Sacred objects meet contemporary art: 500+ Islamic pieces on display in Jeddah
A view of the second edition of the ‘Biennial of Islamic Arts’ organised by the Diriyah Biennial Foundation, established to support art and culture King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia on January 24, 2025. (AA Photo)
The Islamic Arts Biennale brings together over 500 historic objects and more than 20 contemporary artworks in Jeddah. The unique coverings from Mecca and Medina are being presented to international visitors for the first time as part of the biennale.
The city of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia has long been a hub for people from different colors, regions, and cultures, all coming together for the sacred pilgrimage. Especially for Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims from Africa, India, and Southeast Asia boarded ships, disembarking at the Jeddah Port on their way to Mecca. Today, people from all over the world also travel through Jeddah’s airport to reach these sacred cities.
Jeddah, a center of multiculturalism, is currently hosting a special biennale. The second Islamic Arts Biennale, organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, brings together unique objects from Islamic history and contemporary artworks.
Under the theme “And Everything Between Them,” the biennale showcases over 500 objects from more than 30 collections, as well as over 20 contemporary art pieces. Every object and artwork displayed reflects and experiences a different aspect of faith. The biennale is also part of the extraordinary transformation happening in Saudi Arabia.
The event gathers historic objects loaned from leading Islamic art institutions worldwide, ranging from Türkiye to Qatar, from Tunisia to Tashkent, and from Timbuktu to Yogyakarta. Among the objects loaned from Türkiye are various books from the Manuscripts Collection.
The Islamic Arts Biennale is composed of seven sections, spread across 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, including galleries and outdoor areas.
Kaaba covering exhibited for first time at biennale
One of the special features of the biennale is the presentation of sacred objects from Mecca and Medina outside of these cities for the first time. The full Kiswah (Kaaba covering) is displayed in the “AlBidayah” (beginning) section.
The black covering, which is renewed every year and distributed in pieces, has been kept intact for the first time last year and is now on display in Jeddah.
Glittering heritage
In the “AlMukarramah” section, historical objects related to the Kaaba, including rare old photographs and films from the Ottoman Empire, can be seen. The “AlMunawwarah” section reflects the radiant heritage of Madinah, with golden-embroidered silk coverings originating from Istanbul.
Ottomans’ deep love for Kaaba
In an interview with Türkiye Gazetesi, Rizwan Ahmad, one of the curators of the “AlMukarramah” and “AlMunawwarah” sections, stated, “Biennales offer a chance to look at works from a different perspective. Here, we aim to establish a connection between historical objects and artworks, and present the essence of what Islam represents to visitors. These historical artifacts are being exhibited outside of Mecca and Medina for the first time. This allows us to reach an international audience and help people understand the importance of these objects.”
Ahmad emphasized some of the most remarkable items on display, including coverings brought from the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) tomb. “These coverings were sent from Istanbul to Medina and have survived to this day. Made with golden embroidery on silk, these coverings were once in the Prophet’s chamber. They are incredibly important objects,” he said.
Ahmad also noted the numerous Ottoman objects on display, adding, “The Ottomans had a great love and respect for both Mecca and Medina. In nearly all of the objects displayed here, we see traces of the Ottoman rulers’ affection for the Hijaz. Some of the most significant developments in Mecca and Medina took place during the Ottoman period. However, there are also objects from many Muslim countries around the world.”
Art meets Kaaba
In the “Beginning” section of the biennale, objects sent from various parts of the world to the sacred sites of Hijaz are displayed. Bilal Badat, one of the curators, commented, “Some people from China, some from Istanbul, and others from North Africa wanted to connect with the Kaaba. They did this by sending objects to the holy sites. They saw art as a way to connect with the sacred.
Here, we have the most sacred and important examples of this. We see the Kaaba covering, a staircase sent from India, and many manuscript works. I believe what unites all these works is an incredible love for Allah and a deep devotion.”
He also noted that during the Ottoman period, the best calligraphers in the world were supported by the palace in Istanbul, and important examples can be found in the exhibition.
Black stone and contemporary art
The Islamic Arts Biennale features contemporary artworks by over 30 artists from different countries, with some works inspired by sacred texts, while others draw from sacred objects like the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone).
Of course, some provocative pieces also emerge! The biennale, managed by artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, will be open for visitors in Jeddah until May 25.
