A Landmark Weekend at Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre: Bringing the Legacy of the Holy Kaaba to Scotland
What an extraordinary weekend it was at Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (AMIC).
Over the course of two unforgettable days, hundreds upon hundreds of visitors—and perhaps even well over a thousand across the weekend—walked through our doors to experience an inspiring exhibition showcasing the sacred heritage of Islam through the remarkable Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba and a unique collection of artefacts from the Two Holy Mosques.
The atmosphere throughout the event was one of warmth, curiosity, learning, and unity. Families, children, elders, scholars, community leaders, and visitors from all backgrounds came together to appreciate an exhibitio…
The Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (AMIC) was honoured to welcome hundreds of visitors over an unforgettable weekend as the Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery exhibition brought the rich heritage of the Holy Kaaba and the Two Holy Mosques to the north-east of Scotland.
The exhibition provided a unique opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience an extraordinary collection of sacred artefacts, including original pieces of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, historic Kaaba door covers, and rare items connected to Makkah and Madinah. Throughout the weekend, visitors were guided through the exhibition by knowledgeable volunteers who explained the history, craftsmanship, symbolism, and significance of each exhibit.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was one of learning, reflection, unity, and community. Families, children, students, professionals, community leaders, and visitors from different faiths came together to experience an exhibition unlike any previously held in the region.
A Special Reception for Distinguished Guests
The weekend began with a special reception for invited guests and dignitaries, where we were privileged to welcome representatives from across Aberdeen’s civic, educational, cultural, and public sectors.
Among those in attendance were the Lord Provost, Dr David J. Cameron; Councillor Noorul Haq Ali; representatives from the University of Aberdeen; officials from Aberdeen Art Gallery; museum curators; archaeologists; members of Police Scotland; medical professionals; representatives from the legal profession; Aberdeen City Council councillors and officers; community leaders; scholars; and many other distinguished guests.
The overwhelmingly positive response demonstrated the importance of preserving and sharing Islamic heritage while creating opportunities for dialogue, education, and greater understanding across communities.
An Inspiring Opening
The public exhibition officially opened with a series of inspiring speeches.
The Lord Provost, Dr David J. Cameron, welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of cultural engagement within the city. Councillor Noorul Haq Ali spoke about the value of bringing communities together through education and heritage.
Sheikh Ilyas, Founder of Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery, shared the vision behind the exhibition and the long-term ambition of establishing the United Kingdom’s first dedicated Islamic Arts and Culture Gallery.
Hafiz Yusuf, Vice Chairman of Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery, then introduced visitors to the remarkable collection, explaining the history and significance of the Kiswah and the sacred artefacts on display.
Inspiring Future Generations
One of the highlights of the weekend was the dedicated children’s programme.
Young visitors enthusiastically took part in LEGO workshops, Qur’an calligraphy sessions, educational worksheet activities, and interactive learning experiences designed to make Islamic history engaging, enjoyable, and accessible.
Seeing children actively learning about their heritage while asking thoughtful questions was one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire event.
A Community United
The exhibition truly brought together people from every walk of life.
Scholars, imams, professionals, families, students, community organisations, and visitors from different faiths all came together to appreciate the beauty and heritage of Islamic civilisation. The conversations, smiles, and shared experiences throughout the weekend reflected the exhibition’s aim of building bridges through education, culture, and understanding.
Heartfelt Thanks
Events of this scale are only possible through the dedication and support of many individuals, organisations, and volunteers.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to every single person who attended the exhibition. Whether you travelled from across Aberdeen or further afield, your presence helped make this weekend such a memorable success.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Lord Provost, Dr David J. Cameron; Councillor Noorul Haq Ali; representatives from Aberdeen City Council; the University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen Art Gallery; museum curators; archaeologists; members of Police Scotland; medical professionals; legal representatives; community leaders; scholars; imams; and all our distinguished guests for taking the time to visit and support this landmark exhibition.
We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Maulana Muhammad and the many scholars who helped promote and support the event. Special thanks also go to the Imam of Aberdeen’s Turkish Mosque, whose encouragement and support helped spread the message of the exhibition throughout the wider community.
A very special thank you is extended to Brother Noorul Haq, whose vision, determination, and tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing the Kiswah Exhibition to Aberdeen. Without his dedication, this historic event would not have been possible.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to Brother Naveed, Chairman of Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre, whose leadership, guidance, and unwavering support ensured the successful hosting of this remarkable exhibition.
Our sincere thanks also go to all of the trustees of Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre, the organising team, volunteers, exhibitors, speakers, donors, and supporters who generously gave their time and effort before and throughout the weekend.
Together, you created an event that showcased not only the beauty of Islamic heritage but also the warmth, hospitality, and unity of Aberdeen’s Muslim community.
Looking Ahead
This exhibition marked another significant milestone in the journey of Kiswah Arts and Culture Gallery and its vision of establishing the United Kingdom’s first dedicated Islamic Arts and Culture Gallery.
The overwhelming support received throughout the weekend has inspired us to continue preserving Islamic heritage, educating communities, and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn about the rich history and artistic legacy of Islam.
We look forward to welcoming everyone again at future exhibitions as this remarkable journey continues.
May Allah reward everyone who contributed to the success of this historic weekend and accept every effort made in preserving and sharing our rich Islamic heritage. Āmeen
GUEST LIST FOR 2 DAY PERIOD
| Reverend Isaac Poobalan | Provost & Rector St Andrew Cathedral Church |
| Superintendent Simon Reid | Police Scotland |
| Officer Richard Calder | Police Scotland |
| Officer Sunny Ellison | Police Scotland |
| Sergeant Kate Witte | Police Scotland |
| Cllr Simon Watson | Aberdeen City Council |
| Katrina Michie | Disability Equity Partnership Aberdeen City Council |
| Dr Rachel Shanks | Interdisciplinary Director for Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity University of Aberdeen |
| Allan Clarkin | |
| Joan Clarkin | |
| Tommy Campbell | Retired Trade Unionist |
| Alison Bathgate | |
| Cllr Fatima Joji | Aberdeenshire Council |
| Mrs Joji | |
| Shona Elliott | Lead Curator, Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums |
| Dr David Cameron | Lord Provost, Aberdeen City Council |
| Hazel Cameron | Lady Provost, Aberdeen City Council |
| Ruhel Amin | Shah Mustafa Jame Masjid |
| Dr Lesmana | Shah Mustafa Jame Masjid |
| Ishfaq Ahmed | Retired |
| Mrs Ruth Ahmed | Retired |
| Salman | Majid Al Hikmah |
| Mrs Salman | Majid Al Hikmah |
| Edward Obi | Diversity Hub |
| John Singer | ATUC |
| Naveed Mohammed | Chair Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Naila Mohammed | Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Syed Razzak | ACC Burgess |
| Mamun Razzak | Dawah Trustee Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Fahad Ahmed | Maintenance Trustee Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Mrs Fahad Ahmed | Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Sam | Aberdeen Youth Movement |
| Hannah | Aberdeen Youth Movement |
| Sheikh Ilyas | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Hafiz Yusuf | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Hafiz Omar | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Hafiz Abdullah | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Sohail | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Mrs Kamrunisha | Kiswa Arts & Cultural Gallery |
| Adam | Imam Aberdeen Turkish Education & Culture Trust |
| Mohammad Ehsan Ul-Haq | SPONSOR Pepe’s Peri, Peri Chicken |
| Naveed | SPONSOR Pepe’s Peri, Peri Chicken |
| Muhammad Ibn Aftab | Imam Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Kamran Quraishi | Social Trustee Aberdeen Mosque & Islamic Centre |
| Sarfraz Ali | SPONSOR West Coast Development |
| Mian Akbar Ali | SPONSOR West Coast Development |
| Mohamad Masal | Majid Al Hikmah |
| Mrs Mohamad Masal | Majid Al Hikmah |
| Nurul Hoque Ali | |
| Neil Curtis FMA | Head of University Collections University of Aberdeen |
