'Hajj And The Arts Of Pilgrimage'

For centuries, pilgrims have held a deep love for the Holy Sanctuaries of Mecca and Medina and the annual observance of the Hajj by Muslims is one of the most remarkable religious gatherings in the world. Assouline's 'Hajj And The Arts Of Pilgrimage' captures the intricacies of this ritual, which has remained largely unfamiliar to the Western world. The book features a thorough overview of the Islamic principles of Hajj, travel, rituals, sacred manuscripts, textiles and souvenirs associated with the pilgrimage for an insightful volume that reveals the broad spiritual, cultural and artistic aspects of this sacred journey. It's all told through the Khalili Collection of Hajj and the Arts of Pilgrimage — a collection of some 5,000 objects that includes Qur’ans, illustrated manuscripts, rare books, scientific instruments, textiles, coins, paintings and prints, which all come together to enhance reader's understanding of this practice.