Cartwright Hall Art Gallery

Historic Kiswah Exhibition at Cartwright Hall Gallery Draws Dignitaries and Community Leaders

Bradford, 24 August 2025 – Cartwright Hall Gallery became the centre of cultural heritage yesterday as it hosted a landmark Kiswah exhibition presented by the Kiswah Arts and Culture Gallery. The event attracted a distinguished audience, including civic dignitaries, faith leaders, educators, and members of the wider community.

The exhibition showcased sacred textiles historically used to cover the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the artistry, craftsmanship, and spiritual legacy of these remarkable artefacts.

The event was jointly hosted by James, Manager of Cartwright Museum, alongside Kamran and Sarfaraz Nazir from the Council for Mosques, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing Islamic cultural heritage within Bradford’s diverse community.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The exhibition was honoured by the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including:

Mohammed Shafiq – Lord Mayor of Bradford

Fozia Shaheen – Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford

Mohammed Ajeeb CBE – Former Lord Mayor of Bradford

Cllr Rizwana Jamil – Councillor for Bowling & Barkerend

Cllr Mohammed Amran – Councillor for Bradford

Abid Khan – Chairman of the Interfaith North Lincolnshire Council

Raja Najabat Hussain – Community Leader and Activist

Kassam Chibbu – Community Representative

These dignitaries expressed admiration for the exhibition, recognising its contribution to education, interfaith dialogue, and cultural heritage preservation.

In their addresses, the hosts and dignitaries emphasised the importance of the Kiswah exhibition in fostering mutual respect and understanding across communities. The Kiswah, with its intricate silk embroidery and Qur’anic inscriptions, was presented not only as a symbol of devotion but also as a testament to centuries of artisanal excellence.

Representatives from the Council for Mosques praised the collaboration between Cartwright Hall Gallery and the Kiswah Arts and Culture Gallery, noting how initiatives like these strengthen community bonds and inspire future generations.

The exhibition has been described as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” for many visitors, reaffirming Bradford’s place as a hub for cultural and interfaith engagement in the UK.

Cllr Mohammed Amran unlocking the Rawdah Lock

Fozia Shaheen Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Holding The Key

Cllr Rizwana Jamil spending time with the Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery Team

Fozia Shaheen Deputy Mayor of Bradford Testimonial