Afrasiab Anwar MBE
Leader of the Council at Burnley Borough Council
Burnley was honoured to host a historic cultural event as the Kiswat Al Kaaba Exhibition made a powerful stop at Danehouse Community Centre on Saturday, 31st May 2025
The event, which showcases rare and sacred artefacts from the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the Rawdah in Madinah, brought together communities, faith leaders, and civic dignitaries in a moving celebration of Islamic heritage, unity, and cultural dialogue
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Council Leader Afrasiab Anwar:
“An Exhibition That Truly Benefits the Community”
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Leader of Burnley Council, Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, attended the event and expressed deep admiration for the exhibition, noting how such rare opportunities foster community cohesion
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“This exhibition doesn’t just educate—it brings communities together. It allows us to reflect on the preservation of sacred heritage, encourages intercultural understanding, and most importantly, benefits our residents by opening up space for dialogue between different faiths,” said Cllr Anwar.
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His presence reaffirmed Burnley Council’s commitment to supporting educational and cultural initiatives that promote heritage preservation and interfaith unity
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Mayor Shah Hussain: Proud to Stand with the Community
Also in attendance was Mayor of Burnley, Shah Hussain, whose support added immense value to the day. Both the Mayor and Cllr Anwar were warmly welcomed by the organisers and community members as they toured the exhibit, taking time to understand the historical and spiritual significance of each artefact
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“It’s an honour to see these rare and beautiful items from the heart of Islamic history right here in Burnley,” said Mayor Hussain. “It’s through events like these that we empower future generations and show that Burnley is a place where faith, respect, and culture thrive hand in hand.”
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A powerful and respectful introduction as Council Leader Afrasiab Anwar MBE meets Sheikh Ilyas at the Kiswat Al Kaaba Exhibition in Burnley. A humble and attentive individual, Afrasiab Anwar listened carefully and deeply understood the vision behind establishing a Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery. He recognised the gallery’s long-term value as a hub for community empowerment, interfaith and cultural dialogue, and educational enrichment for future generations. His presence reaffirmed his commitment
A brilliant and timeless camera shot of Hafiz Yusuf and Hafiz Umar, standing in front of the fully set-up Kiswat Al Kaaba Exhibition at Danehouse Community Centre. The backdrop reveals sacred artefacts up close—each piece holding centuries of rich Islamic heritage. This photograph marks not just a personal memory, but a shared moment of reflection, faith, and pride in preserving sacred history for the benefit of the wider community. A true memory frozen in time from a landmark day in Burnley
A powerful and respectful introduction as Council Leader Afrasiab Anwar MBE meets Sheikh Ilyas at the Kiswat Al Kaaba Exhibition in Burnley. A humble and attentive individual, Afrasiab Anwar listened carefully and deeply understood the vision behind establishing a Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery. He recognised the gallery’s long-term value as a hub for community empowerment, interfaith and cultural dialogue, and educational enrichment for future generations. His presence reaffirmed his commitment