Majestic-looking and brilliantly designed, just a few terms that describe the elephant-shaped water clock topped by a towering canopy adorned with human and animal figures. Situated in the Ibn Battuta Mall of Dubai, the clock was built following the designs of the original model from the XIII Century and is an homage to its creator, Al-Jazari. Born in Upper Mesopotamia, Al Jazari was a man of many talents - mechanical engineer, artisan, artist and inventor. He was also the author of the Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices, in which he described 50 machines, illustrated with colour drawings, including one of this very clock design. The whole thing is based on a water tank within the body of the elephant into which a perforated basin slowly submerges, setting off a series of reactions - a dragon swallowing a sphere, a human figure raising their right or left hand, depending on whether it is half-past the hour or the hour exactly, the elephant driver striking a drum and the phoenix on the roof of the tower calling out, as the dragon returns to its original position and the whole system resets again. It is a brilliant design, it is fascinating to observe, and, furthermore, it not only represents an important achievement in mechanical engineering but, thanks to the various symbols belonging to various cultures, is also a fascinating historical example of multiculturalism.
Drawing from astrology, religion and spirituality, the Ethiopian art form of telsem interweaves symbols, drawings and texts imbued with spiritual and philosophical significance.
A magical night with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, prince of qawwal music
The dream atmospheres, the mystical magic of qawwali music in an evening event at the Ethiad Arena with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and a mysterious legendary musician, who did not want to reveal his name.
Cédric Kouamé, also known as Gifted Mold Archive, has always been fascinated by old photographic archives that he collected in large quantities in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He used these images, often ruined by the patina of time, reviving them again.
One of Bulgari's most iconic shapes, Serpenti, celebrates three quarters of a century this year. A symbol of endless reinvention, it remains faithful to its ...