The UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo has partnered with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation and the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo to unveil two groundbreaking exhibitions. These exhibits provide an immersive journey through the rich history, culture, and architecture of the Islamic world, highlighting two interconnected themes.
The first exhibition, “Madinat Al-Zahra, The Shining City,” delves into the majestic city of Madinat al-Zahra. Built by the Umayyad Caliph Abdal-Rahman III in 940 CE near Córdoba, Spain, this UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the “Brilliant City,” showcases the caliph’s power, ideological aspirations, and artistic prowess. Named after Abd al-Rahman’s beloved Azahara, the city was both a political statement and a center of cultural and architectural innovation. Since 2016, a German-Spanish project led by renowned architect and archaeologist Felix Arnold has been uncovering new insights into the city’s construction, urban design, and the significance of its gardens and walls.
During the opening ceremony, Arnold emphasized Madinat al-Zahra’s crucial role in Islamic architectural heritage. The exhibition features original photographs and key findings from Arnold’s research, alongside two captivating photographic series: “Intimate Diary of Madinat al-Zahra,” which highlights iconic locations such as the Salón Rico and Casa Yafar, and a new collection by Rafael Carmona documenting the ongoing restoration of the Salón Rico.
The second exhibition, “UNESCO Historic Urban Islamic Landscape,” complements the first by exploring the material culture and architectural achievements of Islamic societies, particularly those represented in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This exhibition sheds light on the enduring impact of Islamic urban planning and features artifacts from the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo. Themes include the foundation of Fustat as the basis of Cairo city, the Capitals of Islamic Empires, Architecture, The Genius of the Muslim Engineer, and Urbanization in Islamic Cultures. Together, these exhibitions underscore the preservation of Islamic heritage and its profound influence on global architecture and urbanism.
By highlighting the connections between Madinat al-Zahra and other Islamic cities like Cairo, UNESCO and AECID offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the intertwined legacies of Islamic history and culture. Visitors are invited to experience these exhibitions, which provide a comprehensive view of the cultural and architectural contributions of Islamic societies from Córdoba to Cairo and beyond.
Reported by: UNESCO
