West Asia & North Africa

This exhibition examines life in an area dominated by Islamic culture, in town and country. Central themes are religion (Islam and its relationship to Judaism and Christianity), the history and development of science and technology in the golden age of Islam (12th-14th centuries).

In the exhibition 'West Asia and North Africa' visitors can see, hear and experience how Islamic culture has developed over the past fourteen centuries. The history of the region is intertwined with alternating periods of tension and calm. Questions of religion, politics and military power, trade and migration continue to play a role in the region’s relationship with Europe. Images of the old and the modern city, a nomad tent in the countryside, objects such as circumcision knives, fairy tale mosque lanterns, and incense burners take visitors to another world.

Until late into the 20th century, travelling storytellers would hang their story-blankets up in teahouses. For a small fee they would relate the heroic deeds of former rulers, sacred figures and imams to the tea-drinking audience. Nowadays, the television has taken over the function of the storytellers. Now, while sipping your tea, you can search for and choose your own story by zapping through more than twenty channels.

Islamic culture has its own specific decorative art. Breathtakingly beautiful decorations adorn doors, floors, furniture, books, weavings and jewellery. Hands decorated with henna are often small masterpieces. A common motif is the arabesque. This pattern of flowers and leaves woven into garlands is popular and beloved throughout the Islamic world, from Morocco to India.

Language & music

Rhythmic patterns form the basis of Arabic music. Rhythm is more important than the beat. As a museum visitor you can choose your own favourite musical fragment: from the Dutch ‘Vader Jacob’ in Arabian style by Khaled, the master of the rai, to a Moroccan version of ‘Evergreens’ from the Marrakech area.

Via a ‘touch screen’ you can discover the origin of a number of Dutch words. These are words that stem from Arabic, Turkish or Persian, such as cijfer (number), alcohol, and gitaar (guitar). The word ‘tulp’ (tulip) comes from Turkish. It is derived from the Persian word ‘dulband’, which means turban. In Turkish this became ‘tulipan’. The Turks, noting that the flower’s shape resembled a turban, gave it that name. The Dutch adopted the name and spelled it ‘tulp’.

Architecture

Many mosques and other impressive buildings were designed by master architects. Their genius can also be seen in the designs of many homes. In the department, nine examples of traditional, environmentally adapted homes are on display, allowing the visitor to marvel at the colourful mosaics and exceptional tile work. In addition, the living room of a Yemenite home is recreated. Here you can sit on pillows and watch a video programme in which you can hear from Arabians what they consider to be the advantages of wearing a veil.

Permanent exhibitions