Fascinating interfaith and intercultural conversations triggered by objects in the ‘So That You Might Know Each Other’ exhibition from the Vatican Ethnological Museums filled the traditional Emirati-style Majlis at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization (SMIC) on the evening of 27 April.

For the event – the first of its kind with regard to its context, setting and concept – participants from countries as far afield as Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, the Emirates, the UK and Germany first joined an exclusive tour of ‘So that you might know each other - the World of Islam from North Africa to China and Beyond’,  led by Dr Al-Khamis, the SMIC/ SMD Strategic Advisor for Islamic and Middle Eastern Arts and exhibition co-curator. During the tour, Dr Al-Khamis highlighted fascinating key objects from Africa to China that not only allowed links to be made between the past and present, but also between different cultures and religions across time and space. After the tour, participants came together over Arabic coffee and dates in the traditional Emirati-style majlis, set up within the exhibition space, to share their impressions about the exhibition and stories triggered by objects they had learned about.

Following the event, Dr. Al Khamis commented: ‘It was fascinating how the objects in the exhibition managed to trigger themes and topics that are still relevant in our lives today, many shared by all regardless of their cultural or religious background. It was wonderful to see how our visitors enjoyed sharing their stories with each other in a spirit of peace and friendship’.

Commenting on the success of the event, Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department said, “The overarching purpose of our partnership with the Vatican Ethnological Museum is to signal our commitment to intercultural and interfaith friendship and tolerance, while encouraging intercultural and interfaith dialogue of the kind that took place at the first Majlis event today. The warm atmosphere of the conversations inspired by the objects in the exhibition was a clear proof that art can bring people together across cultural and religious divides. It can make us all realize that what we share by far outweights the things that divide us.

‘So that you might know each other - the World of Islam from North Africa to China and Beyond’ runs at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation through 14 June and signifies Sharjah Museums Department’s contribution to the launch of Sharjah’s celebrations as the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014. The final Majlis events will be held on 24th May and 7th June at 5.30 pm. A ladies-only Majlis, presented in the same format, will be hosted on 10th May at SMIC.  All events will be held in English and Arabic. For more information about participation in the upcoming events, visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae.

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