BACA launches educational, artistic activities in celebration of International Day of Islamic Art

Manama, Oct. 26 (BNA): The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) presents a month-long programme of diverse activities, educational workshops, and artistic events in celebration of the International Day of Islamic Art, proclaimed by UNESCO on 18 November of each year. Extending throughout November, the programme invites participants of all ages to take part in workshops and creative experiences designed to enrich their appreciation of Islamic art and its timeless beauty.

The programme opens with the Astronomy Night: Supermoon Stargazing at the Bahrain National Museum on Wednesday, 5 November, offering visitors a chance to witness the breathtaking phenomenon of the supermoon at its closest approach to Earth. On Saturday, 8 November, a Sketch Tour will be held at Al Fadhel Mosque in Manama, led by artists Judy Abi Rustom and Dina Abdullah, exploring the harmony and beauty of Islamic design through an artistic lens.

Arabic calligraphy features prominently in the programme through the Letters Between Geometry and Art Workshop with trainer Jawaher Al Ali, taking place on Saturday, 15 November, at the Bahrain National Museum, offering participants a creative space that fuses imagination with tradition.

Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre continues the month’s activities with the Islamic Ornamentation Workshop with trainer Fatima Al Sayed on 25–26 November, alongside the Arket Woodcarving Workshop with trainer Khamis Abdullah, where participants will enhance their manual skills and transform wood into refined artistic creations. At the Bahrain National Museum, the Mosaic Stickers Workshop with trainer Aisha Janahi will take place on Saturday, 29 November, reviving the essence of Islamic art through modern tools that transform simple shapes into intricate geometric patterns.

For children, the programme offers engaging, hands-on workshops that combine learning and fun. The Art of Decorating Old Houses with Gypsum Workshop with craftsman Jafar Abdul Hussein will be held on Saturday, 15 November, at Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre, introducing young participants to traditional Bahraini architectural motifs. Additionally, the The Beauty of Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with trainer Ahmed Al Rifai will take place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, helping children explore the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy and develop their creative expression.

At the Art Centre, the Masterclass Jewellery Design: Inspired by Islamic Art with designer Noor Mohsen will be held on Saturday and Sunday, 22–23 November, introducing participants to principles of design, sketching, and colouring techniques for diamonds, pearls, and metals. Meanwhile, Darseen Café at the Bahrain National Museum will mark the occasion with a Special Menu, The Taste of Tradition: Islamic World Cuisine with Chef Bassam Al Alawi, inspired by the diverse cuisines of the Islamic world, inviting visitors on a flavourful journey that celebrates the harmony of cultures.

These events reflect the Authority’s commitment to fostering community partnerships with private institutions and civil society organisations, including Bahrain Stargazers, Creative Horizons, and Sketch Walks, reinforcing a shared dedication to cultural engagement and the sustainability of creative collaboration