PAINTINGS that illustrate life in 19th Century Palestine are depicted in an annual calendar, which is being sold to support a Bahraini museum dedicated to ancient Islamic texts.
The calendars, titled A Journey Through Palestine, have been issued by Beit Al Quran, Manama.
They feature artworks by famous Scottish artist David Roberts, who completed the sketches and etchings during his visit to the region between 1838 and 1840.
“He began sketching landscapes in Europe, but was later told to move to the east and create the great work that you see here in this calendar,” museum director Ashraf Al Ansari told the GDN.
Considered to be some of the artist’s most popular work, the coloured sketches featured in the calendar capture the essence of life in the holy land 180 years ago.
They include landmarks such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Jacob’s Well in Nablus and Church of Saint Joseph in Nazareth.
It is Beit Al Quran’s way of bringing attention to the Palestinian cause.
“We filtered all of his work to show only his work on Palestine,” said Mr Al Ansari.
“We chose this theme because we wanted people to remember this country still exists.
“They (Palestine) have a problem that still has not been solved.”
The illustrations come from the collection of Beit Al Quran founder Dr Abdullatif Jassim Kanoo.
“We do not make this calendar just to fill a void, but rather to fill it with culture which people can have in their own homes,” explained Mr Al Ansari.
Proceeds from sale of calendars will help fund programmes of Beit Al Quran, whose name means “Home of the Quran”.
It is celebrating its 28th anniversary next year, having been officially opened in 1990 by late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
“The support we get from organisations, the government, banks and so on is what keeps this place running,” revealed Mr Al Ansari.
“They support us through buying the calendar, which helps us continue our journey of spreading Islamic culture in our country.”
The museum showcases rare and ancient Quranic manuscripts and other Islamic items.
Two versions of the new calendar are available, a wall calendar and a desk calendar costing BD2 each.
New Year greeting cards will also be available, priced at 400 fils.
Contact Beit Al Quran on 17290101 to order a calendar.
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