Qur'an in the City: The Sounds of the Stars, Transcription, Pigments and Print

The first was the "Taught by the Pen: The Qur'an and Calligraphy" exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Arts & Heritage (MIAH) Foundation, running from March to May 2024. This exhibition, the first in-house curated show at the MIAH Gallery in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, explored the pivotal role of calligraphy in preserving the Qur'an in written form over centuries. Launched during Ramadan, the exhibition featured a diverse array of original folios, manuscripts, and works of art spanning a millennium and originating from regions as varied as China and sub-Saharan Africa. The exhibition also included a replica of the Birmingham Qur’an.

A highlight during the exhibition’s run was the Curator’s and Sound Artist’s guided tour. Attendees were immersed in the unique and mesmerising sonic study by sound artist Tasawar Bashir, inspired by the night sky above Mount al-Nūr in Makkah on the 24th August in the year 610, believed by many to be the night of the first revelation to the Prophet Muḥammad (pbuh). Radio and spectral data from the stars, planets and cosmological phenomena that were visible on that night have been turned into musical sounds and combined with a choir of Qur’anic recitation that extends across time and space into infinity. Visitors were also treated to an in-depth tour of the exhibition by Dr. Neelam Hussain, Director of MIAH, providing guests the opportunity to ask further questions and explore their interests. This event also marked the start of the Qur’an transcription activity – welcoming the people of Birmingham, from any background, to contribute to a new Birmingham Qur’an!

In late April, a joint MIAH/ Winterbourne workshop took place entitled ‘Qur’an – Manuscripts, pigments and printing.’ This event was sponsored by Culture Forward as part of the ‘Qur’an in the City’ project. Here attendees had the opportunity to have a go at using Winterbourne’s traditional presses, led by Lee Hale, Director of Winterbourne House and Gardens, and learn about the creation of pigments and materials used to decorate manuscripts of the Qur’an and other texts from the Muslim world by Mingana Collection Curator and Academic Lead for the project, Dr. Neelam Hussain.

Additionally, everyone had a chance to practice their Arabic calligraphy skills with reed pens, some choosing to use the newly created dyes and pigments from the demonstration. The group then enjoyed the lovely weather and beautiful Edwardian historic house and gardens at their leisure – a lovely way to conclude a unique and varied workshop.

These events underscore the rich cultural and historical tapestry connected to the Birmingham Qur’an and highlight the University’s commitment to engaging with and promoting Islamic art and heritage.