Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched a new cultural exhibition.
The Coins of Islam: History Revealed explores the history of Islamic nations and showcases historical relics from the region.
Aiming to enrich awareness about heritage and cultural legacy, the exhibition will educate visitors about the flourishing of early Islam.
When you visit you can see a collection of 300 pieces from a range of civilisations in the region, tracing the historical evolution of Islam with supporting documentation and historical backgrounds around each coin.
The earliest piece in the collection dates back to 350BCE during the time of Alexander the Great and the most modern is from 2004, which depicts the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the UAE’s founding father.
Pieces are also on display from the Russian empire from 1766, nineteenth century Morocco and coins from the Roman Empire dating back to 117AD.
Many of the coins on display document many great women who made significant contributions to Islam throughout the ages with a dedicated section outlining their social and cultural contributions.
Showcasing Islamic art and culture, the exhibition also aims to establish more cross-cultural dialogue and promote the UAE’s values of tolerance.
“Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is dedicated to fulfilling its civilizing and Cultural role,” says HE Dr. Youssef Al-Obaidli, director general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. “It aims to promote the gains and achievements of the Islamic culture on a broader scale through organising many cultural programs throughout the year, including exhibitions like this, that provide those interested in history with access to a rare collection of 300 coins displayed throughout the exhibition’s six sections.
“These coins originate from all across the Arabian Gulf and North Africa, and they serve as a unique and invaluable source of documentation that narrates the history of coins, based on the timeline of minting across various civilizations and eras, while also highlighting the commonalities amongst various cultures.”
The exhibition will help build cultural connections and educate people about the virtues and history of Islam with more than six million people visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque every year.
Each person who visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before the end of April will have the opportunity to explore the collection as part of the experience.
Free. Until Apr 28. Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 4.30pm-10pm. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre www.szgmc.gov.ae.
