Excerpt:
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art has unveiled its new wing of Islamic works in a major effort to increase Americans' understanding of Islamic culture.
The new wing, which opened on November 1, includes 15 galleries displaying historic art from across the Islamic world. This includes the art of the Arab lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.
But the exhibits go well beyond merely displaying priceless objects that dazzle visitors with their beauty and craftsmanship. They also trace the course of Islamic civilization over 13 centuries to show how much it and its contributions are part of the world's shared cultural heritage.