MELBOURNE, Australia – A turning of the soil ceremony has marked the beginning of works to build Australia’s first Islamic Museum.
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu inaugurated the Islamic Museum of Australia at a special ceremony recently held in Melbourne. The event was also attended by the Premier of Victoria, several Federal government ministers, Australia’ Special Envoy to the OIC Ahmed Fahour – who is also the co-founder of the Museum, Islamic community leaders and other invited guests.
The ceremony which was held at the site where the Islamic Museum of Australia will be built, was the culmination of a dream and months of work for the co-founder Moustafa Fahour and his team.
The Museum will give visitors an insight into Australian Muslim history from 1600’s to the present, display Islamic art and architecture with a focus on the work of Australian Muslims, explain basic Islamic beliefs and highlight the contribution of the Islamic civilization Muslims to knowledge over 14 centuries.
The Islamic Museum of Australia will also collaborate with other Museums in Australia and around the world to attract quality visiting exhibitions.
In his address as the guest of honor, the Secretary General of the OIC said that Islamic civilization has contributed to other civilizations, its art and culture is rich and diverse and it is founded on the principles of tolerance and peace. He added that the Museum will enhance Australian’s understanding of Islam and help build bridges of communication.
The Secretary General said that the OIC supports this important initiative and will provide financial and cultural support through its organs at a later stage.
Construction is due to begin on the the Museum in mid 2012 with an anticipated completion date in late 2013 early 2014.