A groundbreaking initiative dedicated to celebrating Islamic arts, architecture, and cultural heritage has officially launched at the House of Lords in Westminster. The event, attended by over a hundred guests, marked the inauguration of the Forum for Islamic Art, Architecture & Cultural Heritage, led by Baroness Nosheena Mobarik, a distinguished Conservative peer. The forum aims to highlight the intellectual and cultural contributions of Islamic civilization while fostering dialogue, education, and public engagement. Among the attendees were British peers, ambassadors from Muslim-majority nations, and notable figures from the fields of architecture and cultural heritage. Walid Iqbal, a prominent Pakistani politician and grandson of the revered poet-philosopher Sir Muhammad Iqbal, was also present. The forum, supported by the Adam Foundation, arrives at a critical juncture amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment. Baroness Mobarik emphasized the forum’s mission to host a year-long series of seminars and events, encouraging politicians and the public to explore Islam’s rich artistic and architectural legacy. She highlighted the interconnectedness of cultures, stating, ‘The story of civilization is not one of parallel histories, but of intertwined ones.’ The event featured presentations by leading figures in Islamic art, including Noorah al-Gailani, curator of the British Museum’s Islamic Collections, and Professor Farrokh Derakhshani, chair of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Iranian artist Jila Peacock also shared insights on the medieval Persian poet Hafez, accompanied by an animated film based on her work. Baroness Mobarik concluded, ‘This forum is about seeing societies in a positive light and ensuring young people appreciate each other’s heritage.’
New forum for Islamic art launches at House of Lords to celebrate ‘shared human journey’
