An Islamic cultural exhibition is underway at National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, showcasing art and artifacts from Muslim countries around the world. The exhibition will run until April 18 to usher in the month of Ramadan, which lasts from April 13 to May 12. Formosa New reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a look.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world will fast all day, care for the needy, and engage in self-reflection. The month of Ramadan this year lasts from April 13 to May 12. To usher in Ramadan and give Taiwan a better understand of the traditions of Muslim countries, an Islamic Cultural Exhibition is underway at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Items displayed in the exhibition include artifacts, Arabic calligraphy and famous mosques. The items were provided by the Chinese Muslim Association as well as the foreign missions in Taiwan of Muslim countries including Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Mohamed Hagi
Somaliland representative to Taiwan
The country I represent is the Republic of Somaliand, where 100% of its population is Muslim. To represent them here, I really appreciate it. Taiwan is absolutly a place that really welcomes and is very attractive for Muslim people.

Muhammed Berdibek
Turkish Trade Office in Taipei representative
We work with Taiwan government officials. Actually it was a long process. It took about three months to prepare. These are some things from us we try to provide. So this is some stuff coming from Turkey and also already in Taiwan. This kind of exhibition is very important to serve the Islamic purpose.

Stephany Yang
Formosa News reporter
In addition, on April 17 and 18, stalls of locally produced halal food will be set up in the plaza outside the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.

Miguel Tsao
Deputy foreign minister
We spent three months planning this Islamic Cultural Exhibition. The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a major impact on international exchanges and travel. However, because the pandemic has been effectively controlled in Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been able to cooperate with Taiwan’s Chinese Muslim Association, the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and representative and trade offices of Muslim countries in Taiwan to host the Islamic Cultural Exhibition here in Taipei. The exhibition will seek to improve the Taiwanese people’s understanding of Islamic culture.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are approximately 250,000 Muslims currently living in Taiwan. Two hundred thousand are foreign nationals, and 50,000 are Taiwanese. Through this exhibition, organizers hope to allow people to witness the beauty of Islamic art and culture.