The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM)

Part 1

INFORMATION:

Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480, kuala Lumpurm Tel: (603)22742020

Email: info@iamm.org.my

http://www.iamm.org.my

The ascent of Islam, its rich history and magnificent civilizations has earned it prominence in the history of mankind. The treasures and cultures of these artisans have bestowed upon us an appreciation and understanding of Islamic arts and culture. The success of the World Islamic Civilization Festival held at the Islamic Center of Kuala Lumpur in 1994, saw the compelling need to establish a permanent center of learning and research to preserve its history, arts and cultural heritage. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) was officially opened on December 12, 1998 (23 syaaban 1419), as a gift to the people of Malaysia and the international community from the Albukhary Foundation, with the assistance of the Malaysian government and the Islamic Development of Malaysia (JAKIM).

IAMM is committed in its goal to be the Custodian, Restorer, Preserver and Educator of Islamic Arts. The museum is a non – profit organization committed to preserving these priceless works of art for future generations.

GALLERIES

The exhibition space of the Islamic Arts Museum differs from most museums as the galleries are housed in a vast open area. The elimination of spatial division permits uninterrupted movement from one exhibition space to the next, inspiring a sense of continuity embodied in the Islamic spirit. The IAMM has two floors of permanent galleries, and two special galleries for temporary exhibitions.

The permanent galleries are categorized by artifact material or field of statue. It is Located on level 3 of the IAMM some exceptions, the India Gallery, China Gallery and Malay World Gallery. These three galleries serve as representations of the diversity of Islamic peoples and the multi-cultural heritage ofMalaysia. Also located on level 3 are the Architecture Gallery, the Qur'ans & Manuscripts Gallery and the Ottoman Room – a reconstructed interior of an Ottoman Syrian room dated 1820 – 1821 AD, sponsored by Standard Chartered bank.

On level 4, the Ceramics & the Ceramics Glass Gallery, Metalwork Gallery, Woodwork Gallery, Arms & Armor Gallery, Jewelers Gallery, and Textiles Gallery; exhibits collections displayed thematically, according to chronology, region or technique of production.

ARCHITECTURE GALLERY

View of Architecture Gallery

The Architecture gallery of the IAMM houses a collection of scaled models of some of the most significant buildings such as; mosques, holy sites and mausoleums found throughout the Islamic world. The models are arranged in order of religious and historical significance; and according to geographical regions such as; theMiddle East, Central Asia, and South East Asia. The Architecture gallery also houses a special section known as "The Art of the Mosque”, which.

Displays fine examples of the most integral components of the interior of a mosque such as theMihrab; a niche indicating the direction of theQibla and theMimbar; an elevated chair or platform upon which theImama will be seated while delivering hiskhutbah (sermon). Also exhibited in this section is a copy of the Holy Qur'an (the Holiest Book in Islam), a Rehal (a lectern or Qur'an stand) and aSajadah (prayer mat).

Model of the Tengkera Mosque; Malacca, Malausia

18th century AD

Model of the Prophet's Mosque

Medina, Saudi Arabia; 622 AD

Model of the Dome of the Rock

Jerusalem; 7th century AD

GALLERY HIGHIGHTS

The Masjidil Haram has the most significant role than any other architectural site in the Islamic world because of its stature as Islam's holiest site. TheKa'abah is located within a vast inner courtyard of the Masjidil Haram and denotes the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims throughout the world. Annually, millions of devout Muslims from around the world make their pilgrimage toMecca during the month ofZulhijjah (the 12th month in Islamic calendar) and congregate in the Masjidil Haram in order to perform theirHajj.Within the mosque itself, there are several significant places such as theMaqamIbrahim(station of Ibrahim) which is situated in front of theKa'anah'sdoor. It is believed that this was the spot where the prophet Ibrahim s.a.w. stood while the Ka'abahwas erected. TheZam-Zam well is also located near theTawaf (circumambulate) area. Previously the two hills nearKa'bah known asSafa andMarwa were not part of the Masjidil Haram, but after extensive expansion

these rocky hills are now connected to the Holy Masjid through vast covered walkways.

Model of the Masjidil Haram inMecca

The Qur

'an and Manuscripts GalleryThe Quran and Manuscripts Gallery displays over 190 artefacts comprising secular and religious manuscripts from the 8th – 20th century, originating from various acountries throughout the Islamic world. The gallery highlights a variety of Arabic scripts such as;Kufi, Naskh, Thuluth, Muhaqqaq, Shekasteh Nataliq, Reqa', as well as the various stules of calligraphy; decoration; binding methodw and use of materials, which differ from region to region. Although exquisite volumes of handwritten Holy Qurans are given pride of place, this gallery also features a collection of manuscripts on religious studies; science; astrology and astronomy, as well as; Persian marriage certificates, Firmans (Royal decrees); official documents; and calligraphic tools. One of the oldest artifacts in display in the gallery is a handwritten Qur'an leaf in vellum, which dates back to the 8th-9thcentury AD.