The Islamic World: A History in Objects coincided with the opening of the new Abulkhary Foundation Islamic World galleries at the British Museum that took place in October 2018. Whilst the title hints at the hugely popular ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’, this new publication focuses on categories (such as early Iranian glass or Mamluk textiles) rather than on single objects. It is complemented by a large array of illustrations that introduce the reader to a great diversity of objects. Venetia Porter, one of several co-authors, has been invited to present the publication at the Edinburgh Art Festival and with the upcoming Inspired by the East exhibition (opening on October 10th), it seems evident that Islamic art and culture are currently at the focus of the British Museum.
The Islamic World focuses on the interconnectivity of cultures and the importance of global exchange, both historically and today. The legacy of an interwoven history is apparent from the first pages of the publication. Turning away from Euro-centrism, the publication emphasises the global connections between Africa and South-East Asia. Similarly to the current display, it aims to avoid orientalist frameworks and therefore attempts to counteract the colonial legacy of the British museum.
The span of the book is remarkable – The Islamic World manages to cover over a thousand years of history, whilst remaining accessible to readers with no prior knowledge. Thanks to a mainly chronological structure, the publication helps the reader to accumulate knowledge for a better understanding of modern history, briefly presented in the last chapter.
Overall, The Islamic World is a brilliant addition that narrates the history of Islamic culture from an informed angle – it is an exceptional tool for a better understanding of a perspective that has often been omitted.
- Franco Building with Jonathan Meades (BBC 4) - 28th August 2019