we consider it the cradle of Islamic culture. It was very important for us also to have our own kind of saying in this exhibition,” she told us.

“It took us four years. We signed all the papers with the French colleagues in 2018. And then we started working for two years, but then it was a pandemic,” she said.

The pandemic served as a blessing in disguise as the restoration stage was forced to be temporarily halted. This allowed the pages to be pressed for nearly a year longer than planned since nobody was allowed near the facility which housed the delicate pages.

At the Islamic Arts Biennale, those pages were among the first pieces to be inserted into the Biennale upon arrival to hot and humid Jeddah, as it was fragile and needed to be installed in the climate and light controlled clear box.

The 17 chosen objects of ethnography and textile will represent the Islamic period in the arts and crafts of Uzbekistan. In addition to the Katta Langar Quran, ceramic jugs and mugs from Samarkand and Afrasiyab of the 10th-12th centuries and a selection of flamboyant menswear, boots and other unique artifacts are on display.

“The Biennale of Islamic Art is an important international event that gives the platform to showcase projects centered around Islamic culture. Uzbekistan has a rich and complex history, a big part of which is deeply connected to the traditions of Islam. We are presenting a selection of various objects that will serve to promote these vital traditions globally,” Umerova said.

The curatorial team of the Biennale of Islamic Art in Jeddah includes experts from Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US and South Africa.

“It was very important to show different angles of the culture. From the oldest piece that we bring, the Quran, to the youngest, the men’s garments because it's considered to be 19th century,” she said.

“We really tried to not to forget about our kind of Islamic heritage because we are a secular state, but we're very close to the Islamic culture,” Umerova said.

Many in Hejaz have Uzbek roots and this offers them a glimpse to see something authentic from their origins.

“There is not so many events in the world happenings where we can feel brotherhood or sisterhood, you know, in a way. And I think this is a great cultural event,” Umerova conducted.

She appreciated how this Islamic Arts Biennale combined contemporary art because that style can be transformative and engage visitors. She hopes to continue to connect with the organizers and said she extended a formal invite to the organizing foundations to join her in Uzbekistan in 2024.

Umerova has been invested and connected to this sphere for decades. She started her career as a senior curator at the Art Gallery of Uzbekistan in 2008. In 2012, she joined Sotheby’s as research assistant at the Russian department. In 2013, she was awarded a prize for the Artists’ Union of CIS countries art confederation for “Observations of the Unseen World” project discovering Islamic ornamental system in art of Central Asia. She worked for Christie’s for one year ending in 2015 before being appointed as deputy executive director of the Art and Culture Development Foundation. In 2020, she was promoted to her current positions and has initiated ambitious projects for the foundation abroad and in Uzbekistan. In 2011 she curated the 6th Tashkent International Biennale of Contemporary Arts in Uzbekistan. She is also the secretary general of the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Arts Biennale hopes to connect “the past, present, and future” by showcasing a vibrant display of Islamic artistry.

The biennale will be held on the territory of the Hajj Terminal. An additional 70,000 square meter space will also be created for the biennale, to host exhibition areas, a theater, a mosque, workshops, shops and restaurants.

Created under the decree of the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Art and Culture Development Foundation, under the cabinet of ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan was founded in 2017. Its aim is to foster international cooperation and promotes the culture of Uzbekistan on the international stage. It initiated the exhibit found at the Gallery 5, called AlMadar. The area aims to engage with international and local institutions, showcasing tangible and intangible traditions of the Islamic World. In collaboration with various stakeholders, AlMadar aspires to become a global network for thought-provoking dialogue, exchange of practices and innovative research. The Uzbek program includes public talks, music performances and workshops that bring the cultural heritage of the Islamic period of Uzbekistan to life. Also a screening of the 1924 silent film ‘The Minaret of Death’ in addition to workshops in suzani, which is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made from countries such as Uzbekistan.

According to Umerova, the Islamic Arts Biennale is an important international event that allows for the showcasing of projects related to Islamic culture and an opportunity for Saudi visitors to be immersed in the theme. Uzbekistan has a rich and multifaceted history, most closely connected with Islam’s traditions, and the selection of exhibits presented by Uzbekistan is designed to interest the visitors at the Islamic Arts Biennale and Saudi community.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Art and Culture Development Foundation of the Republic of Uzbekistan said in a statement: “It is a great honor for us to present priceless exhibits from Uzbekistan at the Islamic Arts Biennale. An important task of the Foundation is to disseminate and demonstrate the rich heritage of our country to an international audience, as well as to establish strong international cooperation.”

Hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, The 17 objects will be on display until April 23 when the Islamic Arts Biennale concludes.

For further details, visit the official website and social media channels.


Saudi Film Confex opens in Riyadh

Saudi Film Confex opens in Riyadh
Updated 01 October 2023
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Saudi Film Confex opens in Riyadh

Saudi Film Confex opens in Riyadh
  • Experts discuss how industry can help boost national economy

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Confex opened on Sunday at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center.

The four-day event, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission, seeks to promote the social, cultural and economic value of cinema and brings together industry experts, executives and investors from around the world.

During a discussion titled “Film as a Catalyst for National Economic Growth: Aspects and Features,” the panel explored ways to extend the influence of the film industry on other economic sectors, such as tourism, entertainment, technology and innovation.

Jason Cloth, the founder of film and TV financing company Creative Wealth Media, said the movie industry underwent significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people increasingly turned to streaming platforms.

“The pandemic changed people’s viewing habits,” he said. “We see box office numbers dropping a bit and transactional numbers increasing quite a bit. The bigger issue with the studio releases is the budget sizes.”

If box office numbers failed to improve, it would be difficult to release some large-budget films, he said.

Tariq Bin Ammar, a Tunisian-French film producer and founder of Quinta Communications, was also on the panel.

“For Tunisia, I spent a billion dollars in foreign currency with never any local finance, because we knew we didn’t have the money,” he said.

“As for Saudi Arabia, it does not need foreign consultants anymore. With all due respect for our American and English friends, Saudi Arabia is capable, and in a very few years it will be totally independent.”

He added: “When Italian, French, English or American producers and directors make movies they make them for themselves, for their people.”

In contrast, Saudi Arabia produced films for both local and international audiences, he said.

Nabeel Koshak, CEO of Saudi Venture Capital Co., said: “I would say the filmmaking movement in Saudi Arabia definitely has funding as a crucial component of this ecosystem.”

Over the past five years, the government had provided $2 billion in funding for the industry, he said.


Netflix set to release new collection of Saudi short films

Netflix set to release new collection of Saudi short films
Updated 01 October 2023
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Netflix set to release new collection of Saudi short films

Netflix set to release new collection of Saudi short films
  • Offering includes productions shown at Red Sea International Film Festival

RIYADH: Netflix’s second volume of its “New Saudi Voices” film collection will be released on Friday.

The collection comprises 14 short films that featured at the Red Sea International Film Festival, including the winners of the 48-hour Filmmaking Challenge.

These include the dramas “Old Phone Number” by Ali Saeed and “Zabarjad” by Hussain Almutliq, which explore the themes of character growth while clinging to one’s past.

“Last Chance to Fall in Love” by award-winning writer Faisal Buhaishi follows the story of an old man reuniting with his first love after 50 years.

Movies from the fantasy genre include “A Swing” by Raneem and Dana Almohandes, which follows a 10-year-old girl’s journey through the woods to find a magical swing her father used to tell her about.

“Lucky You’re Mine” by Nora Abu Shusha reveals the unspoken challenges of married life, while “Tea Leaf” by Mohammed Baqer looks at the pain and regret that come with failed relationships.

Other films in the collection include “Requiem for Silence” by Majed Z. Samman, “Forward” by Fahad Alotaibi and “Othman” by Khaled Zeidan.

“The second volume is not just a collection of short films, it is a celebration of untold stories and a testament to the creative prowess of the emerging filmmakers,” said Nuha El-Tayeb, Netflix’s content director for Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

The films “transcend borders and allow viewers to experience the beauty and dynamism of Saudi culture. We believe great stories can come from anywhere and be loved by anyone,” she said.
 


Saudi Arabia celebrates International Coffee Day 

In Saudi Arabia, local coffee shops can be found in every neighborhood, catering to the high demand for the drink.
In Saudi Arabia, local coffee shops can be found in every neighborhood, catering to the high demand for the drink.
Updated 01 October 2023
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Saudi Arabia celebrates International Coffee Day 

In Saudi Arabia, local coffee shops can be found in every neighborhood, catering to the high demand for the drink.
  • The Saudi Coffee Festival 2023 provides visitors with a cultural experience showcasing the growth of the coffee industry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Oct. 1 is International Coffee Day, a celebration aimed at promoting awareness and support for coffee lovers and farmers, particularly highlighting the quality and passion behind this beloved beverage.

In Saudi Arabia, local coffee shops can be found in every neighborhood, catering to the high demand for the drink in all its variations, from V60 to traditional Saudi coffee.

Badr Khashogji, the owner of the local coffee shop Mariam, said that International Coffee Day was a special occasion to appreciate the cultural significance of coffee.

He said that it brought together coffee enthusiasts from around the world to acknowledge the importance of the beverage.

Khashogji said: “International Coffee Day offers a platform to showcase the rich history, diverse flavors and social impact of coffee. Whether you prefer an espresso, cappuccino or a simple black coffee, this day is a perfect opportunity to savor and celebrate the magical essence of coffee. So, grab your favorite mug, take a moment to indulge in the aroma and taste of coffee, and join the worldwide celebration of International Coffee Day.”

The Saudi Coffee Festival 2023, organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in Riyadh since Sept. 28, provides visitors with a cultural experience showcasing the growth of the coffee industry in Saudi Arabia. It highlights the beverage’s deep-rooted significance in Saudi culture as a symbol of hospitality, warmth and authentic traditions.

Mohammed Al-Amer, a Saudi coffee server, frequently travels worldwide with Saudi businesses hosting events to emphasize the significance of serving Saudi coffee on Saudi occasions.

“I travel to several countries, such as the UK, China, India and more, for work, and one of my responsibilities is serving Saudi coffee and dates to the guests,” Al-Amer told Arab News.

“Saudi coffee is an essential part of our tradition, and we have unique standards for making it.”

According to local farmer Ahmed Al-Malki, the techniques for cultivating and harvesting coffee have been passed down from generation to generation in Jazan for more than 800 years.

“The ancient tradition of transferring knowledge from one generation to another has preserved the legacy of Arabica coffee within our Kingdom. We deeply appreciate this knowledge and are committed to preserving its value as we strive to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in Arabica coffee production,” Al-Malki said.

On International Coffee Day, coffee companies in Saudi Arabia, including Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Urth Cafe, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin Donuts, Overdose and LEFT cafe, offered promotions to encourage coffee purchases. These included free coffee at select locations and discounts of up to 50 percent. LEFT cafe offered coffee for SR1.

Saudi Arabia, one of the top coffee-consuming countries, is focused on increasing coffee cultivation to achieve self-sufficiency and boost the domestic economy. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is working toward this goal in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

 

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Riyadh to host security, fire safety expo

Riyadh to host security, fire safety expo
Updated 01 October 2023
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Riyadh to host security, fire safety expo

Riyadh to host security, fire safety expo
  • Event will feature industry experts showcasing innovations in cybersecurity, fire safety, surveillance, emergency response

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s leading event for security, fire protection and safety will get underway on Tuesday in Riyadh.

The fifth edition of the Intersec Saudi Arabia 2023 International Exhibition will be staged at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Held over three days, the event will feature industry experts from 25 countries showcasing the latest products, services, and technology in cybersecurity, fire safety, surveillance, and emergency response.

Representatives from government agencies and organizations in the fire, emergency, security, and safety industry, will also be present.
 


‘Marvel Universe Live!’ brings ‘mind-blowing’ superhero show to Jeddah

‘Marvel Universe Live!’ brings ‘mind-blowing’ superhero show to Jeddah
Updated 01 October 2023
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‘Marvel Universe Live!’ brings ‘mind-blowing’ superhero show to Jeddah

‘Marvel Universe Live!’ brings ‘mind-blowing’ superhero show to Jeddah
  • Featuring all-star lineup of Marvel superheroes, the show’s tour manager gives insight into behind-the-scenes efforts

JEDDAH: Saudi fans of the Marvel superheroes will soon be able to see some of their favorite characters up close and in action in Jeddah.

As part of the Jeddah Events Calendar, “Marvel Universe Live!” shows are being staged until Oct. 20 at King Abdullah Sports City Hall, one of the stops on the production’s world tour.

Visitors can look forward to witnessing their favorite superheroes come to life on stage, accompanied by captivating audio effects and stunning visual displays.

The show boasts an all-star lineup of iconic characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Star-Lord, Rocket, Gamora and Groot. Audiences can enjoy an extraordinary spectacle as these mighty heroes showcase their remarkable powers and abilities, uniting in a heroic battle against formidable villains.

Adrian Baez, the tour manager for “Marvel Universe Live!,” spoke to Arab News and shared insights about the creation of this live-action experience featuring Marvel superheroes.

When asked about the inspiration behind the show, Baez said: “Seeing how much of an impact the Marvel characters have on people worldwide and the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in creating emotionally engaging storylines, Feld Entertainment wanted to take it a step further. We aimed to bring these beloved characters to life in an original, action-packed story that stays true to the comic books.

“Feld Entertainment is a leading producer of family entertainment and has a great relationship with the parent company of Disney. Taking on this endeavor just made sense so we can bring more entertainment opportunities to more audience members,” he added.

To ensure an authentic portrayal of the Marvel characters, Baez revealed the extensive training and preparation the performers undergo.

“The performer athletes go through an extensive training workshop where they become conditioned to perform various stunts such as stage combat fighting, swordsmanship, fire handling, and aerial work,” he explained.

“Additionally, they receive character development opportunities to personify the Marvel superheroes and villains that fans recognize from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, animated shows, and comic books. This year, we had rehearsals for a total of about 15 weeks. We had our initial rehearsals from April to July in the US and then continued our rehearsals at the beginning of September leading up to our grand re-opening in Jeddah.”

The production incorporates special effects, stunts, and choreography to create an immersive experience for the audience. Baez noted: “From the moment audiences enter the venue, we immerse them into the world of ‘Marvel Universe Live!’ Our goal is to transport guests and evoke their childhood memories. Everything featured in our production stays true to the character storylines, incorporating elements such as motorcycle riding, fire handling, aerial silk performance, lasers, and indoor pyrotechnics.”

Coordinating such a large-scale production comes with its challenges: “Staffing the management team and technical stagehands to relaunch this enormous production was a task. Fortunately, with the support of an amazing team, we have been able to tackle these challenges as they arise,” he added.

Baez further highlighted the magnitude of the production, with over 40 performers, 41 stagehands, and numerous equipment containers that require meticulous loading and unloading.

Speaking on his excitement about the opportunity to present the show in Saudi Arabia, Baez expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s vision in welcoming more entertainment opportunities. “We all have enjoyed our time thus far and have been overwhelmed by the hospitality and warm welcome that we have received. It has been a unique experience, especially visiting places like Old Jeddah,” he said.

Baez hopes that the audience takes away a sense of excitement and cherished memories from their “Marvel Universe Live!” experience.

“This show brings nostalgia and childhood memories back to the surface. I hope audiences appreciate seeing their favorite Marvel superheroes or villains live and in person,” he said.

Baez added that he hopes to hold similar shows in the Kingdom, considering the success of “Marvel Universe Live!” in Saudi Arabia.

“Feld Entertainment looks forward to bringing more productions here in the future,” he said.

Yousuf and Hamza, two enthusiastic young attendees of “Marvel Universe Live!,” could not contain their excitement after the show. Yousuf exclaimed: “Wow! It was like all my favorite superheroes came to life right before my eyes! The stunts and special effects were mind-blowing. I felt like I was part of the action!”

Hamza added: “I loved seeing Spider-Man swing through the air and Captain America’s epic shield throws. This show was the best thing ever! We want to see it again!”

Another thrilled attendee, Hanouf Fahad, shared her excitement: “Attending ‘Marvel Universe Live!’ was an absolute blast! The action-packed performances, stunning special effects, and incredible stunts made me feel like I was a part of the Marvel world. The smooth transitions during the show made it feel like I was watching an international and professional live production. Moreover, it brought back childhood memories.”

As “Marvel Universe Live!” continues to captivate Jeddah’s audiences until Oct. 20, this action-packed production promises an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Book your tickets through the Saudi Events app and share your experience using the hashtag #MarvelUniverseLive.