'Eastern Christians: Two thousand years of history' at the Arab World Institute in Paris
The Arab World Institute or AWI is currently displaying an exceptional exhibition entitled Eastern Christians: Two-thousand years of history.
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Book of Syriac-Arabic prayer (Qondaq) manuscript. Syria seventeenth century. Coll. Antoine Maamari, Beyrouth [Credit: AWI] |
According to the archbishopric of Paris, under whose protection L’Oeuvre d’Orient has been placed, this is “the first great exhibition on this theme in Europe”. It includes artifacts from the Middle East and Egypt, maps, models, documents, and diplomatic archives. Also on display are the first Christian frescoes known to the world, those of Dura-Europos in eastern Syria, on the banks of the Euphrates, that date back to the 3rd century. This is the first time they are being exhibited in Europe.
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Silver plate representing St. Julien, Mar-Elian, protector of the city of Emesa, current Homs. Homs-Emesa (Syria), seventh century. Coll. George Antaki, London [Credit: AWI] |
The exhibition also highlights the great diversity of Christianity in the East, with its Coptic, Greek, Assyrian-Chaldean, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite, Latin, and other communities.
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Stele depicting Apa Shenoute, Sohag (Egypt), fifth century limestone. Coll. sculptures and Byzantine Art Museum, Berlin [Credit: AWI] |
Besides these pieces, the exhibition also includes several icons and mosaics, and ends with photos of the current tragic situation of the Eastern Christians, who today find themselves the victims of Islamism.
After Paris, the exhibition will be transferred to the Musée des beaux arts in Tourcoing, from February 17 to June 5, 2018.
Source: The Arab World Institute [August 28, 2017]
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