"Aakhin Aakh" is a stunning and thought-provoking work of art that speaks to the enduring power of poetry and art to inspire and bring about change. Created in 1993 by the artist Ali Omar Ermes, this piece was dedicated to the United Nations in the wake of the Bosnia tragedy as a way of bringing attention to the suffering of the people in that region.
Filled with beautiful poems and wise sayings written by Ermes himself, "Aakhin Aakh" is a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a call to action, urging us all to stand up against injustice and to work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate world.
In addition to "Aakhin Aakh", this episode also features an artwork that has been in the collection of The British Museum since 1986. This piece is a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of Ali Omar Ermes's work, and serves as a reminder of the ways in which art and literature can bring about positive change and inspire us to be better people.
In Ali Omar Ermes' artwork, the concept of Silah, or connection, charity, and goodwill, is explored through the inclusion of poetry from some of the greatest classical Arabic poets, including Zuhair ibn Abi Sulma, Urwah ebnul Warrd, Ali ebn Abi Talib, and Ali ebn Al Rumi. These poets wrote about the necessity of giving charity to the right causes and how this serves as one of Islam's fundamental aims in creating a kinder society.