Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MUSCAT1009
2009-11-09 05:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Muscat
how-toVZCZCXRO2743 RR RUEHDE DE RUEHMS #1009 3130542 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 090542Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0944 INFO GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001009
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/09
TAGS: PHUM MU
SUBJECT: REMBRANDT IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001009
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/09
TAGS: PHUM MU
SUBJECT: REMBRANDT IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
1. (U) During the month of Ramadan, Oman hosted an exhibit of
Rembrandt etchings, the first time his works have been publicly
exhibited in the Middle East. Dr. Abdulrahman al-Salimi, editor
for "Tolerance" magazine and nephew to H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin
Muhammed al-Salimi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs,
organized the event under the sponsorship of the Salimi family
library. There were over 100 original etchings in a heavily
guarded hotel ballroom that was open to the public daily throughout
the month. Abdulrahman told POLOFF that the exhibit was a success
and that over 7000 people viewed the exhibit.
2. (C) Comment: It is unusual to see an art exhibit in an Islamic
country that includes the display of the human form, as
conservative Islamic scholars oppose such art. It is even more
surprising when that exhibit is sponsored by the library of the
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, effectively giving it his
personal endorsement. Oman is unique in that its formal religious
establishment is often out in front on religious freedom,
tolerance, and diversity issues. End Comment.
Schmierer
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/09
TAGS: PHUM MU
SUBJECT: REMBRANDT IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
1. (U) During the month of Ramadan, Oman hosted an exhibit of
Rembrandt etchings, the first time his works have been publicly
exhibited in the Middle East. Dr. Abdulrahman al-Salimi, editor
for "Tolerance" magazine and nephew to H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin
Muhammed al-Salimi, Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs,
organized the event under the sponsorship of the Salimi family
library. There were over 100 original etchings in a heavily
guarded hotel ballroom that was open to the public daily throughout
the month. Abdulrahman told POLOFF that the exhibit was a success
and that over 7000 people viewed the exhibit.
2. (C) Comment: It is unusual to see an art exhibit in an Islamic
country that includes the display of the human form, as
conservative Islamic scholars oppose such art. It is even more
surprising when that exhibit is sponsored by the library of the
Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, effectively giving it his
personal endorsement. Oman is unique in that its formal religious
establishment is often out in front on religious freedom,
tolerance, and diversity issues. End Comment.
Schmierer