Exhibition Celebrates History of Islam’s Second Holiest City of Medina

THE ART NEWSPAPER
By Garry Shaw

A visitor views a calligraphic work by Arwa Al-Neimy in Madinah

SAUDIA ARABIA---To celebrate the end of Medina’s year as Islamic Capital of Culture in 2013, the British Museum has helped organise an exhibition in the Saudi Arabian city that opened earlier this month. Since non-Muslims are not allowed to visit Medina, the show is held at the Meridian Hotel Complex, outside the forbidden zone. “Words and Illuminations” (until 9 May), is divided broadly into two parts, one showing contemporary Arabic calligraphy and the other historic photography. Medina is Islam’s second holiest city after Mecca, the second most important pilgrimage destination, and the burial site of the Prophet Mohammed. [link]