Islamic heritage and arts are the focus of a free exhibition, which opens at Bristol University next week [Monday, 12 February].  The exhibition will be showcasing a treasure trove of Islamic artifacts dating back to the 7th century, and will be opened by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Peter Abraham.

Organised by the University of Bristol Islamic Society, as part of its annual 'Islamic Awareness Week', the exhibition will provide a fascinating insight into Islamic heritage, illustrated through a range of ancient Islamic artefacts. These include a selection of Qurans hand-written 500 years ago, a collection of Islamic coins from the 7th to 18th century, original calligraphy and Muslim art pieces. 

There will also be a series of Islamic-themed talks given by journalist Yvonne Ridley who was captured in 2001 by the Taliban in Afghanistan, Dr Al Djazairi, a researcher at Manchester University, Yusuf Chambers, Director of Islamic Aid and Idris Tawfiq, a Muslim writer and former Roman Catholic priest.

Communications Manager for the exhibition and Bristol University Law student, Abdul Azeem, said: “This exhibition will promote Bristol as a multi-cultural city, where different communities co-exist and thrive. It will also showcase the multi-faceted nature of Islam and its hidden impact on all our lives.”

The exhibition is free and takes place in the Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road, University of Bristol. The event is open to members of the public from 1.30 pm to 5 pm on Monday, 12 February and from 9 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, 13 February, Wednesday, 14 February and Thursday, 15 February 2007.

The event runs in conjunction with ‘Exhibition Islam’ a non-profit project dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Islam among non-Muslims, and to positively change people’s perceptions of Islam.  The project has provided exhibitions across the world, including at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Anthropology, Oxford and at the Asian Games in Qatar.