Hwar AlMadar – Islamic Arts Biennale

afikra | عفكرة, Islamic Arts Biennale

Hwar AlMadar is a dedicated podcast series inspired by AlMadar, meaning “the Orbit,” an initiative launched by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation at the Islamic Arts Biennale that promotes collaboration and dialogue between institutions with significant collections of Islamic art around the world.

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10 episodes
Updated Jul 17, 2025

Episodes10

Newest first

Jul 17, 2025 · 46 min
Researching Historic Collections of the Haramayn | البحث في المجموعات التاريخية للحرمين
In this heartfelt season finale of Hwar AlMadar, we're taken to Jeddah for the closing symposium of the Islamic Arts Biennale and are joined by curator Rizwan Ahmad and assistant curators Sarah Al Abdali and Dr Bilal Badat, who share their exceptional research on the Haramayn, exploring the artistic, historical, and spiritual significance of objects from the Muslim world. They delve into the process of curating these objects, the profound impact they have on viewers, and the diversity and sancti
Jul 3, 2025 · 57 min
Waqf & Islamic Heritage | الوقف والتراث الاسلامي
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we dive into the deep history and cultural significance of Waqf – a traditional Islamic system for endowments – with special guests Raja Khalidi and Farah Abushullaih. Together, we discuss the roles of their respective institutions – the Khalidi Library and Ithra – in preserving Islamic heritage. The conversation explores the operational aspects of Waqf, the historical context of their collections, and the ongoing efforts to maintain and share Islamic cultural he
Jun 19, 2025 · 44 min
Contemporary Art in AlMadar | الفن المعاصر في معرض المدار
We discuss the Islamic Arts Biennale with curator Muhannad Shono and artists Charwei Tsai and Mehdi Moutashar. The panel dives into their experiences of integrating contemporary art into AlMadar, a core element of the biennale. The conversation explores the intersection of historic Islamic artifacts with contemporary artistic voices, highlighting the artists' personal journeys and creative processes. From Charwei Tsai's emotional connection to Jeddah, to Moutashar’s long-standing relationship wi
Jun 5, 2025 · 34 min
Islamic Travelers and Astronomers | الرحالة والفلكيون المسلمون
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, Dr Huseyin Sen from the Qatar National Library talks about the significant contributions of Islamic science to the world. We delve into the library's important collection of Islamic scientific manuscripts and instruments, exploring the heritage of astronomy, map-making, and more. Dr Sen shares his personal journey in Arabic science, highlighting key figures and their impact on both historical and modern knowledge. We discuss the integration of Islamic science in
May 22, 2025 · 43 min
Islamic Design Then and Now | التصميم الإسلامي: بين الحاضر والماضي
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we delve into the intricate world of Islamic design. We are joined by Dr. Desmond Lazaro from The King’s Foundation at the School of Traditional Arts, and Dr. Mariam Rosser-Owen, the Middle East curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum. We discover the blend of form and function that characterizes Islamic design, learn about the rich history and methods behind these masterpieces, and explore the fascinating personal journeys of our guests into the realm of tradi
May 8, 2025 · 52 min
European Collections of Islamic Art | المجموعات الأوروبية للفن الإسلامي
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar we engage in a rich dialogue with three experts from prominent European institutions that house Islamic art collections. Mina Moraitou of the Benaki Museum in Athens, Dr. Rasmus Bech Olsen from the David Collection in Copenhagen, and Elisabetta Raffo from the Bruschettini Foundation in Genoa discuss the significance of displaying Islamic art in European settings and the diverse histories these collections represent. They delve into the roots of their institutions'
Apr 24, 2025 · 43 min
Centers of the Islamic World: From Timbuktu to Cairo | مراكز العالم الإسلامي: من تمبكتو إلى القاهرة
في هذه الحلقة من بودكاست "حوار المدار" مع هلا أبوزيد، يناقش الخبيران الثقافيان الدكتور محمد جياكيتي والدكتور محمد القاضي من معهد أحمد بابا، والأستاذة أميرة حماية من متحف الفن الإسلامي بالقاهرة، أهمية الحفاظ على التراث والتبادل الثقافي. يستكشف الحوار أصول ومساهمات معهد أحمد بابا في مالي، وتاريخ وأهمية متحف الفن الإسلامي بالقاهرة، وجهودهما التعاونية في بينالي الفنون الإسلامية بجدة. كما يتطرق النقاش إلى الروابط التاريخية بين مراكز المعرفة الإسلامية من تمبكتو إلى القاهرة، بما في ذلك رحلة مانسا موسى
Apr 10, 2025 · 49 min
Astrolabes & Islamic Instruments That Shaped the World | الأسطرلابات والمعدات الإسلامية التي غيرت وجه العالم
In this episode of Hwar AlMadar, we welcome Captain Augusto Salgado from the Portuguese Maritime Museum, Lisbon (Museu de Marinha) and Dr Silke Ackermann from the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford. Together, they explore the intersections of Islamic science and art, emphasizing the shared contributions to global knowledge. Discover the rich history of the astrolabe, its cultural significance, and its lasting impact on modern technologies. This episode sheds light on the often
Mar 27, 2025 · 59 min
Opening Panel: Mapping AlMadar | Farida Alhusseini, Dr. Abdulrahman Azzam & Masa Al-Kutoubi
In the first episode of Hwar AlMadar, the Director of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's Islamic Arts Biennale, Farida Alhusseini, alongside one of the three Artistic Directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale, Dr. Abdulrahman Azzam, and AlMadar Lead, Masa Al-Kutoubi discuss the vision of AlMadar. Meaning “The Orbit,” AlMadar is one of the seven unique components of the Islamic Arts Biennale that promotes collaboration and dialogue between institutions with significant collections of Islamic art arou
Mar 10, 2025 · 56 min
Inside the Islamic Arts Biennale | HE Rakan Altouq & Dr Julian Raby
In this episode of the afikra podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with His Excellency Rakan Altouq – Vice Chair of the Diriyah Biennale Arts Foundation and Assistant Minister for Culture of Saudi Arabia – and Dr Julian Raby, one of the artistic directors of the Islamic Arts Biennale. Live from the historic Hajj terminal in Jeddah, they discuss the significance of this architectural marvel and its role as a fitting venue for the Biennale, aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of Islamic a