Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Naeem Khan, right, and Pakistani Minister of Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Shah go through the exhibit's illustration book at Ana Ghair Mall in Jeddah, Tuesday evening. — SG photo Roberta Fedele and Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Princess Jawahar Bint Majed Bin Abdul Aziz and Syed Khursheed Shah, Pakistan's Minister of Religious Affairs, inaugurated a four-day Islamic arts and crafts exhibition under the theme Turathuna (Our Heritage) at Ana Ghair Mall in Jeddah Tuesday evening. The exhibition was attended by Saudi businessmen, diplomats, journalists and art lovers who came to admire the art of Islamic calligraphy, architecture, miniatures and furniture by 35 prominent artists from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the occasion, Shah appreciated the consulate's efforts promote cultural ties between the two countries. He stressed the need for holding such exhibitions frequently, pointing out that such events bring both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan closer. “We maintain close cultural affinity and as the two brotherly countries are linked by strong historical bonds,” he said. Ambassador of Pakistan Muhammad Naeem Khan and Consul General of Pakistan Abdul Salik Khan, who were present at the opening ceremony, explained the exhibition's main purpose, which is to showcase Pakistan's and Saudi Arabia's heritage on a common platform, strengthen cultural and business relations between the two countries and build a positive image of Islam among people of all faiths. The Pakistani consulate has organized the art exhibition, which will continue till Friday. The exhibition brings together vibrant and distinctive features of Islamic art. “Calligraphy art reached Pakistan through Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries, and Pakistan that today boasts of some of the finest calligraphy artists is doing its best to preserve and nurture this unique treasure. When pieces of art from Pakistani artists enter Saudi homes, they become means of nurturing and promoting the already strong ties between our two cultures. For the same reason, we would be more than happy to welcome Saudi artists in Pakistan to share their creativity with our people,” said Shah. Princess Jawahar appreciated and shared Shah's point of view and welcomed the Pakistani minister's suggestion to organize a similar exhibition in Pakistan. “I always feel a deep admiration for Muslim artists and feel honored today to promote the wonderful artworks of some of the most talented painters and artisans from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. I believe that the inspiring and charming works we are admiring today will not only find place in Saudi homes but also in their hearts. As concerns the minister's kind invitation to organize a second exhibition in Pakistan, I believe that Saudi artists would feel privileged to promote their art and Islamic heritage in a beautiful country that shares the same culture and faith,” said Princess Jawahar. Mazen Batterjee, Vice Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to the artists of both the countries to sit together and share knowledge of Islamic art and heritage. Internationally renowned Saudi calligrapher Mohammed Salim BaJunaid appreciated the artistic skills of Pakistani calligraphers and welcomed the holding of joint exhibitions by both Saudi and Pakistani artists periodically both in the Kingdom and Pakistan. Notables from Saudi society, diplomats, journalists and people belonging to various walks of life attended the opening of the exhibition in large numbers. They appreciated the skills of the Pakistani artists and also lauded the efforts of the Pakistani mission for highlighting the softer image of Pakistan. Ambassador Khan stressed the positive and more economic implications of sponsoring this kind of joint exhibitions. “Among the calligraphy artworks and various handicrafts we are presenting here include unique jewelry, ornaments and wooden furniture produced in Pakistan. Our purpose is to promote our products and culture in Saudi Arabia by establishing closer ties. For this reason, I'm happy to witness that many Saudi businessmen are visiting the exhibition,” he said. “Let me also say that the Saudi Minister of Commerce and Industry Tawfiq Al-Rabiah will visit Pakistan between Sept. 25-27 to take part in a conference in Islamabad. At the conference, we are planning to organize a joint business commission meeting, allowing Saudi and Pakistani businessmen to find business opportunities,” he added. The exhibition's curator and director of Visual Arts at the National Arts Gallery in Islamabad Mussarrat Nahid Imam was present with 12 Pakistani Artists who exhibited their works: Abdul Razzaq, Ajab Khan, Mussarrat Qudoos, Seemi Mirza, Sumaira Amin, Kausar Iqbal, Syed Najam ul Hassan Kazmi, Bukhsh Elahi, Muhammad Akram, Mehboob Ali, Muhammad Saleem and Rameez Imran. Works of Shafiq-uz-Zaman, the calligrapher to the Prophet's Mosque, and Muhammad Asghar Ali, who won the recently-held calligraphy contest in the Kingdom, are also on display.
