Awaken your senses this summer at IslamExpo

Published by mayoub on 22 May, 2008 - 18:54

This year the festival will offer Muslims and non-Muslims alike an ideal opportunity to learn and deepen one's understanding and knowledge of Islamic heritage and culture in fields including arts, culture, science, philosophy and history.

Designed to celebrate the Islamic contribution to human civilisation, the four day family event will touch on all aspects of Muslim life through a vibrant series of exhibitions, workshops, live shows, concerts and debates.

IslamExpo has been conceived as an open forum where people from different backgrounds come together to discuss key contemporary issues that are affecting the wider society.

The event's aim is to help bring Britain's diverse communities closer together, promoting dialogue by expressing our differences whilst acknowledging our many similarities, in the spirit of the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue motto: "Together in Diversity"

IslamExpo's vast exhibition space will feature themed 'zones' comprising:

Sports Zone – Observe, participate or meet celebrities at our football Tournaments, cricket coaching or martial arts demonstrations.

Food Zone – Indulge in exotic foods from around the Muslim world, watch our celebrities in action and meet the Expochef.

Family Zone - Fun for all the family, from bouncy castles to exciting rides.

Fashion Zone – Watch Islamic fashion shows, bridal wear and displays from around the Muslim world.

Health and Lifestyle zone – Indulge in health and beauty treatments, get advice or simply put on some henna.

Islamic Gardens Zone – Relax or reflect in our Persian, Andalusian, Mughal and Ottoman gardens.

Knowledge Zone – Attend lectures, seminars and debates, with key speakers, academics and thinkers from around the world.

Entertainment Zone – Experience performances, film, theatre, concerts, nasheeds, comedy and more.

Islamic Art and Exhibitions Zone – Wander through the galleries, explore interactive exhibitions and take a journey back in time through the interactive Islamic history timeline.

Careers Zone - For help on applying for a job, writing a CV or a career change.

Souk Zone – Whether you are looking for hijabs, abayas, perfumes or pieces of art, all can be found in this traditional Arabian bazaar

Schools Project – Opportunities for schools to participate in a fun yet educational experience.

Islamic Finance Conference – To promote Britain as a major centre for Ethical Investment from the Islamic world.

Key debate themes this year will encompass: Interfaith dialogue, Climate change, Multiculturalism, Anti-terror legislation and Sharia law.

Guests and speakers include:

  • Professor Tariq Ramadan –Lokahi Foundation
  • Jon Snow – Channel 4 News
  • Salma Yaqoob– Birmingham City Councillor
  • Frank Gardner – Journalist and correspondent for the BBC
  • Anas Altikriti – President of the Cordoba Foundation
  • Sir Trevor Brooking – FA Director of Football
  • Ziauddin Sardar – Writer and broadcaster
  • Yvonne Ridley – Author and former Taliban captive
  • John Esposito – Professor of Religion and International Affairs (GeorgetownUniversity)

Ismail Patel, Director of IslamExpo said "This year promises to be bigger and better. Visitors can expect to enjoy concerts, fashion, comedy and cuisine from all over the Muslim world. With a range of invited politicians, journalists, academics and international speakers, IslamExpo also aims at encouraging dialogue by engaging in a variety of informed and diverse perspectives!"

Artists confirmed for the concerts include:

  • Outlandish
  • Sound of Reason
  • Kareem Salama
  • Zain Bhikha
  • Junaid Jamshed
  • Prince Abdi

Full flyer (click images for larger version):

For all the latest information and confirmed speakers please visit

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[img_assist|nid=3747|title=Islam Expo Flyer - back|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=0|height=]

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