Marvel at the golden dome that marks our destination the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. Established in 2008 this museum is a treasure trove of Islamic culture. Before this grand museum existed the location was a souq. The building was once a traditional Middle Eastern indoor market. But in 2008 it was transformed to house more than 5000 artifacts.
Inside the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization seven thematic galleries await. Six galleries house permanent exhibitions. The seventh hosts temporary displays. These displays often collaborate with other museums.
Let’s step inside the Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith. Here you discover the history of Islam. The gallery introduces you to the Holy Quran. Learn about the five pillars of Islam. See rare historical Quran manuscripts. Models and photographs detail mosque architecture from around the world. The displays include monumental sections from the Kiswah. This cloth covers the Kaaba in Makkah.
Next we enter the Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology. This section showcases Islamic science. It highlights the contributions of Islamic scholars to global civilization. See three-dimensional models and audiovisuals. Information panels describe inventions and theories. Islamic scholars advanced astronomy and medicine. They also contributed to geography and architecture. Mathematics, chemistry, and engineering owe a debt to them.
Now let’s explore Islamic Art Gallery 1. Pottery metalwork and woodcarvings are on display. Also see manuscripts and textiles. These artifacts were made between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. This period saw Islamic culture expand. It stretched from the Arabian Peninsula to the Atlantic. Islamic powers absorbed Hellenistic and Persian cultures. A new style emerged. It emphasized Arab-Islamic scripts. Geometric and floral decoration became prominent.
Islamic Art Gallery 2 presents artworks from the 13th to 19th centuries AD. Objects from the Ottoman Safavid and Mughal eras are displayed. These empires shaped the Islamic world. The gallery shows global trade and economic growth. Artistic cultural and religious communities interacted.
Islamic Art Galleries 3 and 4 showcase arts crafts and weapons. These items date from the 19th and 20th centuries AD. This period saw European ideas influence Islamic traditions. Traditional markets faced competition. Cheap mass-produced goods arrived from the West. Local arts were made for tourists. Traditional weapons remained popular. They were used in parades and as gifts.
Don’t miss the Islamic Coins Display. This is located in the atrium outside the Al Majarrah Gallery. The museum has early Islamic coins. See Ummayads and Abbasid dirhams.
Look up to see the mosaic dome. It is decorated with zodiac signs. The Central Golden Dome is truly beautiful. Craig Bragdy Design in Wales created this mosaic. It is made of tiny ceramic pieces. Some contain 24-carat gold.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization offers many facilities. There are prayer rooms and a cafeteria. A souvenir shop offers mementos. The museum has parking restrooms and wheelchair access.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is more than a museum. It is a testament to Islamic achievements. Its galleries are filled with artifacts and stories. They illustrate Islamic culture and innovation. Take your time to explore each gallery. Discover the beauty and depth of Islamic civilization. The museum is open Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm. On Fridays it is open from 4 pm to 8 pm. A small entry fee grants you access to this cultural treasure.