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2023/10/23 - 2024/04/20
Fashioning an Empire - Textiles from Safavid Iran
Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran is an exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, highlighting the critical role that silk played during Iran’s Safavid period, from 1501 to 1736 CE.
Originally curated in collaboration with and presented at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art during the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, this captivating exhibition in Doha highlights the rise and profound impact of the silk economy in Iran. Entrance to the exhibition is free with museum admission and tickets can be reserved in advance online.
Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran focuses on the reign of influential ruler Shah ‘Abbas I the Great (r. 1588-1629 CE), looking at the way silk manufacturing boosted Iran’s economy, inspired artists and fostered cultural exchanges between nations as it was traded around the world.
Organised into four sections, the exhibition begins with the fascinating establishment of a regulated crown monopoly and state-funded silk production. Next visitors learn about the rise of Isfahan as a sumptuous new capital described as Naqsh-e Jahan (Image of the World) before experiencing beautiful examples of fashions and trends from Safavid society at that time.
The Museum of Islamic Art exhibition concludes with a series of contemporary commissions by local Qatari designers in response to the historic objects and textile patterns on display.
What's On at Museum of Islamic Art
Events Programme
Fashioning an Empire: Clay Workshop
Explore fashion during the Safavid period and design your own coat using clay in this hands-on workshop for ages 12–14 years old.
The workshop will take place on 7th November 2023 from 4:00 - 5:30pm at the Education Centre in MIA, in Arabic and English.
Free to attend, but participants must register in advance by email: whatsonatmia@qm.org.qa
Fashioning an Empire: Curator-led tours
Join us for a curator-led tour at the Museum of Islamic Art, in celebration of Fashioning an Empire: Textiles from Safavid Iran.
The tours will take place from 12:00 -1:00 pm on 26th & 30th October 2023 (in English), 21st November 2023 (in Arabic) and 5th December 2023 (in English).
Free to attend, advance registration required by email: whatsonatmia@qm.org.qa
Qatar-Indonesia 2023
Discover Qatar-Indonesia
The Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture celebrates the friendship and collaboration between our countries, sharing our heritage, values, traditions and contemporary innovations. When Qatar and Indonesia’s cultures come together, a rich past meets a bright future.
