The Dubai-based Muslim Heritage Consulting has launched the world's first online image database to give an insight into the Islamic culture.

The new website offers stunning images from celebrated photographers like Werner Forman and manuscripts from Turkey's Soleymaniye Library.

Many of the images mark critical moments in history, such as the first surgeries carried out in the Middle East, centuries before similar treatments were available in Europe.

“Museums have always faced a great challenge to relate Islamic realities of the past through images,” said Samia Khan, the website spokesperson.

“The website has brought together thousands of images of manuscripts, and photos of Muslim culture, history and people and made it accessible using a simple online format,” she added.

www.MuslimHeritageImages.com also presents images about Iran, including numerous historical and ancient Islamic sites.

TE/HGH