The Islamic Art Days in Luxembourg: A Unique Opportunity for Enthusiasts of Islamic Culture and Tradition (Gallery)

The Islamic Art Days were held on November 2 and 3, 2024, in Luxembourg, an event dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Islamic art with a particular focus on Bosniak cultural heritage and traditions. This rich two-day program included lectures, workshops, museum exhibits, and an exhibition of traditional Bosniak crafts and art, attracting visitors from across Luxembourg and beyond.

The event was organized by eight mosques and supported by the Shoura.

Special guests included the renowned art historian and calligrapher Abdulhak Hadžimejlić and the director of the Berise Academy, Irfan Garić. Abdulhak Hadžimejlić, who took his first steps in calligraphy at the Karađoz-beg Madrasa, pursued further studies in Turkey at Selçuk University in Konya. He refined his art under the guidance of Munib Obradović, the most well-known calligrapher in the Balkans, whose works are displayed in prestigious locations, including the clock tower in Mecca.

The first day took place at the Gazi Isa-beg Islamic Center with a calligraphy workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the afternoon, the Islamic Cultural Center of Luxembourg in Mamer hosted two lectures: Irfan Garić spoke on “Identity, Culture, Traditions, and Customs of the Bosniaks,” while Abdulhak Hadžimejlić gave a lecture entitled “The Art of Arabic Calligraphy: An Endless Ocean.” The lectures, held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., were followed by a live creation of unique calligraphic works.

On the second day, Sunday, November 3, another calligraphy workshop was held in Mamer from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of traditional Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy techniques. The evening program, held at the Nordstadt Islamic Cultural Center in Diekirch, included a presentation of Islamic art, which began after the Isha prayer.

Religious leader Hafiz Hilmija Redžić, along with the general secretary of the Shoura, Lukman Aličković, also attended the lectures and museum tour, enhancing the event’s significance by supporting the promotion of Muslim cultural heritage.

The Islamic Art Days offered a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of Islamic art, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional calligraphy, participate in workshops, and deepen their knowledge of Bosniak culture and customs.