Treasures Saved from Gaza: 5000 years of history

Institut du Monde Arabe. Paris. Until 2nd November. 11 EUR. 

In the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza the Institut du Monde arabe has turned its attention to the archaeological artefacts recovered in excavations since 1995. The salience of their recovery and now protection from destruction in Gaza has seen them pieced together in a moving exhibition putting into question the place and value of heritage in times of war.

A Seat at the Table: Food & Feasting in the Islamic World

Museum of Islamic Art. Qatar. Until 8th November. 50 QAR (residents and students free) 

This ambitious exhibition makes use of Qatar’s growing art collections to present a narrative of the Islamic world’s changing relationship with food over the past 1400 years. From bread to ritual, from traded foodstuffs to exquisite banquets, the curators place medieval crockery alongside illustrated manuscripts of cookery and agriculture, culminating with an outlook over culinary issues that the region faces today with climate changing and growing populations.

To The City: Life and Death Along the Ancient Walls of Istanbul – Alexander Christie-Miller 

A brick wall, even one as massive as this one, would seem an unlikely character to stand at the centre of a 21st century historical travel narrative. Alexander Christie-Miller however sees the great walls of Istanbul as the perfect place to explore the intersection of historical events, modern politics, and endangered heritage. Through encounters and conversations with people who live in and around the walls today, this book explores what it means to live in an old, somewhat unkempt, but nevertheless charming and symbolic place. By lending a voice to those for whom heritage matters the most, Christie-Miller refreshingly reframes the issue on human terms.

Wonder Cabinet – Bethlehem, Palestine

A contemporary arts space with a focus on openness and accessibility, the Wonder Cabinet emerges as an anchor of Palestinian heritage and crafts in a contested landscape where an illegal Israeli settlement dominates the opposite hillside. The centre therefore sends a strong message of Palestinian presence through architecture, cuisine, textiles, photography, and community socialising. These activities serve to fulfil local livelihoods and bring the community of Bethlehem together under one roof of collaboration.

Khudi Bari – Bangladesh 

This sustainable housing project offers residents of Bangladesh’s low-lying and shifting riverine islands affordable and adaptable bamboo structures that they can construct and dismantle with minimal training according to changing weather conditions. Aiming to use locally grounded materials, the pioneers of Khudi Bari, Marina Tabassum Architects, consulted residents on their needs and expectations, designing a house that stands above the ground allowing flood water to flow underneath if necessary. The design has also been adapted to build women’s spaces in the refugee camps of Rohingya Muslims where they conduct education, arts, and crafts sessions. 

Revitalisation of Historic Esna – Egypt 

Set for wholesale demolition just 30 years ago, Takween, with the support of local Esnawis, has reanimated the historic core of Esna on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. The revitalisation project has sought to renovate historic buildings and furnish them with the means to support a form of sustainable tourism fit for the 21st century. Building renovations used local materials and employed local craftspeople whilst the development of local businesses catering to both residents and tourists has empowered workers and especially women with the establishment of two women led businesses, a restaurant and carpentry workshop.