Tag: Muslim History

Islamic Sarghitmish Lamp Sets World Record as Most Expensive Glass Artifact, Selling for $6.5 Million at Bonhams

In a landmark moment for art history, a 14th-century Sarghitmish mosque lamp from Egypt has shattered records, fetching an extraordinary ยฃ5,130,400 ($6.56 million) at Bonhamsโ€™ Islamic and Indian Art Sale in London on November 12, 2024. The sale attracted intense competition both in the room and via phone bidders, solidifying the lamp’s status as the most expensive glass object ever sold at auction. Initially estimated at ยฃ600,000-1,000,000 ($785,000-1,300,000), the lamp’s final price far exceeded expectations.

State of Iranian Digital Art: Platform 101 Held the Largest Video Art Exhibition in Iran’s History

Platform 101, an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to nurturing and showcasing emerging digital artists in Iran, made a profound impact on the country’s digital art scene with its exhibition, Vol. 04: “Geometry of Creation: Analysis of Anti-Rhythmic Structures,” held at E1 Art Gallery. This groundbreaking event became the largest video art exhibition in Iranโ€™s history, featuring works from 44 artistsโ€”23 from Iran and 21 from abroadโ€”representing 12 countries. Curated by Mohammad Ali Famori, founder of Platform 101, and renowned art researcher Ramin Saeidian, the exhibition ran until October 11, 2024.

One of the Rarest and Most Important Islamic Glass Artifacts to Appear at Auction: Egyptโ€™s First Prime Minister Nubar Pashaโ€™s Ancient 14th-Century Sarghitmish Mosque Lamp

A rare and historically significant 14th-century Mamluk mosque lamp from Egypt, known as the Sarghitmish lamp, will be a highlight at Bonhams’ Islamic and Indian Art Sale on 12 November 2024. With an estimated value of ยฃ600,000-1,000,000, this exquisite piece of Islamic glassware boasts impeccable provenance, having been in the family of Egypt’s first Prime Minister, Nubar Pasha, for over a century. The lamp, commissioned by Emir Sarghitmish during the reign of Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad, is adorned with intricate enamel and gilded inscriptions, blending piety and politics in its design. Its rich exhibition history includes displays in some of Paris’ most prominent museums, making it one of the most important examples of medieval Islamic craftsmanship ever offered at auction.

The Art Of Peace: How Art Can Help Stop The War Between Israel and Palestine

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the worldโ€™s most enduring disputes, has left deep scars on communities on both sides. Yet, amidst the political turbulence and historical grievances, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of art. Human creativity has the remarkable ability to transcend borders, cultures, and political ideologies, offering a unique path toward understanding and reconciliation. Despite the presence of war, hatred, and violence, artistic expression provides a lens through which individuals from diverse backgrounds can peer into the lives and narratives of the ‘other,’ fostering empathy and breaking down stereotypes. Art serves as a catalyst for dialogue, encouraging conversations that are often difficult within the rigid frameworks of modern political discourse. By engaging with art, people are encouraged to see beyond surface-level differences and recognize the shared humanity that unites them, potentially paving the way for mutual respect and coexistence.