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About the Exhibition
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Why 'Islam in the East'
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'Islam in the East' exhibition will explore 1400 years of cultural interaction between Islam and cultures along the Silk Road, particularly Persia and China. Rare artefacts, calligraphic masterpieces and stunning images will be displayed, showcasing the linguistic, artistic, architectural and cultural influences that have emerged since the arrival of Islam. There will be special talks and visually stunning interactive presentations from key experts from around the world.
Why is The Review of Religions showcasing this new exhibition?
Islam is said to have entered China around 616-618 AD through S'ad ibn abi Waqqas among other Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Over the centuries the story of Muslims in China and surrounding countries along the Silk Road is truly fascinating. However some areas of research in this field remains rare. And so The Review of Religions in collaboration with Razwan Baig are showcasing this unique exhibition to bring to life these unearthed treasures of history as well as modern-day stories of Muslims. China will be center of interest however by no means will the exhibition be limited to it alone. We will also explore other stories along the Silk Road in connection with Islam and the East and we are excited to have in attendance key figures in this field.
Islam is said to have entered China around 616-618 AD through S'ad ibn abi Waqqas among other Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Over the centuries the story of Muslims in China and surrounding countries along the Silk Road is truly fascinating. However some areas of research in this field remains rare. And so The Review of Religions in collaboration with Razwan Baig are showcasing this unique exhibition to bring to life these unearthed treasures of history as well as modern-day stories of Muslims. China will be center of interest however by no means will the exhibition be limited to it alone. We will also explore other stories along the Silk Road in connection with Islam and the East and we are excited to have in attendance key figures in this field.
RAZWAN BAIGThe Islamic artefacts and rare Quran collection on display is generously loaned by Mr Razwan Baig, a world-renowned calligrapher and major private collector of Islamic artefacts. Mr Baig has built his collection over the past 26 years, lending to numerous prominent organisations such as the British Museum and the British Library. His interest in Islamic calligraphy began at the age of 12. He completed his BA (Hons) History of Art & Archaeology of the Islamic world, SOAS and also extensive training in Arabic calligraphy from Birckbeck College, University of Sunderland as well as from some of the foremost calligraphers in Turkey, Baghdad and Pakistan. As one of the largest private collectors of Islamic manuscripts in the UK, his collection formed the main part of the Art of Islam Festival at Buckinghamshire Country Museum in 2016.
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PETER SANDERSPeter Sanders, renowned photographer of the Muslim world, will display his fascinating collection of photographs, providing a unique glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary Chinese Muslims throughout the country. Ranked amongst 500 most influential Muslims in the world, Peter's journey in photography began in the 1960s as one of the leading rock and roll photographers capturing world famous images of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. After accepting Islam Peter dedicated his photographic expertise to capturing images of the Muslim world to foster greater understanding of the Islamic faith. His Hajj collection helped form a special exhibition at the British Museum. For over 45 years he captured over half a million images reflecting a rich traditional civilisation.
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HAJI NOOR DEENHaji Noor Deen from China is a renowned master of calligraphy, having studied and taught the art for over 30 years, showcasing his work across the world at institutions such as the British Museum, Harvard University Art Museum, Cambridge University, University of California-Berkley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology amongst others. His unique style unites Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, creating pieces of unique artistic beauty. He is currently developing his own gallery entitled "The Chinese House for the Arts of Islamic Calligraphy" and the "Arabic Calligraphy Creative Centre" at the National Academy of Painting and Calligraphy in the Henan Province, China.
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A Special tribute
MUHAMMAD OSMAN CHOU CHUNG SAI
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For more information, click here
Please note that for external guests this event is by registration only: exhibitions@reviewofreligions.org
Please note that for external guests this event is by registration only: exhibitions@reviewofreligions.org
Seminar Timings
All seminars and workshops will take place in the ROR 'Islam in the East' marquee
FridayCalligraphy Workshop (14:30 -15:10) Haji Noor Deen Chinese Arabic calligraphy: a rare live display Interactive Talk 1 (15:20 -16:00) Razwan Baig Treasures of the collection: focus on key artefacts Interactive Talk 2 (18:30 -19:30) Peter Sanders Capturing everyday Muslims in China |
SAturdayInteractive Talk (14:30 -15:10) Qaisra Khan Islam on the Maritime Silk Road - Hajj pilgrims on the Indian Ocean Special Panel Discussion (15:20 -16:00) Dr In-Sung Kim Han / Dr Sami De Giosa Islamic Art along the Silk Road and beyond Calligraphy Workshop* (18:30 -19:30) Haji Noor Deen / Razwan Baig Chinese Arabic calligraphy: a rare live display Calligraphy workshop is for Ladies only |
sundayInteractive Talk* (14:30 -15:10) Peter Sanders The Silk Road today: Muslim cultures and photography Calligraphy Workshop (15:20 -16:00) Haji Noor Deen / Razwan Baig Combining calligraphic styles Interactive Talk is for Ladies only |
FEATURED SPEAKERs line-up
Hear directly this year’s speakers at 'Islam in the East', coming from across United Kingdom and also China.
Check back often as we continue to add new speakers.
Check back often as we continue to add new speakers.
Razwan Baig
Islamic Art Critic and Collector UK Dr In-Sung Kim Han
Researcher at SOAS and the British Museum UK |
Haji Noor Deen
Master Calligrapher CHINA Qaisra Khan
Curator of the Nasser D Khalili collection UK |
Peter Sanders
Renowned Photographer of the Muslim world UK Dr Sami De Giosa
Curatorial Consultant and Academic Researcher UK |