On April 25 of this year, as part of the promotion of the «2023-2033 Development Concept of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions», the grand opening of the exhibition «The Beauty of the Primordial Art of Islam» took place at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The event was organized by the N.Nazarbayev Center for Development of Interfaith and Intercivilization Dialogue.
The exhibition presents 19 calligraphic works by Orynbasar Asylbek, the owner of the «izhaz» in calligraphy in Central Asia, a Kazakh calligrapher with unique knowledge and skills in the ancient field of art. His works have been exhibited in different countries of the world, and are now available to be presented to the Kazakh public.
The variety of the exhibition was replenished with items from the funds of the Central Mosque of Astana, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as collections of souvenirs, ethnographic dishes and jewelry representing the cultural heritage of the Kazakh people.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by the Chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan E. Nukezhanov, Acting Chairman of the Board of the N. Nazarbayev Center D. Yessenova, Deputy Chairman of the spiritual administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Naib Mufti E. Ongarov, representatives of the diplomatic departments of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Morocco, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan, as well as students of the L.N. Gumilev Eurasian National University and the Higher College of the Eurasian Humanitarian Institute.
«The exhibition serves as a reminder that interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange can be debeloped through the power of art. May this event encourage us to a deeper understanding and respect for different cultures and traditions», - E. Nukezhanov noted in his welcoming speech.
Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Kazakhstan Naib Mufti E.Ongarov stressed that «Islam and the traditions that our people have adhered to for more than a thousand years are the closest and most integral noble source. Our noble religion has long been intertwined with art and culture. In particular, calligraphy has a special place in architecture».
The exhibition project will be interesting not only for those who profess Islam, but also for those who are interested in and study history. «The interpenetration of cultures and traditions, the peaceful coexistence of different peoples makes our country unique and its experience valuable. Such values must be preserved and multiplied», said D. Yessenova, Acting Chairman of the Board of the N. Nazarbayev Center.
In general, taking into account the ongoing global challenges and recent events in the world, Kazakhstan continues to support and promote the ideas of peace, security and sustainable progress, actively participate in interreligious and intercultural dialogue, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, mutual respect and consensus in resolving issues. These principles and values are especially important today. In this regard, this event is a symbol of interreligious harmony, cultural dialogue and mutual enrichment.
For visitors, the exhibition «The Beauty of the Primordial Art of Islam» will last until May 25, 2024.
