KUALA PILAH: The ‘Alhambra, Paradise on Earth’ photo exhibition at the Royal Museum, at the Istana Lama Seri Menanti, here, gives the public the opportunity to witness the beauty of Islamic architecture in Spain.
State secretary and the state Museum Board chairman, Datuk Mohd Zafir Ibrahim, said that the ongoing exhibition, organised by the Negeri Sembilan Museum Board, will last until Dec 11. It features more than 30 historical photographs, as well as multimedia videos which capture the extraordinary beauty of the Alhambra.
“This exhibition, held for the first time, is organised by the palace and is in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia and the Negeri Sembilan government. It highlights the Islamic architecture which is still present in Spain, including the old palaces. As we know, Islam also reached Spain.
“The exhibition was previously held at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, and we got the opportunity when the Spanish Embassy offered to hold it in this state. The community, especially the younger generation, can increase their knowledge and make comparisons between architecture here and Europe,” he said to reporters today.
Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, graced the event, which was officiated by Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin Tuanku Muhriz.
Also present was the Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia, Jose Louis Pardo.
Earlier, Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin said that the exhibition is about the legacy of Andalusia in the seventh century, and Alhambra, or the Red Castle, has a lot of history which can be displayed for the public.
“For me, both palaces (Red Castle and Istana Lama Seri Menanti) have a very important history. In conjunction with this exhibition, the Spanish embassy will also screen a film titled ‘The Builders of Alhambra’,” he said.
Tunku Zain Al-’Abidin also expressed hope that the exhibition can generate awareness among the community, especially the younger generation, to preserve and maintain the heritage, customs and culture of this state, so that it is not easily drowned in the current of today’s modern world.
A visitor from Seremban, Edi Sazali Mustam, 42, who came with 11 members of his family, was excited to see for himself the photographs featuring the unique architecture and history of the Alhambra, which is described as very grand and interesting.
“To be able to visit (Alhambra) might be difficult, so with a photo exhibition such as this, it’s as if we are there, I never thought that Islam in Spain was this grand. So, I hope people don’t miss the opportunity to attend this exhibition,” he said. - Bernama
