November 18 is a date worth celebrating across Bahrain – here’s why.

When several mediums, countless cultures, and a span of over 1,400 years come together under the umbrella term of Islamic art, it’s worth preserving – and no one knows this better than HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities.

Last year, she was instrumental in UNESCO approving Bahrain’s proposal of designating November 18 as International Day of Islamic Art in order to recognise arts and crafts forms ranging from jewellery and textiles to ceramics, calligraphy, architecture, manuscripts, and more. The year 2020 marks the inaugural celebration of International Day of Islamic Art, both locally and internationally.

Referring to Islamic art as a real challenge to intolerance and racism, Shaikha Mai previously stated, “The importance of Islamic art stems from its symbolic representation of a mixed metamorphose between previous arts and modern ones, playing, thus, the role of a bridge that connects cultures and gathers peoples throughout time and space. Islamic art heritage is characterised by its vividness, immediacy, and dynamism, which is still practiced and invents in all corners of the Earth, from Spain to China. It is the art of human existence anywhere, anytime, produced by a professional artist in his private sphere, his school, and public spaces – not limited to a sect or social class.” She also confirmed that Bahrain will play a crucial role in the implementation of this day’s main objectives through an exceptional yearly celebration.

So what exactly does it entail? Here in town, Bahrain National Museum is leading the way, playing host to a pop-up exhibition showcasing artifacts and manuscripts from its Islamic Collection – some of which have never been seen before. Meanwhile, melophiles can enjoy a prerecorded concert of Arab-Andalusian music by Moroccan ensemble Layali Al-Nagham at Darseen Café on November 18. Elsewhere, a group of 12 Bahraini artists will come together to produce a calligraphy mural at leading gallery space Art Centre, which will be revealed at 4pm. A guided tour of the Al-Fadhel Minaret Exhibition, which details the minaret’s architectural and scientific restoration processes, will also be offer.

The celebrations will continue into the weekend as the museum will screen two documentaries, Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World (November 19) and Traces of the Soul (November 21) at Darseen Café. Bonus: the café has designed a special menu highlighting the diversity of the Islamic world’s cuisine for the occasion – it can be enjoyed during the screenings and throughout the month of November in general.✤

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