Promoting Vibrant Cultures through Art and Architecture

Have you ever wondered about the distinctive elements of cultures? There are many defining factors, but one could arguably conclude that art and architecture are major components of the make-up of any given culture.

Throughout history, Damascus, Baghdad, Cordoba, Istanbul, Samarqand and Cairo have become prime hubs of promoting art and architecture in their various forms. It is in these major cities where prominent civilisations gave birth to a long-lasting mosaic of artistic and architectural innovation.

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This mausoleum was built on the orders of Timur as a -lamb for his favourite grandson. who was killed in bottle. The.. complex includes a modraso and a kbanaga Timur, himself, was buried here in 1405, and the tomb was later enlarged and used as burial vault for other members or the Tim,. family. Although craftsmen from all over Timuds empire contnbutecl to its architecturethe style is largely Persian

Photo: Gur-I Amir

As we know, music is a form of art which invokes sentiments of beauty, creativity and harmony. His Highness the Aga Khan has been promoting music initiatives as an important facet of culture, and has recently established the Aga Khan Music Awards in 2018. The award recognizes exceptional creativity, talent, and enterprise in musical performance, creation, education, preservation, and revitalization in different societies across the world.

At the Aga Khan Music Awards prize-giving ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on March 31, 2019, His Highness the Aga Khan emphasized: “Now I know that in some parts of the world, the words “Muslim” and “music” are not often linked together in the public mind. But they should be. The cultural heritage of Islam has long embraced musical language as an elemental expression of human spirituality. Listening to music, practicing music, sharing music, performing music - have long been an intimate part of life for Muslim communities across the world, as has the chanting of devotional and historical or epic texts.”

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His Excellency President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince Amyn Aga Khan, together with Laureates, Finalists, Steering Committee, Master Jury and Secretariat of the Aga Khan Music Awards 2019

Photo: Akbar Hakim

The words of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan describe the beautiful harmony that can exist between the human and the Divine through music. In devotional literature, one can find a myriad of musical and rhythmic genres expressing one’s faith, beliefs and dedication. The richness of this musical artistic legacy from East and West varies from one tradition to another. The spark ignited within, through music, transcends across time and space and can bind individuals, helping them not only realize their individuality, but also appreciate their shared humanity.

Architecture is yet another defining facet of culture. Architecture can be seen as a dialogue between the form and the essence. The built environment is more than a physical shelter to live in or work at, but rather it is an identity marker of one’s existence and beliefs. Throughout history, there have been many architectural features and functions inspired by faith. These include spaces of worship and institutions of learning which have left a symbolic mark on nurturing the identity of their respective communities and civilisations. At times, the prosperity, growth and even power of some civilisations were ascribed to their unique architectural ingenuity and innovation.

It is worth noting that faith has been, and continues to be, an inspiring and driving force in the conception of the remarkable architectural masterpieces established across different areas of the Muslim world. With this outlook in mind, we, as Muslims of today, should aspire towards not only sustaining, but also advancing this critical heritage of human endeavour. We should project a future of focused purpose and creativity rooted in the ethos of our faith.

Architecture has the potential to shape the quality of human life. The built environment reflects one’s faith and responsibility in being God’s guardians of a healthy environment for future generations. Beyond its physical aspects, architecture is viewed as a symbol of hope and aspiration of shaping and transforming human living conditions towards their betterment.

Lastly, it is noteworthy to appreciate that musical and architectural masterpieces belong to the genre of ‘Symbolic Language’; intrinsically rich with layers and layers of deep meanings which are timeless. They echo human stories with genuine sentiments of optimism, peace and determination woven into them for a better tomorrow for all.