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Crossroads of Civilizations Museum to host acclaimed Kaaba Kiswah for another six months

The Crossroads of Civilizations Museum (CCM) in the UAE has signed an agreement with the Inlibris of Vienna, owners of the Kaaba Kiswah, to extend the hosting of the Kiswah in Dubai for the next six months.

The 471-year old Kaaba Kiswah is the oldest Kiswah that is known to exist and dates back to the year AH950 (1543/44 AD), and was designed by Ottoman Emperor Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566). This masterpiece is the only one of its kind that has undergone c14 radiocarbon dating testing at Tbingen University, the oldest German university specializing in history. It will be exhibited in the upcoming arts events in different parts of the Arabian Gulf region.

I am grateful to Inlibris, especially to its owner Mr. Hugo Weschrek, for their association with the Crossroads of Civilizations Museum and entrusting it with one of the most important Islamic artifact in the world," said Ahmed Obaid AlMansoori, founder of the CCM.

This masterpiece has added value to the CCM in Dubai by attracting a large number of visitors, some of whom have expressed interest in exploring the important historical era associated with the Kiswah, since this is the only artistic item designed by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the most powerful ruler of that period. Many artists were involved in the process of weaving it, he added.

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent was known as one of the most prominent patrons of the Islamic arts and literature at the prime of the Ottoman Empire. He commissioned the best weavers in Turkey at the time to weave this Kiswah using the finest fabrics and embroidered with gold and silver thread.

Describing the Kiswah, AlMansoori said, The masterpiece reflects the synergy between art, culture, religion, politics and power. You will find many artifacts and paintings from famous artists such as Da Vinci and Picasso. However, it is extremely rare to come across an extraordinary work of a king or a sultan who was a prominent monarch of his time, even in most famous institutions in the world.

AlMansoori expressed the hope that eventually the Kiswah will find its final home in the UAE, making it possible for many people from around the world to witness the beautiful work, which in turn will generate more visitor traffic to the country.

Pointing out that this is the first time that this Kiswah has left Vienna for such a long time, Mr. Hugo Weschrek said, The Crossroads of Civilizations Museum is the perfect platform to host the Kaaba Kiswah, considering that it is home to some of the oldest artifacts that reflect the magnificence of different cultures, civilizations and religions.

Mr. Weschrek said that by the end of November, the Inlibris will start its road show in the Arabian Peninsula and will be exhibited in the upcoming book fairs, he added.

The Crossroads of Civilizations Museum contains some of the most interesting archeological remnants that tell stories of various civilizations around the world, going back to prehistoric times and their contributions. The museum is located in Dubais Shindagha Heritage area in Bur Dubai, within the historic building that housed the residence of Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum.

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