Sharjah Light Festival 2020 adds sparkle to majestic mosques

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Sharjah’s majestic mosques and the dazzling beauty of their magnificent architecture and motifs have been put in the limelight and celebrated like never before by the Sharjah Light Festival 2020 that continues till Feb.15.  The SLF 2020 shows, specially crafted and created for Sharjah’s monuments, bring out the brilliant details of the sublime Islamic architecture and civilisation before the world.

The three magnificent mosques in the Light Festival itinerary, being hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) for the tenth consecutive year, include Al Noor Mosque overlooking the Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah city, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmad Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al-Hisn and the latest addition to the list of iconic mosques in the emirate — the Sharjah Mosque, located near the intersection of Maliha Road and the Emirates Road in Al Tay area, Sharjah.

The show at Al Noor Mosque embodies the creativity of Syed Atiq ur Rehman. Kamal Kassim / Gulf Today

Using special techniques of lighting, video technology, computer graphics and a riot of colours, internationally acclaimed experts and artists have created a fascinating mosaic, playing up with the columns and arches and highlighting domes and minarets in a tribute to the beauty of Islamic architecture. The Sharjah Mosque, one of the few new locations added to the list this year, is located within a 30 minute driving distance from Sharjah City. It displays a brilliant show by Laurent Langlois called ‘Light Celebration,’ which is a visual and luminous tribute to the beauty of the Islamic architecture of the emirate’s newest and biggest mosque.

A graphic ballet of shadows and lights highlights the details and patterns of the mosque over the entire building, according to the rhythm of the four elements, along with illuminated pages of illustrations of the Holy Quran.

The Al Noor Mosque has been a permanent location  due to its unique architecture that inspires every artist. This year too, the Team Nomada has created geometric shapes and colors with charming lights spreading in harmonious movement on the facade of the Mosque.

Every evening, a colourful current runs through the mosque, revealing its contours and illuminating its curvature, combining space and a cosmic theme to elevate the spiritual frame of mind of the spectators. Originating from Pakistan and living in the United Arab Emirates, renowned artist Syed Atiq ur Rehman brings his culture into his work and takes the audience to a universe of new geometrical forms and magnificent colours. As shapes take form on architecture, music evokes new emotions and the work of this artist is accomplished, creating captivating illusions.  Aptly titled, A Cosmic Trip, the show embodies the creativity of Rehman. Show at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn is themed as Arabic Fusion.

SLF 2020 lights up the Mosque in a show narrating stories of culture and memory in a contemplation of legacy. Paired with light odes to Islamic patterns and orient designs, ‘Arabic Fusion’ gives a particular touch to the structure’s architectural details, and to the images of the Islamic culture representing Sharjah’s heritage.