The essence, the aroma and the imposing presence of the ancient Persia have conquered Alicante. The MARQ has inaugurated "Iran, Cradle of Civilisations".an ambitious exhibition that traces the trajectory of one of the world's most important most remote and prolific cultures of history through 195 piecessome of them exhibited outside Iranian soil for the first time, and many from sites that are World Heritage.
A delegation led by the deputy for Culture, César Augusto AsencioThe latest international proposal of the Alicante museum, which will be open to the public until 1 September. Along with the provincial official, the presentation was attended by the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Spain, Hassan GhashghaviThe director general of the National Museum of Iran, Jebrael NokandehThe Drents Museum Foundation's managing director, Harry Tupanand the technical director of MARQ, Manuel Olcina.
The exhibition takes an extensive look at the history of Iran, the birthplace of one of the world's oldest civilisations, which spans from the first human presence in the area, some time ago, to the 300,000 yearsuntil Islamisation in the 18th century AD. Three rooms form the backbone of the tour that begins with the Palaeolithic and Bronze Ages with a selection of pieces crowned by a bone flute from 6200 BC.The site also bears ancestral testimonies of uniform writing or Neolithic ceramics.
Precisely in this piece the visitor will perceive a subtle and evocative scent, because MARQ has incorporated for the first time a natural material based on leaves and flowers to create a sensory environment similar to that of faraway Persia. The showcases are lined with moss, leaves or daisies, among other elements specially treated to give off a natural aroma.
But undoubtedly, one of the most relevant treasures of the exhibition is the Golden Rhytona large ceremonial vase which is part of a group of twenty gold jewels and presides over the second room dedicated to the ancient PersepolisThe most valuable work of art can also be admired alongside this valuable work of art, which dates from the end of the 6th century BC to the 4th century BC. Luistan Bronzesa collection that includes a variety of instruments and weaponry.
Finally, the Sassanid dynasty - in the early Middle Ages - and the Islamic period are the focus of the third room of the exhibition. An extraordinary example of the 6th century Qur'anThe most important pieces in this room include silver bas-relief plates and sculptures from the period. The selection also includes two two-metre high replicas of the statues of Darius the Great -headless- and of a Prince Parto.
Asencio highlighted the role played by museums as a fundamental axis for the exchange of cultures. A relationship that crosses borders, with historical roots that extend into today's society, and which, in this case, is also a demonstration of the power and wealth of both civilisations.
In this regard, it should be recalled that the Alicante museum is currently involved in a major project to exhibit around 300 pieces in the National Museum of Iran. Alicante, treasures of the MARQ'. will move part of our rich archaeological heritage to Tehran between September 2019 and March 2020.
In addition, and as complementary activities organised by the MARQ technical team with the collaboration of the MNI and the ICTHO, a series of events have been programmed such as the open days which will take place from tomorrow, 15 March, until Sunday, 17 March. A series of conferences are also being held, which began on the 13th by Dr. Nokadeh, and will continue on the 22nd of March by the Spanish Ambassador to Iran, Eduardo López Busquetsand will end with a cycle organised in conjunction with the University of Alicante during the second week of June.
A group of traditional Persian music will add a musical note to the exhibition on 27 March, coinciding with the Feast of Nowruzand the next edition of the Alicante Film Festival will showcase a iranian film series.
the exhibition Iran. Cradle of Civilisations is exhibited at MARQ with the inestimable collaboration of ASISA and the CajaMurcia Foundation. ASISA was represented by its representative in Alicante, Paula Giménez, and on behalf of the CajaMurcia Foundation by its manager, Pascual Martínez.
