If those who work in our museums want to enlighten audiences about Muslims and Art, they should consider two aspects of the subject that have received practically no attention.
First, a museum wanting to treat the subject of Islam and Art should give visitors a sense of what Islam has meant for much of the world’s art. The greatest destruction of art in the history of the world is that wrought by Muslims, over 1400 years, on the art (architecture, artifacts), sacred and profane, of non-Muslim civilizations. Some of that art has been religious in nature: the thousands of Buddhist and Hindu temples and temple complexes in India razed by Muslims; the thousands of churches vandalized, razed, or turned into mosques, in North Africa and the Middle East; or more recently, the 58 synagogues in Jerusalem’s Old City, one dating back to the 13th century, and others hundreds of years old, all destroyed by Muslims between 1948 and 1967 — need to be shown, before and after their destruction.
In the case of the churches and Hindu and Buddhist temples, drawings based on verbal descriptions will have to do, since no “before” photographs exist; in the case of the synagogues in the Old City, such “before” and “after”photographs are available. Other photographs could show the vandalized mosaics and frescoes inside the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (and similar vandalism that was done to the Hagia Sophia in Trebizond). There might be photographs of the National Museum in Kabul, before and after the Taliban got through with it. Similar before-and-after photographs of the National Museum of Iraq, showing what happened to it in the days following the American invasion (and civil order broke down in the immediate chaos), when Muslim Arabs had a chance to show their appreciation of pre-Islamic artifacts, could also be on display.
Finally, photographs of two recent acts of massive destruction by Muslims deserve to end the exhibit. On one wall of the last gallery, photographs of the Bamiyan Buddhas, in their undamaged state, and as they were being prepared for destruction with explosives, and finally, a photograph of what little was left of those giant statues after the destruction. In the same gallery, on the opposite wall, photographs of the most recent act of Muslim art appreciation, showing what the Islamic State has done to the Roman temples and triumphal arches in Palmyra, a World Heritage Site, could be mounted. Pride of place should be given to the Temple of Baal (Bel), described by many as the premier archeological site in Syria, which now, thanks to ISIS fanatics, lies completely in ruins.
That’s an exhibit worth putting on, for it brings to the public’s attention something that is perfectly appropriate for a major art museum — more Metropolitan than MoMA — to provide: that is, to display, and to wordlessly deplore in photographs and reconstructions, the deliberate and sustained destruction of many of the world’s artistic treasures, starting nearly 1400 years ago, and continuing right up to the present day, by Muslims. For this threat is not only a thing of the past, nor a threat only in Muslim-majority countries. It is a living, breathing threat today, and that threat has increased pari passu with the growth in the Muslim population in Europe. For why should Muslims, once they achieve effective numbers and power, not act as they always have acted when given the chance?
Such an exhibit devoted to giving visitors a better sense of that destruction, of which few are sufficiently aware, would have a salutary effect. It would make non-Muslims more conscious of one of the possible consequences of the takeover, through demographic conquest, of much of Western Europe. The word “takeover” does not necessarily require having attained a majority. A determined and cohesive Muslim minority could work its will long before that. Works of art that offend Muslim sensibilities would be vulnerable to demands for their removal from public view, or worse, could be objects of vandalism or destruction. It is disturbing to think what might happen, in some imaginable future, with the removal or destruction of art deemed haram, from the Louvre, the Prado, the Alte Pinakothek, the Rijksmuseum, the National Gallery, the Uffizi. That should concentrate European minds on the possibility, painful to consider and yet perfectly plausible, of Muslims in the future treating the art of non-Muslims in Europe as they have treated such art elsewhere (in North Africa, the Middle East, Anatolia, India) in the past.
Charli Main says
Converting temples, churches and synagogues into mosques is an imperative for Muslims. This defiling and desecration of the holy places of other religions is regarded by Muslims as symbolic of Islam’s triumph over the infidel.
gravenimage says
Also true, Charli.
Michael Copeland says
This is an ideal subject for a virtual museum online –
available to all, almost text-free, and safe from being vandalised.
Nigel GFF says
What you must never, ever do is offend a Muslim.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/12122665/Anger-in-Italy-after-authorities-cover-up-nude-Roman-statues-of-goddesses-so-as-not-to-offend-Iranian-president.html
It is preferable to cover your own asses. There are not enough fig leaves in the world to prevent offence to a Muslim.
(Timbuktu too)
gravenimage says
Yes–I remember that disgusting story–sickening dhimmitude.
And if–God forbid–Muslims ever gain full ascendancy here, they will not be content with covering up such artwork, but will destroy it outright.
mortimer says
The vandals of Isis: Nimrud warns us of a unique barbarism by Jonathan Jones
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2016/nov/14/nimrud-isis-art-destruction
“Let’s be clear: there have been catastrophic episodes of religious violence against art before, and war has destroyed many beautiful things. But there has NEVER been an AGGRESSOR that so specifically and openly sought to destroy art and antiquity, and carried out this policy at places as revered as Nimrud and Palmyra. The true age of the vandals is not the 5th century but the 21st.”
Monty says
I think it is about time there was a portrait of Mohamed hung in every art gallery in the world. I’d love to see the Muslims frothing at the mouth over that! The real Islam would be exposed big time. Yet even then I suppose most would excuse the resulting violence.
blackcat mendoza says
Actually, I read (either in a book by Spencer, or Sheindlin’s “People VS Muhammad”) that Mo was more than likely a short fat ugly hennaed dwarf.
Can you imagine the consequences of such a depiction? It’s only the realisation of the resultant violence, slaughter, and terror that makes me stop giggling like an idiot…
Tjhawk says
The museum displays should teach the islamic concept of “Jahiliyya”. This means the “age of ignorance”. Everything from a culture that comes from before the arrival of muslims is Jahiliyya. Therefore, it holds no value to the occupying muslims.
The French should consider that their precious Louvre will become Jahiliyya to a growing portion of their population. The implications are stark. Le Marseillaise will not inspire a swelling of the heart for many when it is sung proudly in public by the kafir.
If possible, every Frenchman should visit the Louvre (or any local museum) before Election Day. On Election Day, que up Edith Piafs La Marseillaise, stand and listen to it, sing along if you are so inclined, then march out and vote!!
marina says
I am surprised that the Pyramids and Sphinx are still intact as those belong to the age of Jahiliyya.
DFD says
Look at it from a Muslims point of view: Demolishing these is hard labor. Also, they generate cash.
Gray says
Muslims have already had a go at destruction, managing to obliterate the nose of the Sphinx, and part of his ears. According to historian Mike Bennighof: ‘Drawings published in 1755 show the nose (of the Sphinx) missing. It appears to have been the work of Sufi Muslim fanatic Mohammed Sa’im al-Dahr in 1378. Sa’im al-Dahr attacked the Sphinx with a crowbar, apparently in a solo effort. He became upset when the Egyptian peasantry were found to be praying to the Sphinx as a god, called Abul-Hol. Abul-Hol, they hoped, would improve their crops, threatened by the spreading desert sands, and so they burned offerings before him. Sa’im al-Dahr smashed some of the blocks of its ears and managed to pry loose the nose. ‘
gravenimage says
Muslims shot the nose off the Sphinx. It is only relatively recently that most of them had the means for destroying these works out right. If the Muslim Brotherhood was still in power in Egypt, these works might have already been demolished.
Shmooviyet says
Yes, and the American President would have had a front-row seat next to his pal Morsi, for THAT show of islamic supremacy!
Meanwhile worldwide media would be applauding Morsi’s efforts to “modernize the Egyptian landscape” (finally ridding it of ante-Mo reminders) or similar dhimmi-talk.
Kilfincelt says
The Pope and all the looney tune leaders of Western Civilization should be tied to chairs and forced to watch a video showing the destructive nature of the adherents of Islam throughout history and end it with computer generated graphics showing the destruction of Vatican City, particularly the Sistine Chapel and the Pieta, the Louvre, etc. Maybe then they would understand what they have wrought although these useful idiots seem to have the brains of gnats.
Laura says
And the courage of a dormouse.
Mickey says
This art exhibit, unfortunately, won’t happen. The art world is “in love” with defending Islam. There is a strange marriage of the liberal left and Islam going on in our cultural institutions.These strange bedfellows get along well it seems at least for now. A significant Western art work(s) will have to be destroyed before MAYBE the art world wakes up. Too late by then.
gravenimage says
Not all of us, Mickey–but yes, all too many.
jewdog says
If I recall correctly, wasn’t it Saladin’s son who attempted the destruction of the Sphinx, but thankfully it was only partially disfigured because of the daunting extent of the task, and a similar attempt was made and abandoned on some of the pyramids. Those are artifacts from the Age of Jahiliyya, or the age before Islam, and therefore had to be destroyed.
DFD says
It’s all very wonderful to write and to state all this. Unfortunately this article and all comments, ‘including mine of course’ is just water down the drain.
Because it’s preaching to, and discussing among, the converted, or among the like-minded.
I said on a number of occasions, and repeated it herewith:
**WE HAVE TO REACH OUT**
========================
INTO THE GENERAL PUBLIC**
=========================
Otherwise we will fail, Make no mistake about that. To succeed we have to reach the general public. That means Spencer, Geller, the Baron, Zak, Warner, et al., will have to make a ***concerted effort***, produce flyers, etc. They could start a special fund to which we could contribute, perhaps turn it even into an NGO. May be, if not immediately than in the (hopefully near) future, generate memberships/members lists, without publicising the names if so stipulated by a member, and with these demonstrate that we have ***voting power***! To the corrupt riff-raff, sorry, politicians, voting power is as important as cash.
That will of course not happen. Any suggestion thereto results always in the same replies – chirp, chirp, go the crickets.
(PS: that’s one of these posts were I wonder why the **F** I am causing wear upon my keyboard…. It’s not even a game, a play with the thoughts of others. SHIT!)
dumbledoresarmy says
There are always new people lurking and reading here.
This site is NOT just read by ‘the awake’.
New people lob in here all the time.
People *have* woken up because of this site and the discussions that go on here.
And do you really think that Mr Fitzgerald’s article will ONLY appear here?
It will appear on other blogs. It will be shared on people’s social media accounts.
You seem to assume that this site is frequented ONLY by a small corps of named regulars.
Ever asked Mr Spencer how many unique ‘hits’ this site gets per day? Per week?
We AREN’T just talking to each other. We are talking for the benefit of those who are listening quietly over our shoulders.
We are talking to the *thousands* who never post, never step out into the open; who watch and listen and read, over our shoulders.
gravenimage says
Hear, hear, DDA!
Moreover, the idea that brave, committed Anti-Jihadists like Robert Spencer, Pamela Geller, and Bill Warner are not making an effort could not be more mistaken. These people are indefatigable, and are an inspiration to us all.
Custos Custodum says
Jihad Watch is being followed directly by people at the HIGHEST REACHES of government in the U.S. and worldwide.
DFD says
DDA & Others
===========.
Thanks for your replies, and I agree with you wholeheartedly! You are however missing the key point of what I am saying.
There’s absolutely no doubt about the commendable and admirable work done by Spencer and all the others. Highest remarks to them and compliments, without reservation.
How many readers are coming, staying, going? No idea. I think all our sites must account for millions, all over the western world, and perhaps other parts. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were read even by some younger readers in Saudi Arabia, or such places; who knows.
What is lacking though is the ***concentrated effort***. Like that of a lobby with dedicated staff approaching relevant politicians, and swinging the BIG shillelagh called… “we vote for you specifically – or oppose you / promote and support your opposition. Chose!”
In political terminology it’s called ‘block vote’, the unions for instance make ample use of it. Being noted and being read is one thing, being considered is quite another.
Take a look at some of our opposition
————————————————–
For instance in the US, there is CAIR. Apart from PR work such as is also done by Spencer, Zak, Warner etc., they operate directly upon their primary target group: Politicians. And that ***IS*** their ***PRIMARY TARGET AND PURPOSE***! From small scale meetings, lunches etc., right up to conventions with special invitations, lavish dinners and after dinner speeches. That gets results.
Let me produce an example:
Raymond Ibrahim: A man of great faith, working relentlessly and dealing with, seeing heartbreaking things, many of which he publishes on his own site, and many of these find their way or are being reported on other sites, such as this, or linked thereto in articles by, say Junge Freiheit in Germany. A most noble effort and the images (picture says a thousand words) are spread far and wide. But what effect does it have on the church leadership, say in the west? Very little. See what I posted here https://www.jihadwatch.org/2017/04/the-catholic-church-has-become-one-of-islams-loudest-boosters/comment-page-1#comment-1659077 . Neither the suicides in protest by clergymen nor their murder has much effect. The high and ongoing departure rate from the churches? Very little effect, it happens over time and does not affect the clergy concerned. As I wrote somewhere else, tens of thousands a year in Germany for instance, complete with letters of protest or explanation. Does that affect the clergy? No, not at all. See various articles in JW about the behaviour or actions, and statements, by various church leaders of various ranks. Speaks volumes.
Now consider this: “We have here a list of Xoo,ooo church members wanting to leave on account of your actions/inactions/statements of such and such nature. The list will be publicised – with your name(s), of course. After all, you are responsible.” That gets results!!!! Regardless if that was done by visiting them through workers active in our NGO(s) or by a publicised convention, press invited, with an accompanying slide show of Muslim atrocities. It will get results. First it will sputter, then it will run more smoothly, and gain momentum. In other words, it will become a force.
It is the CONCENTRATED EFFORT! That is what I am talking about, that is what the enemy is practising daily, constantly. Let me put it in military terms: We are spraying lots of bullets, occasionally a mortar. Whoppeeee… Conversely, the enemy launches one artillery barrage after another, and sends in the shock troops — and no, I am not even talking Antifa. Spot the difference.
We are so poor, that when I for instance point that out, I am being attacked, chastened that we are making efforts and that these are widely noted, and that my writing about this is viewed as hostile criticism! No it isn’t, on the contrary! THINK! Yes, we are being widely noted, but that is all. Political impact? Trump? Possibly, I hope at least his heart is on our side, but that he is hampered by the deep state; on the other hand, looking at his cabinet and the reshuffling of key positions… In Germany, the AfD, yes, but they just had to overcome severe political infighting, as I wrote here https://www.jihadwatch.org/2017/04/germany-number-of-migrant-criminal-suspects-soars-by-more-than-50-in-2016/comment-page-1#comment-1659180 , in addition they have to overcome ***CONCENTRATED OPPOSITION***. France? Marine can’t win, well, neigh impossible, look at the numbers. Easily illustrated: Wilders! Or Strache in Austria.
We need to concentrate our efforts!
===========================.
We need to coordinate our efforts!
==========================.
That is what I am saying, read it, think about it. Currently we are debating societies, Penclubs from the 19th to early 20th century – with as much impact. OK, more than that due to the electronic spread and reach.
My criticism on Spencer, Zak etc. was and is far from negative, it is ***constructive***! If only a fraction of each their resources is pooled and turned into a dedicated organization, that is an NGO type organization, then we will have genuine power, influence! As you rightly pointed out, there must be millions of us. Now picture this: Spencer, Warner & Co. form a lobby group, since there must be millions of us, this group should attract tens, if not hundreds of thousands of members, internationally! They have the means and underlying structure. Takes money. Say 100,000 donors, all members, ranging from Conservo’s blog in Germany to what/whoever’s blog in Hawaii, donate 10 dlrs each on avergae, that’s a million dollars! That organization has teeth! And can apply in certain areas for funding…
DDA, Graven, Custos, a most gracious thanks for replying in the first place.
Never happened before. Though, permit me the criticism, your response illustrates the problem, and our weakness: Defending a club – in my case from a non existing attack. But you responded! At least something. May be we can get constructive. Any constructive notions, suggestions?
Schrödinger says
All totalitarian systems have maintained very tight restriction on every form of artistic freedom. Unsurprisingly, islam, being the worst, most thorough of totalitarianisms, takes this further than all others.
It’s not just in accordance with some hadith about pbuh flying into a rage at the mere sight of a curtain featuring illustrations that the earliest “companions of muhammad” concurred representational art had to be deemed “haram” and prohibited. Instinctively, muslims always recognised that all artistic freedom, as with all aspects of freedom, deeply threaten islam’s totalitarian enterprise. Commencing with that philistine thug, islam’s Godfather muhammad himself, they’ve rightly sensed a picture paints a thousand words. What would untrammelled license as to depictions of the personage and career of islam’s so called prophet and “beautiful pattern of conduct” do other than immediately serve to better illustrate the brutal inhumanity of both the man and of islam itself?
Every form of unfettered artistic expression serves to confer a spirit and culture of intellectual freedom, joy and greater freedom in general. And that’s not islam.
The corollary of that veritable aphorism that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere is of course that justice anywhere threatens injustice everywhere. Likewise, freedom of expression anywhere, including artistic freedom, threatens islam everywhere.
gravenimage says
a museum wanting to treat the subject of Islam and Art should give visitors a sense of what Islam has meant for much of the world’s art. The greatest destruction of art in the history of the world is that wrought by Muslims, over 1400 years, on the art (architecture, artifacts), sacred and profane, of non-Muslim civilizations. Some of that art has been religious in nature: the thousands of Buddhist and Hindu temples and temple complexes in India razed by Muslims; the thousands of churches vandalized, razed, or turned into mosques, in North Africa and the Middle East; or more recently, the 58 synagogues in Jerusalem’s Old City, one dating back to the 13th century, and others hundreds of years old, all destroyed by Muslims…
…………………….
God knows this is true. A lot of Westerners are familiar with the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, but assume that this is some discreet (and probably un-Islamic) perversity on the part of the Taliban.
But Muslims have destroyed such “Jahilyya” all over the world.
“It begins: Muslims in Maldives smash Buddhist statues in National Museum”
https://www.jihadwatch.org/2012/02/it-begins-muslims-in-maldives-smash-buddhist-statues-in-national-museum
A museum official mournfully said, “They have effectively erased all evidence of our Buddhist past”. He asked not to be named out of fear for his own safety.
Erasing the non-Muslim past is *exactly* what this destruction is intended to do.
And here is the Islamic State, taking time out from using girls as sex slaves, beheading Infidels, and crucifying teenagers who snacked during Ramadan:
“Islamic State jihadis destroy 3,000-year-old artworks in Mosul museum”
https://www.jihadwatch.org/2015/02/islamic-state-jihadis-destroy-3000-year-old-artworks-in-mosul-museum
There are, grimly, thousands more such stories, both historical and contemporary.
This is just what Muslims have planned for our great museums, and churches, and monuments–the destruction of beauty, the destruction of our heritage.
The more good people know, the more we can protect against this.