The inauguration of the exhibit ‘Knowledge of the Islamic world in Naples (XVI-XIX century)’ will open Tuesday [September 15th, 2015] at the National library in Naples the 15th edition of the International congress on Turkish art, taking place in Italy after the 2011 edition in Paris. The choice of Naples was made for the historic interest the city has for the Turkish world. In the so-called Golden century of Spanish power, Naples was the main port of the western Mediterranean while Istanbul was at the time governed by Suleiman, lord of the Ottoman Empire, which stretched from the Mediterranean coasts to today’s Poland and Ukraine.

Read More: Turkish Art ‘Invades’ National Library Naples

A fascinating exhibition on display at the Chamber of the Scrutinio in the Doge’s Palace in Venice traces the history of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Venice and the Safavid Persia under the rule of Shah Abbas the Great (1587–1629). The show specifically highlights the gifts exchanged between the two powers from 1600 until the end of the Shah’s reign.

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Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi brought his award-winning exhibition on beauty and violence to Rome on Monday [September 23, 2013], unveiling the blood-themed creations which saw him appointed Deutsche Bank’s 2013 “Artist of the Year.” The 41-year-old, who was given the honor of creating an installation on the rooftop of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art this year, has brought 35 works to Rome’s Macro museum for an exhibition that runs until November 17, 2013.

Read More: Qureshi Brings Blood-themed Art to Rome

Arab nations are represented more than ever at the current Venice Biennale, displaying a wide range of art from the Middle East. As a group of visitors walk out o f the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale decidedly unsteady on their feet, they reach out for the hand rail thoughtfully placed on both sides of the ramp to guide them back on “shore”.

Read More: Venice Biennale Hosts Arab Art