By Adnan Hameed TWA _____ The Lahore Arts Foundation Trust (LAFT), Archives Conservation Laboratories (ACL), and the Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh, in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, are honored to present a landmark exhibition: "Annemarie Schimmel & Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi: A Conversation Across Cultures." This extraordinary showcase, held at Gallery No. II of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) from May 15th to May 22nd, 2024, unveils a remarkable collection of letters, documents, and photographs exchanged between two eminent scholars, Annemarie Schimmel and Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi.

Inaugurated by Chief Guest Mehtab Akbar Rashdi and Guest of Honour Mehmet Turan, Educational Counselor of Turkey, the exhibition received esteemed attendees including Ayub Jamali, Director General of PNCA, Paras Mahmood from ACL, and Sabah Hussain from LAFT.

The exhibition offers a profound insight into the intellectual journey and cross-cultural dialogue between Annemarie Schimmel, the renowned German scholar of Islamic and Sufi literature, and Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi, the esteemed Pakistani historian. The conserved materials from Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi's archives not only hold historical significance but also illuminate the deep intercultural exchanges between these two luminaries. Annemarie Schimmel's global acclaim for her contributions to Islamic and Sufi studies underscores the significance of this exhibition, which bridges cultural divides and fosters greater understanding and appreciation of Islamic literature and mysticism in both the Muslim world and the West. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi praised the exhibition, stating, "This collection is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and the profound intellectual exchange between Annemarie Schimmel and Pir Hussamuddin Rashdi. It is heartening to see their correspondence preserved and showcased, offering us valuable insights into their scholarly journey and the intercultural dialogue that has shaped our understanding of Islamic literature and Sufi thought." Generously sponsored by the Endowment Fund Trust Karachi and Guard Rice Limited Lahore, with support from Serena Hotel, the exhibition extends its invitation to students from various colleges and universities, facilitating their visits to ensure an enriching educational experience. The exhibition will be open until May 22nd, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm daily, except Saturdays.