Cats, books and the Qur’an
Cats were valued by Islamic scholars, who are said to have kept them in their libraries, because they would prey on mice that would ruin...
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A Treasure of Samarkand: The Beauty & History of Shah-i-Zinda
Shah-i-Zinda is one Samarkand’s most beloved sites, which contains some of the richest tile work in the world. The magnificent...
The Rich Heritage of Ghademes
Known as the 'Pearl of the Desert' (Jawhart Al-Sahra), Ghadamès in Libya is one of the earliest & most famous Saharan cities. This oasis...
The Aesthetics of Persian Design & Culture
Persian design has a long history, with the greatest contribution to the world’s culture. The quintessential characteristic of Persian...
Paper Quilling & Islamic Art
Paper quilling is the art of manipulating strips of paper into detailed designs. The art of quilling has been around for centuries,...
The Rickshaw in South Asia
The Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk is a popular form of transport in South Asia. Colourful & full of joy, it is a moving work of art used as a...
The Art of Qawwali
Qawwali is a form of devotional singing related to Sufi philosophy. In this tradition, music plays an important part of the remembrance...
Rice Dishes across the Muslim World
As far back as 2500 B.C rice has been documented not only as a source of food, but a marker of tradition & heritage. From Nasi Goreng, to...
Muslim Kung Fu in China
Muslim Kung Fu is an important legacy of Islam in China. It was developed throughout history by Muslim Masters, who trained between...
The Art of The Moroccan & Magrehbi tea ceremony…
Nothing defines Moroccan culture as distinctly as its tea. Moroccan tea is not only delicious, the way the tea is presented is beautiful,...
Indigenous Architecture across the Muslim World
Indigenous Architecture can change the way we live on Earth. Architects are embracing regionalism & traditional buildings, as these...
Coffee & Muslim Culture
Drinking coffee as a beverage is said to have originated in Yemen in the 15th century in Sufi Shrines. It was there that coffee berries...
The Art and Heritage of Courtyard Homes in Syria
Syria is the soul of the Arab world & is nicknamed paradise on earth. One of the oldest civilizations in the world, it is a region rich...
The History of Ziryab and the Three Course Meal
Many of our everyday practices have surprising origins. For example, the idea of serving a three-course meal — soup, main dish & dessert...
Graduation Garments & Universities in Islamic history
Many people may not think too deeply about the academic apparel required for their graduation ceremony. But the familiar graduation...
The History & Heritage of the Souk
The souk is the beating heart of many ancient cities from the Near East to North Africa. Souk - an Arabic term translating as the...
The Shah Jahan Mosque & Islam in Britain
The Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking is Britain’s first purpose-built mosque. Established in 1889, it represents the cultural transfer that...
Mansa Musa and the Manuscripts of Mali
Mansa Musa was the ruler of the kingdom of Mali from 1312 C.E. to 1337 C.E. During his reign, Mali was one of the richest kingdoms of...
The Beauty & Architecture of Turkey
Turkey is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, natural beauty & ancient history. The country is at the point where Europe & Asia...
Islamic Archaeology
Islamic archaeology involves the recovery & investigation of the material remains of past cultures, that can illuminate the periods &...
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