Inside the Islamic Arts Biennale: A Mesmerizing Journey Through Faith and Culture

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A spectacular mix of art, religion, and history is taking place beneath the massive canopies of Jeddah's Western Hajj Terminal. The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025, titled And All That Is In Between, offers a unique immersive experience. This unique exhibition, which runs until May 25, showcases never-before-seen centuries-old treasures, modern art installations, and rare Islamic relics.

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AlBidayah: A Spiritual Beginning

The journey begins with AlBidayah, which means "The Beginning," a space created to capture the essence of a house of God. The air is filled with quiet recitations of Quranic passages, creating a very spiritual atmosphere.

But the real showstopper? The kiswah of the Ka’bah. The kiswah of the Ka'bah. Suspended elegantly against a white backdrop, this sacred drapery—usually reserved for pilgrims in Mecca—is now available for people of all faiths to admire. The contrast between the black silk kiswah and the white translucent walls is deliberate, reflecting the balance of majesty and purity, as noted by Dr. Julian Raby, one of the biennale's artistic directors.

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Other priceless artifacts in AlBidayah include:

• A historic Ka’bah key, dating back to the 13th century and beautifully inscribed with Quranic verses.
• A monumental Quran, showcasing the grandeur of Islamic calligraphy.
• A staircase (madraj) from Chepauk, India, adding a fascinating architectural dimension to the exhibit.

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AlMadar: A Celebration of Islamic Knowledge

Stepping into AlMadar, visitors are transported into a world of scientific marvels and intellectual achievements from the Islamic Golden Age. The gallery hosts:

• The world’s oldest known bronze astrolabe, possibly from Baghdad, used by medieval scholars for astronomical calculations.
• An Arabic translation of Conics, demonstrating how Islamic mathematicians preserved and expanded Greek knowledge.
• Cartographic gems, including the Map of the Nile River, on loan from the Vatican Apostolic Library—a rare gesture of cultural diplomacy.

This section demonstrates how Islamic academics transformed research and discoveries, influencing knowledge worldwide in fields ranging from astronomy to geometry.

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AlMuqtani Pavilion: Where Opulence Meets Warfare

The AlMuqtani pavilion achieves a captivating balance of luxury and strength.  On one side, the Al Thani Collection exhibits exquisite Mughal-era jewels, while the Furusiyya Art Foundation displays a stunning collection of Islamic arms and armor.

Among the highlights:

• A rosewater sprinkler encrusted with gems, straight from the Mughal treasury.
• The Cup of Jahangir, the earliest dated Mughal jade artifact.
• A fine silk robe from the Seljuk era, offering a glimpse into medieval fashion.
• Islamic daggers, swords, and shields, including rarely-seen Mamluk metalwork.

Curated by Dr. Amin Jaffer, this section is a testament to both artistic brilliance and military craftsmanship across Islamic civilizations.

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Contemporary Art: Bridging the Past and Present

The Islamic Arts Biennale is not just about history; it is also about the present. The contemporary art section, curated by Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, showcases innovative works that reflect modern interpretations of Islamic themes.

Standout works include:

• "Sleepers of the Cave" by Pakistani artists Iqra Tanveer and Ehsan Ul Haq, inspired by a Quranic parable.
• "Min Rukam" by Indian artist Asim Wasiq, an interactive bamboo installation symbolizing cultural exchange.

By combining ancient relics with contemporary art, the biennale promotes a conversation between tradition and modernity, appealing to people of all ages.

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Why Jeddah? The Perfect Backdrop for This Spectacle

As the gateway to Mecca and Medina, Jeddah is not just a spiritual center, but also a burgeoning cultural metropolis.  Hosting the Islamic Arts Biennale here demonstrates Saudi Arabia's rising prominence in the global arts scene.

From the stunning canopies of the Hajj Terminal to the world-class curation, this biennale is an unmissable experience for anyone fascinated by Islamic heritage, creativity, and innovation.

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Plan Your Visit

• Location: Western Hajj Terminal, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
• Dates: Open until May 25, 2025
• Entry: Open to all visitors

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Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition if you're in Saudi Arabia.  The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 is likely to leave you in wonder, regardless of whether you are drawn to the spiritual atmosphere, artistic talent, or historical artifacts.

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