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The exhibition, held from November 18 to February 14, marked the 750th anniversary of Jalal al-Din Rumi's passing. It highlighted three key stages of his spiritual journey in search of truth and divine love. Known as one of history's greatest mystic poets, Rumi’s works, translated into many languages, reflect his global message of love, tolerance, and peace.
Alongside the exhibition, HoW curated a vibrant lineup of nine interactive events, offering everything from visual arts workshops and storytelling sessions to poetry readings and literary soirées. Each experience delved into a unique facet of Rumi's profound intellectual and human legacy. Tailored for all ages, these activities embodied HoW's commitment to using culture as a bridge for human connection and fostering meaningful interaction within the community.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, HoW Executive Director, highlighted the exhibition’s success in engaging a diverse audience from different social backgrounds and nationalities. She emphasised the significance of preserving and transferring humanity’s intellectual and cultural heritage across generations. Al Aqroubi also reaffirmed HoW’s dedication to cultivating knowledge-based societies that respect history while contributing to future development.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, HoW hosted a poetry night where poets in both Arabic and English explored Rumi’s world, blending deep philosophy with poetic beauty. Additionally, in collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People, HoW organised an artistic experience on gilding and miniatures, with participants creating manuscripts inspired by Rumi’s words, delving into the elegance of traditional Islamic art.
As part of ‘Wisdom Talks’, HoW hosted a captivating session titled "Exploring the Spiritual Dimensions: Sculptures and Exhibitions Inspired by Rumi." The event featured Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, alongside renowned global sculptor Khaled Zaki. The session offered an insightful exploration into Zaki’s creative journey of crafting sculptures infused with Rumi’s profound wisdom, including the striking bronze piece "The Sufi," which stood out as one of the exhibition's most treasured artworks.
To ensure that Rumi’s teachings continue to resonate with younger generations, HoW organised interactive workshops for children. The sessions encouraged creativity by allowing participants to craft artistic works using simple, accessible materials inspired by Rumi’s heritage. The workshops saw strong participation, with over 1,500 children engaging in hands-on creative activities.
The exhibition achieved remarkable success, seamlessly integrating tradition with modernity. It left a lasting cultural impact on visitors by deepening their understanding of Rumi’s legacy and his universal human philosophy, which transcends time and geographical boundaries. It further reinforced HoW’s status as a leading cultural platform committed to enriching the literary and artistic landscape while preserving and promoting the timeless values that shape the world’s intellectual and cultural heritage.