UAE: 'Glimpses of Muslim life in Europe'

UAE: 'Glimpses of Muslim life in Europe'


A photography exhibition by Ahmed Krausen, a Danish-Muslim photographer, at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, was inaugurated by Shaikh Khalid bin Saqr bin Hamad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Public Works Department, on Thursday.


The exhibition, to be held till August 14, is titled ‘Dunya — Glimpses of Muslim life in Europe’ and aims at providing an insight into the lives of ordinary Muslims in Europe and connecting their lives to the Muslim community in the Arab world.

This article was prepared by the Islam in Europe blog - islamineurope.blogspot.com


Over 70 images were selected by the artist to evoke major themes in the search for peaceful and harmonious co-existence between Muslim and non-Muslim communities throughout Europe at a time of heightened political, social and religious tensions.

“We are pleased to be the first in the UAE to host this unique exhibition. The images captured by Ahmed Krausen provide us with glimpses of the lives of Muslim communities in Europe and their compelling personal life stories. These photographs will serve as a cultural bridge in highlighting Muslim life in Europe and promoting peace with other Muslim communities and countries around the world,” said Manal Ataya, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Department.

Ahmed Krausen’s encounter with photography started in 1977, when he bought his first reflex camera, a Russian Zenit. “The camera has been the most important companion on my spiritual path to Islam. To me, the significance of light acts as a bridge between Islam and photography,” he said.

Krausen was born in Aachen, Germany in 1955. He was brought up in a strongly Protestant family within a predominantly Roman Catholic community.

This environment and the political events of the sixties and seventies shaped his personality decisively. In 1978, Ahmed Krausen left Germany for Denmark, and he has been living in Copenhagen ever since.

Between 1979 and 1985, the photographer undertook long journeys to Asia, Africa and New Zealand, searching for answers to his many questions about life and death. In 1992, he embraced
Islam.

Krausen is excited about the opportunity to present his work in Sharjah. He said: “This is the first time I can share my passion for documenting Muslim life in Europe with my brothers and sisters in the Gulf. I hope my photos will act as a positive reflection of their presence, their many different experiences and their aspirations in the societies they live in”.

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Source: Khaleej Times

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