The relevance of Islamic art, calligraphy and architecture in the modern world discussed at the Global Islamic Economy Summit

Islamic art and its varying forms in architecture and calligraphy have reached the far corners of the world. At the Global Islamic Economy Summit held at Madinat Jumeirah, a diverse panel went over the significance of Islamic art in the modern world.

Emirati architect and founder of X Architects, Ahmed-Al Ali spoke about his experience establishing jobs that will be developed for the future generations however make use of the knowledge brought down from history.

" We equate the dreams and the viewpoints of people living into the physical environment to develop structures that motivate the generations to come," said Ali.

Providing his upcoming projects to the audience, Ali showcased a new advancement in the desert that focuses on the natural elements of the environment to develop sustainable and ecofriendly housing concepts as well as impressed the panel with a design of a futuristic mosque that is illustrated to look like the historically and consistently appropriate Jabal-al-Noor mountain.

Carol Bier, Scholar for Islamic Studies and Islamic Geometry in the USA, talked about the importance of making implying from art and providing Islamic art to the non-Muslim world to understand the true meaning of Islamic heritage.

Brier noted, "Art helps bridge gaps, and Islamic art bridges understanding not simply in between Muslims and Non-Muslims but likewise shapes the identity of individuals in the western world with Islamic heritage but no true knowledge of it."

Internationally renowned calligrapher, Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang provided his award winning calligraphy that merged the Arabic and Chinese languages to form significant spiritual text. The audience was motivated by the shared beauty of both cultures and how they can signify peace and unity in the Islamic world.

" You utilize art to reveal beauty and as a conservative man with Islamic worths, my art complies with the principles of Islam. Having provided all over the world, my collections reflect Muslim individuals' goals for consistency and co-existence."

Presenting worldwide examples of the reach of Islamic architecture, Eric Broug, educator and author of Islamic geometry and design revealed his fascination for structures such as the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center in Kuwait, KAPSARC Mosque in Riyadh and the Islamic Pavilion in Amsterdam.

When asked by the mediator, Peter Gould, Founder of Peter Gould Art, about the significance of Islamic art disrupting the prevalent western negativity surrounding Islamic culture, the panelists all agreed that art brings people together and presents the positivity and beauty of a culture.

"As a Muslim, I'm created for 2 purposes: worship Allah and add to the Earth. The early Muslims developed a grand civilization, whose legacy we have till today, and discusses the viewpoint of Islam. There is an emotional connection in between our faith and our art," noted Ahmed-Al Ali.