Direct Selling

Before and after: the development of qibla finding


The popular image of Muslims as the Luddites of the 21st century is being undermined by the producers of Qibsat -- a contraction of 'qibla' and 'satellite navigation'. This remarkable tool enables users to find the right direction for their prayers in almost any situation. Some of the features include a special compass that warns of magnetic disturbance and an alarm to raise the devout from their slumber for morning prayers.

The technology was developed in the UK, and the price (GBP99) reflects the innovation packed into this small bundle. There is even an aesthetic dimension to it. The soothing blue screen is balanced by a searing red laser.


Brilliant though it is, the Qibsat makes one yearn for the simple, tactile, non-battery-operated pleasures of an astrolabe. This Greek invention was used for centuries in the Islamic world to make all sorts of calculations. Among the most important functions was finding the location of Mecca. Top-quality astrolabes are ranked with the great achievements of Islamic art. Made from polished brass with superbly engraved inscriptions, they were considerably more expensive than the Qibsat in their day. It has to be said the newer version is more user friendly.


To find out more, follow this link:


http://www.qiblasat.com/about_qibsat

Head East, Elton

Collectors should look at Shirin Neshat rather than Nan Goldin

Elton John's problem with a Nan Goldin photograph is unlikely to land him in jail. It's just as well he wasn't looking at it online. Fortunately for Elton, he is an esteemed collector of photographic art, which means that nobody is going to mistake him for a peddler of pornography. The real problem is not so much with his taste but the entire genre.

Collecting photos without naked people in them is as difficult as collecting Orientalist art without odalisques and provocative snake charmers. Flipping through the catalogue of 'photo-London' -- a leading event of its type -- seven out of 44 photos had a large expanse of nudity. The cover has an alarming burlesque dancer, and inside there is a photo of a large lizard about to take an unconventional bite out of a lady who is almost wearing a kimono.

To avoid any of the misunderstandings that he is currently having, Elton should look in a different direction. Photographs from the Islamic world could be the answer. He already owns some works by Shirin Neshat, so maybe he should expand this side of his collection. Then he will only have to answer to the authorities in Iran, rather than the police of Tyneside, one of England's rougher and less-understanding neighbourhoods.

Something New from Sotheby's

News about Islamic art is not a daily happening. However, Sotheby's is offering something for today at least with the announcement that it will be starting sales of Modern and Contemporary Arab and Iranian Art. This comes after Christie's success in the Gulf. The difference is that the auction will be in London. The date is 24 October. If the press release is anything to go by, the catalogue will be a collector's item too.