Workshop teaches children about Arabian ancestry
abu dhabi — An engaging and interactive master class for youngsters was held last week, as part of the Haj: Memories of a Journey exhibition, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC). The classes gave children the chance to explore some of the earliest navigational tools used by Muslims, who sailed annually to the Western Arabia.
Held under the Maritime Navigation section, the workshop has introduced the participants to the ancient art of celestial navigation, allowing them to explore one of the earliest navigational tools — the Astrolabe — that proved crucial for voyages like the Haj.
Sailors used these astrolabe tools to locate their position from anywhere on the ocean’s surface.
The diverse programme of workshops accompanying the Haj: Memories of a Journey exhibition was designed to engage a broad spectrum of ages — from as young as five years old. It introduces them to the rich Islamic civilisation as well as its abundant values that significantly influenced humanity as a whole.
Another workshop, titled the ‘Ancient Writing Tools: Feather and Ink-Making’ workshop, which began on Thursday will conclude tomorrow. It will explore early writing techniques; an essential tool to communicate the messages of the Holy Quran for widespread knowledge.
The workshop will invite children aged 12 years and above to create traditional writing feathers, and learn how to make an assortment of plant-based inks inspired by ancient traditions. The Haj: Memories of a Journey exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of the spiritual journey of Hajj to the Sacred House of God in Makkah, through the display of more than 182 artefacts on loan from a range of institutions, as well as donations of personal haj memorabilia.
The exhibition is organised by the SZGMC, on the 10th anniversary of the opening of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It will remain open to the public until March 19, 2018.
The SZGMC aims to invest in the nation’s youth, and enhance their artistic and academic skills by offering them the opportunity to experience the artisanship and artistic skills that developed across the centuries.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com