The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is preparing to launch an integrated program of various activities and educational and artistic workshops, in celebration of the International Day of Islamic Art, which was approved by UNESCO on November 18 of each year. The program extends throughout the month of November, aiming to engage audiences of different age groups in workshops and artistic activities aimed at enriching their knowledge and developing their taste in the aesthetics of Islamic art.
The program will open with an astronomical evening entitled “Observing the Giant Moon” at the Bahrain National Museum, to follow the phenomenon of the giant moon up close, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. A field drawing tour entitled “Aesthetics of Islamic Architecture” will also be held at Al-Fadil Mosque in Manama, under the supervision of artists Judy Abi Rostum and Dina Abdullah, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
As for Arabic calligraphy, it has a distinctive presence in the program, through a workshop that combines letters and geometric decorations under the supervision of trainer Jawaher Al-Ali, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Bahrain National Museum, to open new horizons for creativity and innovation.
Al Jasra Crafts Center continues to host the month’s activities through the “Art of Islamic Decoration” workshop under the supervision of trainer Fatima Al Sayed on November 25 and 26, in addition to the “Wood Carving” workshop under the supervision of trainer Khamis Abdullah, which allows participants to develop their craft skills and transform wood into authentic works of art. The “Mosaic Decorations Poster” workshop will also be held at the Bahrain National Museum, under the supervision of trainer Aisha Janahi, on Saturday, November 29, 2025, to revive the authenticity of Islamic art with contemporary tools, and to transform simple shapes into dazzling geometric patterns.
The program also allocates a space for children that combines learning and fun, through the “The Art of Decorating Old Houses with Gypsum” workshop with the craftsman Jaafar Abdul Hussein on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Al Jasra Crafts Center, in addition to the “Aesthetics of Arabic Calligraphy” workshop under the supervision of trainer Ahmed Al-Rifai on Saturday, November 22, 2025, to enable children to hone their talents in writing letters in various fonts.
At the Arts Center, a master class session on designing jewelry inspired by Islamic art will be held with designer Nour Mohsen on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23, 2025, covering the foundations of design, drawing techniques, and coloring diamonds, pearls, and metals.
Darseen Café at the Bahrain National Museum also celebrates the occasion with a menu inspired by the cuisines of the Islamic world under the supervision of Chef Bassam Al-Alawi, giving visitors a unique experience inspired by the diversity of Islamic cultures.
These events come within the framework of strengthening the community partnership between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and a number of private institutions and civil society organizations, including Bahrain Stargazers, Creative Horizons, and Sketch Walk, which reflects the Authority’s commitment to activating community participation and sustaining joint cultural work.
Those wishing to participate can view the details of the workshops and tours by visiting the Authority’s website: www.culture.gov.bh
