We will be displaying a beautiful 18th century Qur’an from the collection as a symbol of cultural endurance in the Identity exhibition. We wanted to obtain advice from the Albanian Muslim community, from where the Qur’an came, on how to most appropriately and sensitively present this precious prayer book.
Close up image of the Qur’an to be exhibited.
Source: Museum Victoria
Through our contacts in the Albanian community, we were able to invite Imam Rexhep Idrizi from the Albanian mosque in Carlton to come to the Museum to assist us. The Imam was able to confirm advice previously received on the appropriate height to display a Qur’an, which cannot be low to the ground. He also advised on a selection of pages appropriate for display and offered to assist with providing translations so that we will be able to respond to any visitor enquires about the Qur’an text.
Fanol Isai and Imam Rexhep Idrizi advising us about how to most appropriately and sensitively present the Qur’an.
Source: Museum Victoria
It was a wonderful example of how the museum consults with experts in the community in order to meet our responsibilities to act in culturally sensitively ways.
For more about the Qur’an go to my earlier blog entry.