Programme & tickets

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

11:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: The Arts of the Book - Muslim and Christian Manuscripts

Access a shared past of manuscript arts across faiths in the historic Parker Library.

with Multiple Artists

Parker Library

4:30 PM · All

The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts Opening Ceremony

Celebrate the launch of the festival with poetry, lectures, and intimate performances.

with Timothy Winter, Rakaya Fetuga, Mahmoud Atef and surprise guest

Pembroke College Auditorium

20–27 November · Manuscripts

The Western Quran - medieval manuscripts from Andalusia

Peterhouse

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition Opening: Script and Pattern - Ebru & Art of Ottoman Manuscripts

Learn and wonder at the interplay of calligraphy and paper marbling in Ottoman manuscripts, curated by Professor Ahmet Sacit Açıkgözoğlu.

with Professor Ahmet Sacit Açıkgözoğlu

Robinson College

11:00 AM–12:00 PM · All

Gifted Beauty: Compassions (Raḥamāt) as Indicators (Āyāt)

What happens when we encounter beauty as a gift that calls for a response? Dr Aref Ali Nayed draws on the Qur’an, the theological tradition of kalām, and the spiritual insights of Ibn ʿArabī. Hosted by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

with Dr Aref Ali Nayed

Faculty of Divinity

2:00 PM · Poetry

An Introduction to Dhikr with Sheikh Babikir

Participate in a guided spiritual gathering of remembrance and reflection, no matter your background.

with Sheikh Babikir

Cambridge

3:00 PM · Arts

Calligraphy Workshop

Learn the traditional principles and technique of Arabic calligraphy in a hands-on session.

with Mahmoud Atef

Cambridge Central Mosque

5:00 PM · Arts

Exhibition Opening: Ash Shams wal Qamar (The Sun and the Moon)

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

with Anahita Alavi, Ibrahim Batchelder, Naoki Yamamoto, Mahmoud Atef, Samira Mian, Zahra Halepota, Mariam Ashraf, Marzieh Kiavani, Elif Hale Gokcen

Cambridge Central Mosque

5:00 PM · Music

Almaalad: A Celebration of Love & Spiritual Beauty (independent event)

Experience Almaalad, a spiritual vocal art form celebrating love and compassion, presented by the Al Bader Initiative from Fujairah, UAE.

with Al Bader Initiative

Robinson College

5:30 PM · Poetry

Retelling Sacred Stories: Beauty, Friendship, and Shared Sacred Flourishing

Listen to panel speakers discussing interfaith connections, beauty, and shared sacred narrative traditions.

with William F. Vendeley, Denis Alexander and Steven Toussaint

Newnham College, University of Cambridge

6:30 PM · Music

Muwashshaḥāt Masterclass: Poetry, Melody and the Living Tradition of Aleppo

Train your voice in the rich poetic heritage of Aleppo's vocal traditions.

with Ibrahim Muslimani

Robinson College Music Room

7:30 PM · Poetry

Rumi: The Grammar of Love

Delve into the poetic and spiritual expressions of love in Rumi's timeless works.

with Baraka Blue

Robinson College

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Islamic treasures at Cambridge University Library

View rare Islamic manuscripts held at the library.

Cambridge University Library

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Islamic and Christian Bookbinding

Learn about the connected heritage of bookbinding and craft your own book.

with Flavio Marzo

Conservation Room, Corpus Christi College

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

The Art of Islamic Illumination

Practice intricate geometric and floral manuscript illumination techniques.

with Zahra Halepota

Fitzwilliam Museum

10:00 AM–12:30 PM · Architecture & Gardens

Cambridge Islamic Heritage Tour

A guided walk exploring Cambridge's Islamic heritage.

Jesus Green

10:30 AM · Wellbeing

Art & Soul: Healing and Imagination in Islamic Psychology

Reflect on the intersections of art therapy, spirituality, and psychology.

with Abdallah Rothman

Cambridge Central Mosque

12:30 PM · Arts

Geometry in Bamboo: Community Build

Join a hands-on collaborative project constructing giant geometric structures using bamboo.

with Adam Williamson

Cambridge Central Mosque

1:00 PM · Arts

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Calm the mind through the art and heritage of the traditional Japanese tea ritual.

with Naoki Yamamoto

Cambridge Central Mosque

2:00 PM · Arts

Calligraphy Workshop for Children

A fun session introducing young learners to the basics of Arabic lettering.

with Mahmoud Atef

Cambridge Central Mosque

2:30 PM · Arts

Book Talk - Soraya Syed: The Living Script

Master calligrapher Soraya Syed in conversation with Mujadad Zaman on her journey and The Living Script, the first monograph on her work.

with Soraya Syed, Mujadad Zaman

Cambridge Muslim College

4:15 PM–6:00 PM · Wellbeing

Meditation on the Heart

Cambridge Muslim College

6:45 PM · Music

Nawa Band Concert: Ancient Sufi Invocations & Forgotten Songs from Aleppo

Experience live performances of classical devotional music from Aleppo.

with Nawa Band

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Architecture & Gardens

Islamic Gardens Family Trail

Explore a fun trail of the beautiful architecture and gardens of Cambridge Central Mosque.

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Introductory Ottoman Calligraphy Workshop

Try your hand at Ottoman calligraphy with a master artist.

with Rizwan Ahmed Khan

Corpus Christi College

10:00 AM–12:30 PM · Architecture & Gardens

Cambridge Islamic Heritage Tour

A guided walk exploring Cambridge's Islamic heritage.

Jesus Green

10:30 AM · Music

In Praise of Song: Singing in Islam & The English Folk Tradition

Compare sacred sung traditions of Islam with English folk music.

with Mujadad Zaman

Cambridge Muslim College

1:00 PM · Manuscripts

Ottoman Calligraphy: Talk & Live Demonstration

Engage with Ottoman calligraphy among beautiful exhibition artworks.

with Rizwan Ahmed Khan

Robinson College

2:30 PM · Wellbeing

Drama Therapist Led Workshop: the Stories of the Prophets

Rediscover the richness of the Abrahamic prophets’ lives through guided drama therapy exercises.

with Myriam Abdel-Basit

Cambridge Muslim College

3:00 PM · Arts

'Ash Shams wal Qamar' Exhibition Tour

Take a guided walk through our exhibition with its artists.

with Zahra Halepota

Cambridge Central Mosque

4:00 PM · Poetry

Iqbal and the Poetics of Awakening

Engage with the poetry of Allama Iqbal from the personal perspective of his grandson.

with Walid Iqbal

Winstanley Lecture Theatre - Trinity College

6:15 PM · Music

Concert: The Fragrant Garden: from al Andalus to the Sephardi Mediterranean

Enjoy a musical journey spanning Andalusian and Mediterranean Sephardic musical traditions.

with Vanessa Paloma Elbaz; Mohammed Farsi Alaoui & Abdelilah Benkirane

The Peterhouse Theatre

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Make a Tile: Gypsum Carving Workshop

Try your hand at gypsum carving to create a custom decorative tile.

with Mariam Ashraf

Art Studio, Westminster College

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

The Art of Islamic Illumination

Practice intricate geometric and floral manuscript illumination techniques.

with Zahra Halepota

Cambridge Central Mosque

2:00 PM · Arts

Paper Marbling

Learn classic Ebru marbling techniques to create custom decorative paper patterns.

with Dilara Karaağaç

The Cambridge Room (Unit 55), The Grafton Centre

3:00 PM · Architecture & Gardens

The Islamic Garden as Sacred Art

A talk on Islamic Gardens as Sacred Art and as an opportunity for bridge-building between cultures, with reference to the Cambridge Mosque.

with Emma Clark

Cambridge Central Mosque

3:30 PM · Poetry

Islam's Greatest Stories of Love

Watch love stories in the Islamic literary canon in a film-screening of a new documentary.

Woolf Institute

5:00 PM · Music

Listening Session: Muslim and Jewish Recordings from the Ottoman Empire

Listen to rare historical audio recordings highlighting shared Ottoman musical heritage.

with Vanessa Paloma Elbaz

Peterhouse Brewhouse

5:30 PM · Wellbeing

Poetry & Wellbeing Workshop

Express reflection and mindfulness through guided poetry writing exercises.

with Sukina Noor

Woolf Institute

5:30 PM · Architecture & Gardens

Portrait of an Architect - Film Screening and Panel

The film captures architect Abdul Wahid El-Wakil's practice-based insights in reviving Islamic architecture in the contemporary world.

Cambridge Muslim College

6:00 PM · Music

Listening Session: Muslim and Jewish Recordings from the Ottoman Empire

Listen to rare historical audio recordings highlighting shared Ottoman musical heritage.

with Vanessa Paloma Elbaz

Peterhouse Brewhouse

7:00 PM · Poetry

Poetry for Friendship: Faith, Flame, and Future: Open Mic Evening

Share your own poetry and listen to acclaimed performers in a gathering of creatives.

with Rakaya Fetuga, Mohamed Yahya and Ahmad Iklas Grey

Hot Numbers Coffee | Trumpington Street | Cambridge

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

11:00 AM · Architecture & Gardens

Panel on Islamic Architecture in Britain and Europe

Rediscover architectural heritage through overlooked histories and intersections.

with Diana Darke, Tharik Hussain and Cleo Cantone

Woolf Institute

1:00 PM · Arts

The Art of Persian Miniature Painting

Learn the precise brush techniques and history behind Persian miniature art.

with Anahita Alavi

Fitzwilliam Museum

4:00 PM · Music

Listening Session: Music in the World of Islam Festival: 50 Years On

Revisit audio archives and history from the landmark 1976 Islamic music festival.

with Stefan Williamson Fa

Little Hall

4:30 PM · Arts

Astronomy and the Islamic calendar

Discover how the moon and the Milky Way shape the Islamic calendar.

with Imad Ahmed and Rahma Alfarsy

Cambridge Central Mosque

4:30 PM · Music

Tea and Dhikr: An Evening of Rhythm, Story, and Song

Decompress and connect over tea, melody, and poetry.

with Pearls of Islam

Hot Numbers Coffee

6:45 PM · Music

Rhythms of the Divine: Mevlevi Sema Ceremony and Turkish Sufi Music Concert

Experience the spiritual whirling dance ceremony performed by the Konya Sema Ensemble.

with Konya Metropolitan Municipality Sema Ensemble

West Road Concert Hall

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

11:00 AM · Music

Muslim Auralities Panel Discussion

Explore sound, recitation, and listening cultures across various Muslim societies.

with Dunya Habash, Lutfi Othman and Razia Sultanova

Woolf Institute, KC Shasha Suite

11:00 AM · Wellbeing

The Hikmah of Herbs: Tea Tasting Workshop

Learn about herbal traditions and taste natural tea blends.

with Rabiah Mali

Cambridge Central Mosque

1:00 PM · Architecture & Gardens

Cambridge Walking Tour

Take a guided tour exploring the connections between Islamic design and the inspiring architecture of Cambridge.

with Diana Darke

The Round Church

1:00 PM · Arts

Flowers in Persian Miniature

A masterclass on floral motifs using classic Persian miniature art methods.

with Anahita Alavi

Fitzwilliam Museum

4:00 PM · Arts

Geometry Workshop - Family Friendly

Practice drawing beautiful geometric patterns in a fun workshop suitable for all ages.

with Samira Mian

Cambridge Central Mosque

6:45 PM · Music

Al Firdaus Ensemble Concert: Echoes of al-Andalus

A vibrant concert that combines Andalusian and Celtic musical traditions.

with Al-Firdaus Ensemble

West Road Concert Hall

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Mughal Miniature Workshop

Explore the fine art of Mughal miniature in this immersive one-day workshop with Samantha Buckley.

with Samantha Buckley

The Cambridge Room

12:00 PM · Music

Maqām and Rhythm Masterclass with Al Firdaus Ensemble

Try your hand at Arabic musical modes and rhythmic structures from master musicians.

with Al-Firdaus Ensemble

Newnham College Old Labs, University of Cambridge

1:00 PM · Arts

Beauty: Recovering a Forgotten Dimension of the Islamic Tradition

Reflect on the theological and cultural significance of aesthetics and beauty in Islam.

with Mohammed Gamal Abdelnour

Lightfoot Room, Faculty of Divinity

5:00 PM · Music

Daf & Drum Workshop: Breath, Beat, Remembrance

Learn percussion rhythms in a participatory workshop among library bookshelves.

with Pearls of Islam

Woolf Institute Library

5:00 PM · Architecture & Gardens

The Natural World as Sacred Book - Qur'anic Perspectives

A lecture on environmental stewardship from an Islamic perspective.

with Farhana Mayer

Cambridge Central Mosque

7:00 PM · Poetry

Tracing Divine Beauty: The Poetics of Creative Love in Muhammad Iqbal

Be inspired by love in the poetry of Muhammad Iqbal.

with Hina Khalid

Winstanley Lecture Theatre - Trinity College

9:15 PM · Music

Islamic Oratorio and Christian Psalms: An Evening of Contemplation

Bring a day of art, poetry, and music to a peaceful close with an evening of meditative song in the Pembroke Chapel.

with Pembroke College Choir, Luke Fitzgerald, Dr Wietske Merison

Pembroke College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Yorkshire Tatreez - Palestinian Embroidery Workshop

Learn traditional Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery techniques.

with Yorkshire Tatreez

Kettle's Yard

12:30 PM · Arts

Yorkshire Tatreez - Palestinian Embroidery Workshop

Learn traditional Palestinian cross-stitch embroidery techniques.

with Yorkshire Tatreez

Kettle's Yard

2:30 PM · Manuscripts

Arabic and the Bible in early 17th-century Europe

A seminar on early modern European scholarly studies on Arabic Biblical translations.

with Alexander Van Dijk

Read Room, Parker Library

3:00 PM · Music

Songs in Translation

Explore how poetry and lyrics adapt across the different religious traditions of South Asia.

with Ankur Barua

Fitzwilliam Museum

4:00 PM · Music

Adhan Workshop

Practice the art of the call to prayer with one of its leading masters.

with Dursun Şahin

Main Prayer Hall, Cambridge Central Mosque

4:00 PM · Poetry

From the poem to the novel: Heba’s Journey

Somaia Abunada discusses her sister Heba Abunada's powerful novel and how it overlaps with her poetry — exploring Heba's transition from poetry to fiction, the poetic qualities of her award-winning novel, and the deeply personal process of translating her work into English.

with Somaia Abunada

King’s College

4:00 PM · Music

Sema Workshop

Engage in the poetry and movement behind the Mevlevi Sema practice.

with Daniel Thomas Dyer

Robinson College

4:00 PM · Arts

Life in Detail: 3 Day Pattern Making Immersive

A three-day immersive with Zahirah: learn to make pattern on wood and fill it with colour, co-led by a qualified Islamic psychologist. Participants attend all three sessions.

with Zahirah

Cambridge Muslim College

6:00 PM–7:00 PM · Arts

The Revelation that Inspired Muhammad ep 1&2

58 Sturton Street

6:45 PM · Music

Qawwali by Chand Ali Khan Qawwali Group

Revel in an evening of devotional music and qawwali rhythms.

with Chand Ali Khan Qawwali Group

Pembroke College Auditorium

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:00 AM · Arts

Kurdish Carpet Weaving Workshop

Try traditional weaving methods used in creating Kurdish textile art.

with Shorsh Saleh

Cambridge Central Mosque

11:00 AM · Architecture & Gardens

Contemplative (Tafakkur) Walk of Cambridge: Architecture, Nature, & Beauty

A walk through Cambridge's buildings and college greens, weaving together spiritual meditations on architecture, nature and the self.

The Round Church

1:15 PM · Arts

'Ash Shams wal Qamar' Exhibition Tour

Take a guided walk through our exhibition with its artists.

with Zahra Halepota

Cambridge Central Mosque

2:00 PM · Poetry

Khayaal Theatre - The Blind Man and the Hunter

A family-friendly theatrical performance based on traditional wisdom tales.

with Khayaal Theatre

Robinson College

2:00 PM · Arts

Life in Detail: 3 Day Pattern Making Immersive

A three-day immersive with Zahirah: learn to make pattern on wood and fill it with colour, co-led by a qualified Islamic psychologist. Participants attend all three sessions.

with Zahirah

Cambridge Muslim College

4:30 PM · Poetry

Khayaal Theatre - Quest for Knowledge

A theatrical performance exploring complex themes through wisdom tales from the Islamic world.

with Khayaal Theatre

Robinson College

6:00 PM–7:00 PM · Arts

The Revelation that Inspired Muhammad ep 3&4

58 Sturton Street

7:30 PM · Music

Praising the Beloved: An Evening with Mesut Kurtis

A concert featuring uplifting nasheeds by renowned singer Mesut Kurtis.

with Mesut Kurtis

Cambridge Corn Exchange

10:00 AM · Arts

Exhibition: Ash Shams wal Qamar

Curated by Zahra Halepota, the exhibition 'Ash-Shams wal-Qamar' (The Sun and the Moon) brings together…

Cambridge Central Mosque

10:00 AM · Manuscripts

Exhibition: Script and Pattern — Akkase Ebru and the Art of the Ottoman Manuscript

Akkâse ebru — script and pattern in marbled Ottoman manuscripts, presented by Yunus Emre Enstitüsü.

Robinson College Chapel

10:30 AM · Arts

Peter Sanders Retrospective

Join us for a discussion with Peter Sanders about the impact of his photographs.

with Peter Sanders

Robinson College

11:00 AM–12:45 PM · Music

The Art of Quranic Recitation

Cambridge Central Mosque

2:00 PM · Arts

Life in Detail: 3 Day Pattern Making Immersive

A three-day immersive with Zahirah: learn to make pattern on wood and fill it with colour, co-led by a qualified Islamic psychologist. Participants attend all three sessions.

with Zahirah

Cambridge Muslim College

2:30 PM · Wellbeing

Islamic Aesthetics, Spirituality & Wellbeing

A talk on how sacred geometry, calligraphy and non-figural patterns can serve as visual anchors for contemplation and wellbeing.

Pembroke College

5:00 PM · All

The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts Closing Ceremony

Come together one more time for a keynote lecture and Persian music performance.

with Timothy Winter and Saeid Kordmafi

Robinson College