A NEW EXHIBITION TO SEE: “COINS OF ISLAM: HISTORY REVEALED”   

“Coins of Islam: History Revealed” exhibition is currently open to the public in Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) and runs from the 28th of January 2020 until the 28th of April 2020.

This exhibition, organised by SZGMC in collaboration with the General Women’s Union, the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Numismatica Genevensis SA, narrates the history of coinage across different Islamic eras and highlights the cultural interaction and exchange amongst cultures.

It is worth mentioning that Coins of Islam: History Revealed exhibition enriches the visitor’s experience and provides a more in-depth insight about the rich Islamic culture, as it holds a wide selection of rare and important coins not displayed before, aiming to probe the depths of the history of coinage, as well as the key figures associated with the striking of these coins, and unfold the cultural heritage of nations.

The exhibition takes visitors on a journey across time; shedding light on the glories and achievements of civilizations, while also highlighting the commonalities among them by showcasing one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient coins.

Throughout time, coins have helped reveal the history of cultures and the places where they were located. They not only serve as a symbol of wealth but also as a unique and invaluable source that reveals detailed information about people, places and events that might otherwise be lost to history.

Showcasing more than 300 different coins, ‘Coins of Islam: History Revealed’ exhibition is divided into six sections:

Section One: Coinage before Islam
This section provides examples of coins used across the Mediterranean, Western, and Central Asia, and that continued to circulate during the early years of Islam.

Section Two: Birth of Islamic coinage
The second section: ‘Birth of Islamic Coinage’ traces the evolution of Islamic coinage and the birth of the very first Islamic coin during the reign of Caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan in AH 77 / AD 696, as currencies at the time reflected the characteristics of Islamic and Arab art.

Section Three: Coins across the Islamic dynasties
The third section highlights the historical changes reflected on Islamic coinage within a sequence of successive Islamic eras extending from Andalusia to China.

Section Four: Islamic coins, a reflection of art and culture
This section displays imagery that depicts art, culture, and hobbies (such as hunting and equestrianism) that were practiced by people for centuries. These coins visualize various aspects of cultures, and highlight the commonalities among humanity as a whole.

Section Five: Coins and women across the span of history
The course of history has witnessed the significant presence of indomitable and inspirational women across the world. This section showcases a selection of coins engraved with images of incredible women who have left their mark on history.

Section Six: Zayed and civilization
The exhibition will conclude with the sixth section which displays a golden coin bearing a portrait of the late founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and an image of the splendorous architectural monument, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, and one of the largest worldwide, which was established to highlight the rich legacy of the late founder Sheikh Zayed and to commemorate his memory, vision, values, and noble traits.

This section also showcases a golden coin commemorating the nomination of the “Mother of the Nation ” by the UNESCO Marie Curie for her efforts in education, literacy, and women’s rights, being the third international and first Arab recipient in the history of the award.

For more info, check this page: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/images/coins-of-islam-en.pdf

Free of charge
Opening times:
Sat-Thu 9am-10pm
Fri 4.30pm-10pm

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE CENTRE (SZGMC) | Website and Location

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