Pending its official opening in September 2024, the MACS MTO - Museum of Sufi Art and Culture MTO opens its doors exceptionally on 16 and 17 September 2023 on the occasion of the European Heritage Days.
The only museum in the world entirely devoted to Sufism, its heritage and artistic expression, The MACS MTO aims to bring this millennial discipline into dialogue with contemporary art and the issues of our time through a program of temporary exhibitions and a rich artistic, cultural and educational offer.
Discover the secrets of Sufi art and culture through a rich program of concerts, calligraphy and meditation workshops, bucolic walks and conferences, open to everyone.
PROGRAMMING:
Saturday, September 16
Guided Tours – Garden Conference
Jacky Libaud
Departure at 10 am - 10.45 am - 11.30 am
By reservation
Sufism was born with Islam from the time of the prophet Muhammad. Famous mystics such as the poets Rumi and Hafez have exalted the virtues of flowers and gardens. Rose, nightingale, jasmine, narcissus or tulip were then evoked to symbolize the love, the beauty or the fugacity of life. Nowadays, gardens are always highlighted in Sufi communities present in many countries. A visit to the Chatou garden will allow us to immerse ourselves in a certain vision of the world.
A trained horticulturist, Jacky Libaud created the «Balades aux jardins» structure in spring 2011 to share his enthusiasm for the history, architecture, fauna and flora of Paris and its region.
12h
Introduction to the art of calligraphy
Nuria Garcia Masip
Nuria Garcia Masip is a calligrapher. His work is rooted in the classical school of calligraphy and the preservation of traditional techniques and materials. Trained in the United States and Turkey in rik'a, sülüs and nesih writing, she holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of the Sorbonne, she has won prestigious awards in international calligraphy competitions and her work is part of various private and museum collections.
13h30
Welcome speech
2 pm
Workshop of initiation to calligraphy (Children)
Nuria Garcia Masip
By reservation
The art of calligraphy is considered to be one of the most important expressions in the arts of Islam and Sufism. Carrying meaning through text and form, each calligraphy is intended to inspire the viewer to read, or simply contemplate, the different layers of meaning contained in each line, letter and composition. This workshop aims to open a window on this sacred art and on the techniques of writing with traditional materials. Participants will be encouraged to explore these different dimensions through a final creative exercise.
Introduction to the practice of Tamarkoz
Farzaneh Parent
Workshop at 15h and 15h30
By reservation
Introduction to the Tamarkoz® method of Sufi meditation. This workshop offers the opportunity to experience deep wellness through a unique combination of physical and breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation in the heart. An ancestral practice, an effective tool to preserve physical, mental and emotional balance in modern life.
A graduate of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, Farzaneh Parent is a painter and since 1999 has been managing the workshop of the Association Dessin Peinture Sculpture (ADPS) in Versailles.
4pm
Initiation to Calligraphy Workshop (Adults)
Nuria Garcia Masip
By reservation
See presentation of the children’s workshop.
5pm
Lecture
Introduction to Sufism
Eric Geoffroy
Éric Geoffroy is an Islamologist, specialist in Sufism, and a writer. His works are translated into several languages. He is a member of the Arab Academy of Cairo, and president of the association Sufi Consciousness. Among his works: Sufism. The Inner Path of Islam (2009, Wishful Points), Islam will be spiritual or will no longer be (Seuil, 2009), An Endless Glare – Poetry in Sufism (Seuil, 2014), Allah to the Feminine, Albin Michel, 2020.
6.30pm
Sufi concerts, recitals and songs
Zendeh Delan
Zendeh Delan literally translates into “Awakened Hearts” in Persian. The ensemble is composed of Sufi students who have come together to learn and share their experiences through music and collectively build a contemporary Sufi music. Although deeply rooted in traditional Sufi melodies and Persian musical modes, Zendeh Delan’s creative practice encompasses a multitude of contemporary musical influences, harmoniously blending the popular, the classic and influences from all over the world.
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Sunday, September 17
Introduction to the practice of Tamarkoz
Farzaneh Parent
Workshop at 10am - 10h45 - 11h30
By reservation
(See information on Saturday, September 16)
2 pm
Tales and wisdom Sufi
The Company The Court of Tales
During a one-hour musical show, the storytellers of the company the Court of Tales accompanied by musicians of the Iranian tradition (oriental cello, trumpet, percussion) invite you to follow them to meet the wisdom of Sufi tales. Conveyed from Iran to the Maghreb through great thinkers or imaginary characters such as the famous Nasredine Hodja, discover a philosophy of everyday life through stories that are sometimes simple, often funny but always beautiful.
3pm
Lecture: «Music and Dance in Sufism»
Eric Geoffroy
Éric Geoffroy is an Islamologist, specialist in Sufism, and a writer. His works are translated into several languages. He is a member of the Arab Academy of Cairo, and president of the association Sufi Consciousness. Among his works: Sufism. The Inner Path of Islam (2009, Wishful Points), Islam will be spiritual or will no longer be (Seuil, 2009), An Endless Glare – Poetry in Sufism (Seuil, 2014), Allah to the Feminine, Albin Michel, 2020.
16h30 -
Sufi concerts, recitals and songs
Zendeh Delan
Zendeh Delan literally translates into “Awakened Hearts” in Persian. The ensemble is composed of Sufi students who have come together to learn and share their experiences through music and collectively build a contemporary Sufi music. Although deeply rooted in traditional Sufi melodies and Persian musical modes, Zendeh Delan’s creative practice encompasses a multitude of contemporary musical influences, harmoniously blending the popular, the classic and influences from all over the world.