A computer-generated image of the model of the Ka’aba that will be exhibited at the Fanar Expo 2009.

DOHA: To put an end to misconceptions about the Ka’aba in the holy city of Makkah, Fanar will showcase a model at least half the size of the original at the Fanar Expo 2009. The exhibition at Doha International Exhibition Center will run from November 19 to 23.

The cuboidal structure of the Ka’aba, the annual pilgrimage by millions of faithful and the city closed to non-Muslims have all aroused curiosity in people around the world. Some have disguised themselves as Muslims to enter the city of Makkah and then the Grand Mosque that houses the Ka’aba, to witness the pilgrims’ rituals.

“We will show people images of the beautiful, historic town and its details throughout the history of mankind,” said Mohammed Ali Al Ghamdi, General Director of Fanar.

“We will also take a unique step in showing the Ka’aba from the inside. Many people think that the Ka’aba is just a stone worshipped by the Muslims; others think that it contains graves or treasures or swords and shields. The model will show the details of the Ka’aba from outside and inside, to illustrate clearly that it is just an empty mosque.”

The height of the model will be seven metres, with its sides measuring six metres by seven metres. The actual dimensions of Ka’aba are 13.1m X 11.03m X 12.86m. Touch screens with information about the history of the Ka’aba and the history of the Prophets who made pilgrimages to it, charts and various maps will also be exhibited.

“We will present a panoramic view related to all aspects of Islam, in a modern, professional and attractive way. The aim is to cover the various issues of every visitor to the expo, be they from any community in the world. Separate areas have been designated to give information about Makkah, the Ka’aba, all of the Prophets, the holy books, arts, Islamic arts and other cultural activities through the eight departments of Fanar,” he said.

Apart from the Ka’aba and Makkah, the history of the Prophets mentioned in the Quran and their relationship with Islam, what Quran says about them and how Muslims value them will also be discussed.

Posters and charts on Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) will include his biography from his birth until the revelation of his mission, the glad tidings about him in earlier books, the humanitarian aspects of his mission, as well as the value that he preached.

Islam’s stand on the Testaments will also be showcased, showing the relationship between the Quran and earlier religious books and other prophets. The holiness of the Quran and its miraculous aspects will be highlighted in the expo.

“We will make a great show about architecture, decorations, ceramics, wood works, binding and other fine arts. It will contain a workshop by Ahmet Cocktan, an Ebro artist, and Obaidah Al Bankee, an international calligrapher, along with their masterpieces. Works of Muslim scientists and their contributions will also be shown,” Al Ghamdi said.

Qatari traditions will also be exhibited, showing the close relation the land has with the sea. “The sea and the desert, its importance to the region, the history of Qatar and its morals and culture will be shown through some motifs and traditional pieces from Qatar,” said Mohammed Ammar Al Boni, Executive Manager, Seqlia Exhibition Organisers, the main organisers of the event.

The expo will have a traditional souq, which will showcase traditions of Qatar such as making markook (traditional Qatari bread), pearl jewellery and wooden boat workshops. Visitors can also get an insight into Muslim prayers through live demonstrations.

A mosque and two majlis — one for men and another for ladies — will also be opened.

The expo will also have a theatre. The theater will be a venue for cultural and educational events conducted by a team form Britain and various Islamic organisations in Qatar.

THE PENINSULA