History’s Mysteries
Globe Girl blogs
Dubai has always been known for its great shopping, but I loved the fact that from times long ago, it was a port and a hub for people of different ethnicities. I came just as much for the market as to watch the people from all over as they poured out their strange and curious trinkets in the souks.
Now I have a new reason to make this my favorite stop in the Middle East. Sharjah has a new use for its old souk. It has recently been upgraded to the first ever Islamic museum in the UAE. Daggers from Islamic battles to coins used in ancient trade, pottery that whispers of times long ago to parchment with history altering details. They are all to be found in the first of its kind museum that encapsulates Islamic history.
Pains have been taken to create miniature replicas of mosques, rare manuscripts of the earliest Qurans have been preserved here and many scientific displays have been made interactive. Now children and adults alike can learn about the rich cultural influence Islam has had upon Medicine, Geography, Trade, Architecture and Travel in our world.
I can’t think of a better makeover for this water front property. Now every time I visit I’ll be doing 2 things at once. Taking in history …. In a place that is now making history.
Have you been anywhere that made you think about how the world was shaped by events after Hijri? Where would you plan a trip to if you had to take a class on Islam?
Pictures courtesy of http://www.islamicmuseum.ae/
Ayesha Aleem said,
October 16, 2009 @ 9:53 am
I was very young when my parents took me on a trip to Turkey. Although I have no memory of the holiday, I’m sure I would have thought of the country’s role in the evolution of Islam. For a class trip while studying Islam, as controversial as it may sound, I would take a trip to Israel. In my opinion, many of our ill-feelings toward Jews is based on prejudice and ignorance. By briefly immersing ourselves in the epicenter of their world, we can begin to understand each other better and move toward distinguishing between politics and people. Also, Israel is strategically placed in proximity to Greece, Jordan, Syria and Iran, all of which would be rich destinations to explore in relation to Islam.
Inaya Yusof said,
October 23, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
I would love to travel to Spain to unearth the Islamic heritage there! Imagine, 800 years of Islamic presence! I am curious to know how Islam has influenced the art, architecture, food and the people of Spain, and I would like to experience that first hand!
amira said,
October 27, 2009 @ 9:33 am
it’s lovely to see such beautiful artifacts and feel like a part of our rich culture…
love the website!
amira said,
October 27, 2009 @ 9:34 am
i met a person yesterday from Turkey who was telling me about the mosques back home and how beautiful the architecture is…I’d love to see that.
the site is brilliant btw