community conversations today
stories from multaka volunteers and museum friends
Symmetry & patterns
Eva's stories
What is Multaka-Oxford?
Rana's stories
Marriam's story
Rachida's story
What is multaka-oxford?
community conversations today
Multaka in Arabic translates into English as 'meeting point'. Funded by a range of donors, Multaka-Oxford uses museums and collections as a ‘meeting point’ to bring people together. The Multaka team of staff and volunteers work together to research, learn, and discover inter-cultural connections through objects in the History of Science and Pitt Rivers collections. And they share their wealth of knowledge and understanding with a wider community through multi-lingual events, tours, blogs, and displays.
> Meet the Multaka-Oxford team
> Discover our stories
MATHS, SYMMETRY, AND ISLAMIC PATTERNS
community conversations today
Jonathan Fruchter - Multaka volunteer and post-graduate maths student at the University of Oxford, was inspired by the beautiful design of the handbag:
"After seeing the objects, I couldn't NOT see the beautiful patterns and the rich symmetries."
Jonathan made a short, animated video explaining the different types of symmetries you see in Islamic metalwork.
MATHS, SYMMETRY, AND ISLAMIC PATTERNS
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"Maths can really be beautiful and fun."
"With just a few brushstrokes, you can create beautiful, Islamic-inspired wallpaper patterns"
Click on the image and use Jonathan's website to create your own Islamic-inspired pattern.
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Multaka volunteer Eva Haghighi found inspiration in the Courtauld candlesticks and the dish, both associated with Italy — and Venice in particular. "I thought it would be interesting to explore Venice and the city’s role in the context of trade between Europe and Asia, as the theme fits the broader Multaka theme of ‘meeting points of different cultures’. "One possible way to do so could be through quotes from Marco Polo or Marino Sanudo’s diaries as it pertains to gifts exchanged between diplomats.
'Food is an incredibly important aspect of social life ... 'Read more from Eva
Francesco Guardi, The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena (c. 1766–70)
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"The items that I believe could be especially interesting are those related to food, as for instance spices coming from Asia became an integral part of many European cuisines. "Food is an incredibly important aspect of social life both in Italian and Persian culture, and the same is true in my family, where my Italian mother and my Iranian father both cook and have taught me traditional recipes from their respective countries. "I think it could be interesting to link the historical and contemporary aspects of food as an element which can bring people and cultures together.".
Take a look at Eva's stories about Venice as a cultural meeting point
Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Dinca. 1476–86
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Read video as a pdf
Discover the work of Mahmud al-Kurdi
The influence of Arabic on Venetian language
Read video as a pdf
Quote from Simone Sigoli, Journey to Mount Sinai
Discover the work of Mahmud al-Kurdi (Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Dinca. 1476–86)The influence of Arabic on Venetian language (Francesco Guardi, The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena (c. 1766–70)) Quote from Simone Sigoli, Journey to Mount Sinai (Bucket of engraved brass with silver inlay. Zain al-Din, north-west Iran or Turkey, c. 1500 CE)
MEMORIES OF A LOVING FATHER
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Multaka volunteer Marriam Jawaad shares a gift from her father engraved with a verse from the Quran: "I would like to share with you my Healing Drinking Bowl. "The Arabic verse written inside the bowl is titled 'Ayat al-Kursi', also known as the 'Throne verse'. Ayat al-Kursi is regarded as one of the most powerful verses in the Quran (Al-Baqara 255). "As Muslims, we believe that a person can drink the water from this bowl and it will give them Shifa (recovery from illness) from Allah (God) and protection from the evil eye, Shaitan (Satan).
'It is a gift from my father ... it reminds me of him' Hear Marriam's memories of her father and hear the verse in Arabic
memories of a loving father
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"The healing bowl has been used in my country, Pakistan, for hundreds of years, and in many households throughout the world. It is a gift from my father who has passed away, and reminds me of him and what he would do to ensure our safety when we were unwell."
Read a translation of the text on the Healing Drinking Bowl
parting gift from a dear friend
community conversations today
Multaka volunteer Rachida shares the beautitful jewellery which was the last gift from a wonderful friend: "Seven years ago, I spent a wonderful evening with my friend Samira and Mrs Fadama, who showed us jewellery from Tzenit, a city in Morocco known as the Capital of Silver. This silver (Naqra) can be traditional or modern, heavy or light, simple or decorated. "My friend Samira saw this ring and bracelet and said with joy, 'They’re beautiful, I’ll buy them'. The saying is true that 'silent jewellery is more influential on women than the sweetest words'. I asked Mrs Fadama if she had any more, but she didn’t. Suddenly, Samira took hers off and said, 'Take them, my dear friend”'. "I didn't know it would be her last gift to me. "
'From the mines, through the embers and the moulds.'Discover Rachida's inspiring memories of her friend's parting gift
parting gift from a dear friend
community conversations today
'From the mines, through the embers and the moulds': objects as memories "The next morning, I received the news that Samira had died in a car accident. I felt great sadness, but that's when I looked at the bracelet and ring and told them: 'Yesterday you were on her hand and today you are on mine. 'Where will you be after my death and what stories will you continue to witness? 'Just as you have already witnessed your story: from the mines, through the embers and the moulds, to the objects and the special memories you now are.'”.
IRAQI WOMEN ART AND WAR
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Iraqi Women Art and War captures oral-history stories in an artistic way from women before, during, and after the war which started in 2003. The project supports women to integrate into British culture and society, building bridges within communities. Rana Ibrahim shared with us some of the videos she captured in Iraq focusing on Islamic Metalwork in the 21st century.
Find out more about IWAW
raising awareness of traditional skills
community conversations today
Rana shares her perfume bottle and memories of Iraq "This is a traditional Iraqi metal object from Souk Al-Saffafeer/ Saffarin (a metal market in Baghdad). "This market is considered one of the oldest markets in Baghdad and dates back to the era of the Abbasid Caliphate. "My object is a perfume bottle used for wedding celebrations to put rose water in. It is a copy of my family one which is made of silver; this one is made of copper. "I love it so much as it reminds me of the sound of the metalwork in this market.
Raising awareness of traditional skills
RAISING AWARENESS OF TRADITIONAL SKILLS
community conversations today
Raising awareness of rare Iraqi metalwork skills "I purchased it when I went back to Iraq in 2018, after not being able to visit for 18 years due to War. In my YouTube videos (IWAW), I talked to one of the last specialists in this artwork field. He told me how this rare craft is in danger after 2003 due to the lack of support from the new regime and no-one supporting the artists. "I also visited the only institute in Baghdad which teaches the new generation (age 13+) — who also felt neglected by the new government — these unique skills. From this platform, I urgently raised awareness of these rare Iraqi artwork skills which is fading due to the lack of support."
a new era of stories
community conversations today
Rana shares an engraved picture of a woman’s face on a circular metal canvas from her family home in Iraq "She wears traditional Egyptian jewellery, a transparent burqa (face covering) and make-up with kohl; this is a very well-known attire in the Egyptian countryside. "In Iraq we used to watch a lot of Egyptian drama/films which familiarised us with different Egyptian outfits and dialects in any part of Egypt. "It is a very special picture to me because it was hanging in my family house in Iraq until I emigrated in 2000 and I have always admired the beautiful artwork.
A new era of stories
a new era of stories
community conversations today
"However, this object is originally from Egypt; it was given by my uncle to my mother — as he lived in Egypt and his wife was Egyptian — when he visited us in the seventies. "I kept this picture because it reminds me of my childhood. "Now, this object is with me in the UK and started a new era of stories since I moved to the UK in 2003. "I will make sure this item will pass down to my daughters and they will pass it to their children as a sign of keeping our family heritage."
We hope you enoyed your visit
> Come back and see us again
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Transcript
community conversations today
stories from multaka volunteers and museum friends
Symmetry & patterns
Eva's stories
What is Multaka-Oxford?
Rana's stories
Marriam's story
Rachida's story
What is multaka-oxford?
community conversations today
Multaka in Arabic translates into English as 'meeting point'. Funded by a range of donors, Multaka-Oxford uses museums and collections as a ‘meeting point’ to bring people together. The Multaka team of staff and volunteers work together to research, learn, and discover inter-cultural connections through objects in the History of Science and Pitt Rivers collections. And they share their wealth of knowledge and understanding with a wider community through multi-lingual events, tours, blogs, and displays.
> Meet the Multaka-Oxford team
> Discover our stories
MATHS, SYMMETRY, AND ISLAMIC PATTERNS
community conversations today
Jonathan Fruchter - Multaka volunteer and post-graduate maths student at the University of Oxford, was inspired by the beautiful design of the handbag:
"After seeing the objects, I couldn't NOT see the beautiful patterns and the rich symmetries."
Jonathan made a short, animated video explaining the different types of symmetries you see in Islamic metalwork.
MATHS, SYMMETRY, AND ISLAMIC PATTERNS
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"Maths can really be beautiful and fun."
"With just a few brushstrokes, you can create beautiful, Islamic-inspired wallpaper patterns"
Click on the image and use Jonathan's website to create your own Islamic-inspired pattern.
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Multaka volunteer Eva Haghighi found inspiration in the Courtauld candlesticks and the dish, both associated with Italy — and Venice in particular. "I thought it would be interesting to explore Venice and the city’s role in the context of trade between Europe and Asia, as the theme fits the broader Multaka theme of ‘meeting points of different cultures’. "One possible way to do so could be through quotes from Marco Polo or Marino Sanudo’s diaries as it pertains to gifts exchanged between diplomats.
'Food is an incredibly important aspect of social life ... 'Read more from Eva
Francesco Guardi, The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena (c. 1766–70)
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"The items that I believe could be especially interesting are those related to food, as for instance spices coming from Asia became an integral part of many European cuisines. "Food is an incredibly important aspect of social life both in Italian and Persian culture, and the same is true in my family, where my Italian mother and my Iranian father both cook and have taught me traditional recipes from their respective countries. "I think it could be interesting to link the historical and contemporary aspects of food as an element which can bring people and cultures together.".
Take a look at Eva's stories about Venice as a cultural meeting point
Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Dinca. 1476–86
venice: a cultural meeting point
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Read video as a pdf
Discover the work of Mahmud al-Kurdi
The influence of Arabic on Venetian language
Read video as a pdf
Quote from Simone Sigoli, Journey to Mount Sinai
Discover the work of Mahmud al-Kurdi (Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Dinca. 1476–86)The influence of Arabic on Venetian language (Francesco Guardi, The Doge on the Bucintoro near the Riva di Sant'Elena (c. 1766–70)) Quote from Simone Sigoli, Journey to Mount Sinai (Bucket of engraved brass with silver inlay. Zain al-Din, north-west Iran or Turkey, c. 1500 CE)
MEMORIES OF A LOVING FATHER
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Multaka volunteer Marriam Jawaad shares a gift from her father engraved with a verse from the Quran: "I would like to share with you my Healing Drinking Bowl. "The Arabic verse written inside the bowl is titled 'Ayat al-Kursi', also known as the 'Throne verse'. Ayat al-Kursi is regarded as one of the most powerful verses in the Quran (Al-Baqara 255). "As Muslims, we believe that a person can drink the water from this bowl and it will give them Shifa (recovery from illness) from Allah (God) and protection from the evil eye, Shaitan (Satan).
'It is a gift from my father ... it reminds me of him' Hear Marriam's memories of her father and hear the verse in Arabic
memories of a loving father
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
"The healing bowl has been used in my country, Pakistan, for hundreds of years, and in many households throughout the world. It is a gift from my father who has passed away, and reminds me of him and what he would do to ensure our safety when we were unwell."
Read a translation of the text on the Healing Drinking Bowl
parting gift from a dear friend
community conversations today
Multaka volunteer Rachida shares the beautitful jewellery which was the last gift from a wonderful friend: "Seven years ago, I spent a wonderful evening with my friend Samira and Mrs Fadama, who showed us jewellery from Tzenit, a city in Morocco known as the Capital of Silver. This silver (Naqra) can be traditional or modern, heavy or light, simple or decorated. "My friend Samira saw this ring and bracelet and said with joy, 'They’re beautiful, I’ll buy them'. The saying is true that 'silent jewellery is more influential on women than the sweetest words'. I asked Mrs Fadama if she had any more, but she didn’t. Suddenly, Samira took hers off and said, 'Take them, my dear friend”'. "I didn't know it would be her last gift to me. "
'From the mines, through the embers and the moulds.'Discover Rachida's inspiring memories of her friend's parting gift
parting gift from a dear friend
community conversations today
'From the mines, through the embers and the moulds': objects as memories "The next morning, I received the news that Samira had died in a car accident. I felt great sadness, but that's when I looked at the bracelet and ring and told them: 'Yesterday you were on her hand and today you are on mine. 'Where will you be after my death and what stories will you continue to witness? 'Just as you have already witnessed your story: from the mines, through the embers and the moulds, to the objects and the special memories you now are.'”.
IRAQI WOMEN ART AND WAR
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TODAY
Iraqi Women Art and War captures oral-history stories in an artistic way from women before, during, and after the war which started in 2003. The project supports women to integrate into British culture and society, building bridges within communities. Rana Ibrahim shared with us some of the videos she captured in Iraq focusing on Islamic Metalwork in the 21st century.
Find out more about IWAW
raising awareness of traditional skills
community conversations today
Rana shares her perfume bottle and memories of Iraq "This is a traditional Iraqi metal object from Souk Al-Saffafeer/ Saffarin (a metal market in Baghdad). "This market is considered one of the oldest markets in Baghdad and dates back to the era of the Abbasid Caliphate. "My object is a perfume bottle used for wedding celebrations to put rose water in. It is a copy of my family one which is made of silver; this one is made of copper. "I love it so much as it reminds me of the sound of the metalwork in this market.
Raising awareness of traditional skills
RAISING AWARENESS OF TRADITIONAL SKILLS
community conversations today
Raising awareness of rare Iraqi metalwork skills "I purchased it when I went back to Iraq in 2018, after not being able to visit for 18 years due to War. In my YouTube videos (IWAW), I talked to one of the last specialists in this artwork field. He told me how this rare craft is in danger after 2003 due to the lack of support from the new regime and no-one supporting the artists. "I also visited the only institute in Baghdad which teaches the new generation (age 13+) — who also felt neglected by the new government — these unique skills. From this platform, I urgently raised awareness of these rare Iraqi artwork skills which is fading due to the lack of support."
a new era of stories
community conversations today
Rana shares an engraved picture of a woman’s face on a circular metal canvas from her family home in Iraq "She wears traditional Egyptian jewellery, a transparent burqa (face covering) and make-up with kohl; this is a very well-known attire in the Egyptian countryside. "In Iraq we used to watch a lot of Egyptian drama/films which familiarised us with different Egyptian outfits and dialects in any part of Egypt. "It is a very special picture to me because it was hanging in my family house in Iraq until I emigrated in 2000 and I have always admired the beautiful artwork.
A new era of stories
a new era of stories
community conversations today
"However, this object is originally from Egypt; it was given by my uncle to my mother — as he lived in Egypt and his wife was Egyptian — when he visited us in the seventies. "I kept this picture because it reminds me of my childhood. "Now, this object is with me in the UK and started a new era of stories since I moved to the UK in 2003. "I will make sure this item will pass down to my daughters and they will pass it to their children as a sign of keeping our family heritage."
We hope you enoyed your visit
> Come back and see us again