The Benaki Museum displays over 12.000 pieces of Islamic art

2023-07-13 09:27:40

(MENAFN) The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, located in Athens' Old City, is a symbol of the cultural exchange that has taken place between Greece and the numerous aesthetic traditions of the Muslim world.

The museum has been displaying over 12,000 pieces of Islamic art since 2004.

From Spain and Sicily to Anatolia, Mesopotamia, as well as India, the displays feature pottery, jewelry, wood carvings, and processed glass from all over the world where Muslims have historically resided.

The majority of the collection was gathered by renowned Greek art collector Antonis Benakis, who eventually established the Benaki Museum, one of Athens' biggest and oldest museums.

The vibrant blue and turquoise colors decorating tiles and pottery from the Anatolian districts of Iznik and Kutahya enchant visitors.

A set of 17th-century tiles from Iznik, a region in modern-day Turkey renowned for its pottery, is one outstanding display.

These tiles show the Miraj, a one-night trip made by the prophet of Islam Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and the ascension of Muhammad into heaven.

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