36 August 2012 BTM happeningsartsculture The Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre is back again with their 29th annual Eid event that celebrates breaking barriers and building bridges. The Open House was first started in 1998 to help promote a better understanding between Muslims and people of other faiths. Gaining popularity in recent years, the concept has become a major tourist attraction for the Grand Mosque in Juffair, as well as offering local expatriates a day of family fun. “There are a lot of non-Muslims living and visiting Bahrain; our programmes are a means to have them experience Arabic and Islamic culture, traditions and hospitality,” says Najmah Muhammed, administrative coordinator at the centre. Eid is a three-day festival of the end of the Ramadan month, and this year’s event has a series of activities to get everyone celebrating. Aside from guided tours of the mosque, visitors can get calligraphy writings of their names, henna paintings for children and ladies and even get a quick Arabic language course. To make it all the more exciting for the children, a special corner of Al Fateh will be dedicated to them with an assortment of fun games. For those looking for a more in-depth educational experience, the centre has also organised a discussion along with an assorted availability of Islamic books to read and purchase. Throughout the event, volunteers will be on hand as well as refreshments, food and traditional sweets. If you are looking for a souvenir to take home, traditional dresses and handicrafts corner and a gift shop can be found. Architectural wonder The cultural experience of the Open House is further depicted with an emphasis on art. The event will feature a multi-media programme and poster and photography exhibitions. Although organisers have lined up some interesting activities, for many visitors the mere structure of the mosque and centre is an artistic experience in itself. “Many of our visitors are attracted to the building itself, which is considered one of the biggest architectural marvels in the entire region and also one of Bahrain’s biggest tourist attractions,” continues Najmah. The theme of geometric shapes and patterns are evident in Al Fateh, and noticeable as soon as you see the large wooden doors of the building. This goes on inside on the marble floor, carpets, walls and on the windows; calligraphy, which is a major means of visual expression in the Muslim world, also plays a role in Al Fateh’s structure and design. Quotes from the Qur’an in calligraphic writing adorn the inner walls of the mosque. During the tour, visitors will witness the traditional elements that make up a place of Muslim worship like the mihrab, minbar, minaret, sahn and the beautiful dome which can be seen from the outside. E Call 17 727-773. Al Fateh Grand Mosque A Spectacle of Culture When? Eid weekend | Event? Cultural tour | Venue? Al Fateh Grand Mosque Ausamah Al Absi’s ‘Faces of Bahrain’ photographic pieces will be on display this month. The Labor Market Regulatory Authority chief’s passion for capturing special scenes from around the globe has taken him to Europe, the Far East, USA and the Arab world. The exhibition will portray the Kingdom’s breathtaking landscape along with shots of many places and faces. Throughout the month, visitors can participate in a silent auction with winners announced at the end of Ramadan. Proceeds from the sale of the photographs will benefit the Royal Charity Organisation. E Call 17 100-100. Bahrain in Pictures
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