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Recent events have shown that Islam is widely misunderstood in Britain. A touring exhibition would provide a more balanced picture.
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The show should immerse visitors in the positive aspects of Islamic culture and stimulate further interest
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It should concentrate initially on areas of the country with significant Muslim populations
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Islam has made major contributions in each of the following areas:
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Knowledge-Muslim developments led directly to the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. Europe’s first books and university were Islamic.
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Food-Many of our most popular dishes were introduced by Muslims including Christmas Pudding, mince pies and rice pudding
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Crafts-Silk was introduced and many important crafts like weaving and dying were perfected by Muslims
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Leisure-Thoroughbred horses, chess and the guitar were all introduced by Islam
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Religious tolerance-Islam has a long tradition of respecting other
faiths
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Hospitality-Muslims also have a formal commitment to hospitality: “Time spent on a stranger is never wasted.”
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Architecture-Some of the world’s most popular monuments are Muslim; notable examples are Spain’s Alhambra Palace and the Taj Mahal.
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Philosophy-The Koran itself differentiates little between men and women. It also emphasises the full development of human talents.
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Target Audience-The young in full-time education and Muslims themselves to encourage their own self-confidence
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Strategy-Place the exhibition in areas of high traffic, schools and colleges, shopping and leisure centres, tourist and visitor attractions.
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The exhibition will be a four-roomed box, which takes the audience on a 15-minute ‘magic carpet’ ride through the achievements of Islam.
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Each of the four themed rooms will feature a 360-degree multi-sensual audio-visual experience.
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Offer literature and information sources to ensure the message is retained
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Funding-An Aylesbury Vale initiative. All other normal sources of funding to be approached. Estimated budget £250K.
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Timing-early
2002
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