Honoring a Lifelong Connection
The Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum is a proposed project that holds immense cultural and historical significance for the village of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka. This museum will serve as a living tribute to the rich heritage of the village and its deep connection with renowned German scholar and philanthropist, Professor Dr. Annemarie Schimmel, who shared a lifelong bond with Dr. Senta Siller and the village.
Foundation and Purpose
The Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum will be established on the site of a building that has a long history of community service. In 1992, Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama (AFA) constructed this building to serve as the primary schoolfor the village.
Prior to this, the village school had no proper structure, and classes were held outdoors or in makeshift spaces. AFA not only built the school but also provided furniture for the children to sit and study, ensuring a better learning environment.
In the years that followed, the government eventually built a permanent school building for the village, and the original AFA structure became available for repurposing. Now, this space will be transformed into the Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum, a project that hinges on the availability of financial resources.
What the Museum Will Showcase
The museum will serve as a vibrant repository of the village’s history, culture, and the lives of its people. It will display artifacts that illustrate the traditional lifestyle of the village, including everyday tools, household items, and objects that demonstrate how the villagers lived and worked in the past. Visitors will be able to learn about the agriculture, crafts, and rituals that shaped the life of the community.
Among the notable exhibits will be old photographs of the village’s elders, capturing the essence of daily life through the decades. The museum will also showcase the handicrafts produced by the women of Thatta Ghulamka Dhirokathrough the Thatta Kedona project. These handmade dolls, toys, and other crafted items will provide a visual record of the village’s involvement in artisanal traditions, reflecting the skills and creativity of the local artisans.
A Special Tribute to Professor Dr. Annemarie Schimmel
The Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum will not only honor the heritage of the village but also celebrate the life and work of Professor Dr. Annemarie Schimmel, who had a profound influence on the development of the village’s cultural exchange programs. Dr. Schimmel, a renowned scholar of Islamic studies, was a close friend of Dr. Senta Siller and shared a deep interest in the projects related to Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka.
Dr. Schimmel’s connection to the village was both personal and academic. She visited Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka on several occasions and was a passionate supporter of the Thatta Kedona handicrafts. She regularly purchased products from the project, not only as a patron but also as a way of supporting the village’s economic and social development. Her friendship with Dr. Senta Siller led to many meaningful collaborations between the village and Germany, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two communities.
Dr. Schimmel was particularly interested in the artisanal products made by the village women, and her dedication to supporting them was evident in her efforts to promote and purchase their work. Unfortunately, despite her deep desire to visit the village herself, health issues prevented her from making the trip. Nonetheless, her connection to the village remains strong, and the museum will be a way to honor her legacy and acknowledge her lasting impact on the community.
Additional Features of the Museum
In addition to the exhibitions showcasing the village’s history and crafts, the museum will include a small shop where visitors can purchase handmade products as souvenirs. This shop will offer a range of handicrafts, from ethnic dolls to beaded jewelry and embroidered items, allowing visitors to take a piece of the village’s culture home with them. The shop will also serve as a vital source of income for the artisans and continue the tradition of promoting the Thatta Kedona project.
The museum will not only preserve the rich heritage of Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka but also provide an educational space for tourists, scholars, and visitors to learn about the village’s unique culture, the skills of its people, and the remarkable connections that have developed between the village and international figures like Professor Dr. Annemarie Schimmel.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
The Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum is still in the planning stages, with the project dependent on securing the necessary financial resources. However, the AFA and the local community are committed to seeing this vision realized, as it will serve as a lasting tribute to the village’s heritage, its people, and the friendships that have shaped its future.
The museum will stand as a testament to the values of collaboration, cultural exchange, and community empowermentthat have been at the heart of Anjuman-e-Falah-e-Aama’s work since its inception. With the support of local and international donors, the Annemarie Schimmel Village Museum will become a beacon of pride for Thatta Ghulamka Dhiroka and a meaningful tribute to the memory of Professor Dr. Annemarie Schimmel.
