BMHCNEWSLETTER APRIL 2014 / ISSUE 8 Reg. Charity No. 1110104
BMHC COMMUNITY
An Inspirational Evening with
His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool
Evening with Rt Hon Nick
Clegg MP Deputy PM
An audience with Omar Regan Police and community
engagement event Blue Orchid Self-employment & Business Planning Workshops Art in Sacred Places Exhibition Made in Europe - Living below the line campaign Weekly Youth Club Scouts Health and Fitness Activities Islam Beyond the Truth Volunteers Get-together Heritage Matrimonial British Muslim Family History Writing Contest Common Purpose Leadership Programme
BMHC ACADEMY
New Year. New Campaign Arabic Calligraphy Course
for beginners
Islamic Heritage Course Diabetes and Ramadan
International Forum TAQĪ AL-DĪN: An Ottoman
Inventor, Engineer and Astronomer Sultan of Science £2 text appeal Political Masterclass Islamic Geometric Patterns Conference & Workshop
BMHC DEVELOPMENT BMHC Strategy The Marquee
BMHC ENTERPRISE
The Al-Razi Coffee & Gift Shop Asian Wedding Exhibition Venue for hire
Ebrahim Rasool is awarded ..... at the British Muslim Heritage Centre in February
An Inspirational Evening with His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool is a former Member of Parliament and Special Advisor to the State President of the Republic of South Africa, and winner of many international awards including the ‘Visionary Leadership and Public Good Award’ from the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists, and the Nelson Mandela Award for Health and Human Rights.
COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16 8BP 0161 881 8062 ADMINistrator@bmhc.org.uk WWW.bmhc.org.uk
“Oh mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other...” - Quran 49:13
BMHC COMMUNITY
TIMETABLE & EVENTS
Weekly Events Al-Huda Urdu & English Tafseer Classes 07866 313 010 / alhudamanchester@gmail.com NHS Physical Activity Referral Service Referral through your GP only. Walking club starting May 2014. European Academy of Quranic Studies (EAQS) 0793 991 9872 / events@eaqs.org / www.eaqs.org GCSE Islamic Studies One academic year course. 0773 830 1775 / administrator@bmhc.org.uk
The Friday Project Third Friday of every month, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Islamic Heritage Workshop Last Saturday of every month, 10:30pm – 4:30pm
ANNUAL events Islamic Geometric Patterns: A Full-Day Conference and Workshop 3rd May 2014, at 10:00am –5:30pm International Islamic Heritage Conference 2014 August 2014
Girls and Boys Study Circle & Youth Club 0161 881 8062 / administrator@bmhc.org.uk
Ramadan 28th June to 27th July 2014
Bi-Monthly events
Eid al Fitr 29th July 2014
Free Business planning and self-employment workshops with Blue Orchid. May 2014
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Monthly events
SUBJECT TO MOON SIGHTINGS
Movie Screening: A Separation May 2014
Boys Only Study Thai Boxing Circle/Youth Club Class
Girls Only Study Circle/ Youth Club
Jumm'a
Sun
EAQS: Tajweed and Arabic
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Sat
Thai Boxing Class for Men & Boys Qualified instructors. Children £2/session, Adults £3/session.
Heritage Matrimonial Service 26th April 2014. Register for free at www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk
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Fri
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Al-Huda: English Tafseer Class
Thur
EAQS: Tajweed
NHS: Fitness Clinic
Wed Al-Huda: Urdu Tafseer Class
Tues EAQS: Tajweed
Mon
GCSE: Islamic Studies
09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00
Ramadan and Eid Prayers
Eid Al Adha 3rd October 2014
ONE OFF EVENTS Scouting Taster Day 11th May 12:00pm – 3:00am International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 5th June, 8:00am – 9:30pm
BMHC COMMUNITY
An Inspirational Evening with His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) and those who attended this auspicious event on 27th January 2014 were honoured to host such a guest. Guests included leading national and international figures from politics, business and the community at large. The evening provided a fantastic opportunity for the guests to hear and learn from His Excellency and gain valuable insights in to the life and legacy of the great late Nelson Mandela. His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, emphasised the importance of building trust between and within communities. He shared with us his perspective on the characteristic of the Beloved Prophet (pbuh), as AlAmeen (the trustworthy). He gave practical examples from his experiences in South Africa and throughout the world, on how best to build that trust and exemplify the values of Islam in each and everything we do, and in sharing our Islamic heritage and culture with the world. The evening also provided an opportunity for guests to learn more about the BMHC and some of our proposed future initiatives, in particular the ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition.
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BMHC COMMUNITY
Weekly Youth Club A weekly get together to relax, have some fun, and aspire to do more and aim higher. The British Muslim Heritage Centre has dedicated two permanent rooms for youth activities with a wide range of facilities such as pool tables, table tennis, and computer game stations. Girls 11 -18 years old
Every Friday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Boys 11 - 18 years old
Every Sunday, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Boys Thai Boxing Classes 5+ years old
Every Sunday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Health and Fitness Activities Weekly NHS Physical Activities Referral Service
Every Tuesday - 2:00pm - 3:30 pm
Weekly Walking Club in partnership with the NHS
starting from May 2014
Scouting Taster Day Would you like to join the Scouts? The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) and a group of dedicated volunteers have started the process of setting up a Scouts group at the Centre. Once set up, the Scouts group will offer regular structured learning and development for children through activities and even offer qualifications for volunteers involved in running the group. The BMHC has organised a free taster session for parents and children to find out more about the Scouts. The taster day will have a whole host of activities for parents and children to enjoy and experience. There will also be an opportunity for parents to get involved and register as a volunteer for the Scouts group. The free Scouting taster day will be held at the BMHC
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on Sunday 11th May 2014 12:00pm – 3:00pm.
BMHC COMMUNITY
Made in Europe – Living below the line campaign From 7th– 11th May 2014, the British Muslim Heritage
Live Below the Line is an innovative campaign which
Centre (BMHC) staff will join over 20,000 people around
challenges thousands of individuals across the world to
the world in living on £1 a day for 5 days to get a feel
live on £1 a day for 5 days, to deepen understanding of
of how over 1.4 billion people around the world live in
the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty, and
extreme poverty every day.
to raise vital funds for crucial anti-poverty initiatives. Across the world, thousands of people will join the
Live Below the Line is an initiative of the Global Poverty
movement to tackle extreme poverty. This year Live
Project, an education and campaigning organisation
Below the Line is running in the UK, the USA and Canada
whose mission is to increase the number and
simultaneously.
effectiveness of people taking action against extreme poverty.
If you want to join this year’s Live Below the Line challenge and want more information, please visit www.livebelowtheline.com.
Islam Beyond the Truth By Sheikh Shabir Ally The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised a public lecture titled ‘Islam Beyond the Truth’ which was delivered by the renowned international debater Sheikh Shabir Ally from Canada on 7th March 2014. Sheikh Shabir Ally is the President of the Islamic
An evening with Sheikh Sha bir Ally
Islam Beyond The Truth BritishMuslim HeritageCentre
Friday 7th March 2014, 6.3 0-8.30pm Our Beliefs • Our Responsib ilities • Our World Refr eshments and food will be
available
Information and Dawah Centre International in Toronto, Canada. He is a Muslim activist and speaker on Islam and Muslims. He is also a debater engaging in debates around the world.
FREE! PLEASE REGISTER TO CONFIRM YOUR FREE PLACE
A packed audience listened attentively to a refreshing and illuminating talk by Sheikh Shabir Ally on what it means to be a Muslim and the responsibility of the Muslim Community. The talk was followed by a very lively
Sheikh Shabir Ally - An Inspir
ational Canadian Speaker Shabir Ally is the presiden t of the Islamic Information & Dawah Centre International in Toronto , Canada. He is a Muslim activist and speaker on and Muslims. He takes a Islam keen interest in engagin g in debates around the world.
Shabir Ally was born in Guyana and moved to Canada in 1978. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Laurentian Universi ty in Sudbury, Ontario, with a specialization in Biblical Literature, an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Quranic Exegesis and PhD in Quranic Exegesis at the University of Toronto. He teaches Arabic at the University of Toronto.
Question and Answer session. REGISTERED CHARITY NO.
TO REGISTER, CALL 0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR @BMHC.ORG.UK WHALL
1110104 COLLEGE ROAD,
EY RANGE, MANCHESTER,
M16 8BP WWW.BMHC.O
RG.UK
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BMHC COMMUNITY
An audience with Omar Regan
Police and Community Engagement
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) was
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted
delighted to host Comedian Omar Regan from the
a Police and Community Engagement Event on 18th
USA, together with special guests Rashid Khan from
February 2014. The event provided an environment
the hit TV series ‘Make Bradford British’ and spoken
where Police and members of the local Community
word artist Elmi Ali on 18th February 2014.
got together to discuss problems and solutions in regards to crime in the local Community.
This was a free event organised especially for the half-
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term break for families and young people to enjoy.
Feedback from engagement events such as these
Over 250 people made up of mostly families enjoyed
is a way of making sure services by the Police meet
a great night of comedy, poetry and food. The whole
community needs and allow the Police to make sure
night was recorded by British Muslim TV (BMTV) and
that resources are targeted to areas with the most
it will form part of a chat show with Lauren Booth
need and helps to dispel fears that some members of
called ‘Talking Booth’ on the TV channel.
the Community may have about crime.
BMHC COMMUNITY
Heritage Matrimonial Service Marriage Introduction Event Are you looking to get married, or do you know someone
All information on clients is carefully monitored and
who would like 2014 to be the year that they find their
there will be an opportunity to speak directly to a
soul mate and life partner?
member of the Heritage Matrimonials team on
the phone.
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) has developed its marriage introduction service that will
Register for free at Heritage Matrimonials today:
provide an opportunity for aspiring couples to meet in an
www.heritagematrimonials.co.uk
Islamic environment. With the help of our excellent volunteers, our first event was held on 15th February 2014 and the next event is planned for 26th April 2014. It will be an opportunity to invite suitable candidates of your choice, for a chaperoned meeting in the magnificent buildings at the BMHC, on selected and advertised dates. We will ensure you are well looked after at the
events and any queries will be handled sensitively
and discreetly.
Art in Sacred Places Exhibition Artist Nicola Dale’s artwork ‘Between’ which is a
A publication, containing a conversation between
sculpture in two parts was exhibited at the British Muslim
the artist and the curator, thought-provoking articles
Heritage Centre (BMHC) from 30th January 2014 to 31st
by the Mosque’s Imam, a Cathedral Canon and an
March 2014. The sculpture was formally exhibited at
Academic from the University of Salford, and poetry from
Manchester Cathedral and at Didsbury Islamic Centre
internationally recognised contributors accompanies and
from 3rd October 2013 until 27th November 2013.
informs the exhibition.
The two life-sized archways, which are meticulously hand-decorated with abstract shapes, were derived from doubled ‘negative spaces’ within photographs taken during a walk between the Manchester Cathedral and Didsbury Islamic Centre. The concept sprang from knowledge the artist gained whilst attending study group sessions organised by these two venues. Forming a unique visual language especially for the two groups; Christians and Muslims, the arches are powerful symbols which mark out a passage-way without barriers and a reminder of the link between the two communities.
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BMHC COMMUNITY
Blue Orchid Selfemployment and Business Support Workshops
British Muslim Family History Writing Competition
As part of the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC)
Fancy a free 10 day trip to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
partnership with Blue Orchid, the Centre provided another round of free workshops and training programmes on business planning support for those
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) in
considering self-employment and starting their own
conjunction with www.flynas.com is offering 5 lucky
business. The programmes have been very successful
winners a free, 10 day return-trip from Manchester to
and well attended. The BMHC is planning to organise
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in the month of May 2014. Each
further programmes and workshops with Blue Orchid
winner will receive a pair of tickets to enable you to
starting from May 2014.
travel with a companion. To enter the competition, you will have to submit a creative piece of work – a presentation telling us about your Genealogy or Family history, covering at least 2 generations. So how your parents/grandparents arrived in this country, maybe something interesting they have done, maybe they were pioneers in a particular field? Perhaps you are a ‘normal’ family of straight-forward people just getting on with life but have an interesting background you would like to share with the world? We want you to help us build a picture of the Muslim community in the UK today, so give us an outline, or a good spread of your family. Maybe a family tree might impress the judges if done in a creative manner! The work should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words long and MUST be submitted by 5:00pm on 21st April 2014. (To make things a little easier for youngsters, we’ve created a separate category for 12-16 year
Volunteer’s Get-together
olds.) For more information about the competition please
Much of the activities, events and projects at the
visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk
British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) are only possible because of hardworking and dedicated
You can hand your work in personally,
volunteers. The BMHC provides a vibrant and unique
send it via carrier or email it into us at
environment for volunteers from all walks of life to get
administrator@bmhc.org.uk.
involved. On 28th March 2014 the BMHC organised a special get-together for volunteers and staff to
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discuss and plan upcoming projects.
BMHC COMMUNITY
AN Evening with Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister In partnership with the Patchwork Foundation, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised a meeting with the Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister on 7th February 2014. The meeting represented a fantastic opportunity for the BMHC to provide a platform for the Muslim community to listen and engage in an open Question and Answer session with the Deputy Prime Minister on issues concerning the community. This unique event also provided a wonderful opportunity for networking for participants. Over 400 people attended the event from across Greater Manchester and the North West. A whole host of questions were asked from members of the Muslim Community especially from women and youth groups. The Chairman and Trustees of the BMHC welcomed the Deputy Prime Minister to the Centre and emphasised the importance of engagement between the political leaders and the Muslim Community.
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BMHC ACADEMY
New Year. New Campaign. Training Day On Tuesday 28th of January 2014, the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) held a campaign training day titled ‘New Year. New Campaign’. The training day was designed for people and organisations to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge to run an effective and successful campaign and to provide an insight into unlocking their engagement potential. Delegates from organisations all over the UK attended the training day and learnt from some of the biggest names in campaigning such as Sophie Stephens from Citizens UK and Jean McLean from Save the Children. Attendees benefited from inspirational keynote speakers with extensive knowledge and experience. Speakers such as His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, who spoke about building a campaign legacy from the experiences of Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid campaign, as well as other stimulating and motivating speakers who spoke of their involvement in campaigning: from freedom in the Arab Spring, and lobbying for women’s rights and social justice, to mobilising and community organising. Expert-led workshops included ‘Lobbying on Women’s Rights’, ‘Introduction to Organising & Tools for Effective Campaigning’ and ‘Strengthening your Campaign Asks’. They also had the opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn from sector colleagues. The BMHC received excellent feedback from the attendees, their organisations, and from the community for organising the training day. One example of the many positive comments we received was: “What a privilege to be part of such an inspirational day. The speakers and workshops provided the tools for effective campaigning, and His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, provided a code for living. Nelson Mandela truly lives on. To have a panel of young accomplished women and a large proportion of mainly Islamic female delegates was very refreshing. And the MC hosted brilliantly with his array of clips and quotes.”
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BMHC ACADEMY
SOS – Sultans of Science £2 Text Fundraising Appeal As part of our fundraising effort for the proposed Sultans
Leave a lasting legacy, and be rewarded in this life
of Science exhibition, the British Muslim Heritage Centre
and the next.
(BMHC) has launched a £2 Text Appeal. This new way to donate, will allow donations to be made quickly
What better endowment, and legacy, than one that
and easily.
helps sustain an organisation, and increase knowledge of Islam’s contribution to a society, where Islam is seen
This project is about bringing hidden knowledge and
in such a negative light. It is indeed a collaborative
authentic history to the forefront of British Society, and
opportunity that provides a win-win situation for all
helping to develop a more understanding, caring, open,
involved.
and connected Community, in the UK and indeed the world.
It is also possible to donate other amounts via text
Help dispel the myths, breakdown cultural and
message if you wish to do so. To donate, type BMHC11,
religious barriers, and do a service to the community
at large.
Promote community cohesion and create a fairer and
more loving society.
Inspire generations by exemplifying the
contributions of the Muslim community
over centuries of forgotten history.
leave a space, enter the amount you wish to donate (in pounds), then send to 70070. So for example, if you wished to send £10, just text “BMHC11 10” to 70070. We thank you for your continued support. Without your kind help, the BMHC could not function.
£2 TEXT APPEAL
0 “BMHC11 2” TO 7007 E! DONATE £2 BY TEXTING BIL MO CODE ON YOUR OR SIMPLY SCAN THIS QR
The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 In partnership with the National University of Malaysia
The coverage of the conference theme include, but is not
and the University of Salford, the British Muslim Heritage
restricted to:
Centre (BMHC) Presents: The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014.
Islamic Economy, Finance and Banking Islamic Law/Jurisprudence
The International Conference of Global Islamic Studies 2014 (ICGIS 14) is a premier conference for presentations of new and advanced thoughts in global Islamic studies instead of theoretical, experimental or applied researches. The objective of this conference is to establish the Islamic knowledge in the eyes of the global community.
Islamic Thought and Civilizations Islamic Management Islamic Educations Islam and Globalization Islam and Democracy
The conference will also discuss issues related to the
General issues related to the Islamic Studies
field of Islamic knowledge in theory and practice. The
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conference will bring together researchers, academicians,
The Conference will take place at the University of Salford
Masters and PhD students, and practitioners in the
and at the BMHC on 5th June 2014.
domain of interest around the world.
For more information please visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk
BMHC ACADEMY
TAQI AL-DIN: An Ottoman Inventor, Engineer & Astronomer Taqī al-Dīn ibn Ma’rūf was an important Ottoman scientist
Taqī al-Dīn Abū Bakr Muhammad ibn Ma’rūf al-Rāsid
who excelled in science in the second half of the 16th
(1526-1585), was born in Damascus. After receiving
century. From 1571, he settled in Istanbul, the capital of
his education in theology, he became interested in the
the Ottoman State and excelled in numerous scientific
rational sciences, which he studied with scholars in
fields such as mathematics, astronomy, engineering,
Damascus and Cairo, including his father Ma’rūf Efendi.
mechanics, and optics. He is the author of several texts
Later he worked as a teacher at various madāris(Schools)
of which manuscripts still survive and are the subject
and served as a qādī (judge) in Nablus (in Palestine),
of thorough studies. One of his books, The Sublime
Damascus, and Cairo. During his stay in Egypt and
Methods of Spiritual Machines, described the workings of
Damascus, he produced some important works in
a rudimentary steam engine and steam turbine, predating
the fields of astronomy and mathematics. In 1570, he
the more famous discovery of steam power by Giovanni
came to Istanbul, and a year later (1571–1572) was
Branca in 1629. Taqī al-Dīn is also known for the invention
appointed chief astronomer. Taqī al-Dīn maintained
of a ‘monobloc’ six cylinder pump, for his construction of
close relationships with important members of the
the Istanbul observatory, and for his astronomical activity
‘ulama’ (Religious Scholars) and statesmen, chief among
there for several glorious years until the observatory was
whom was Khojja Sa’d al-Dīn Efendi (d. 1599), and
closed.
was presented to Murād III (r. 1574–1595) by the great Ottoman Stateman Mehmed Pasha Sokolović (d. 1579).
Istanbul observatory Taqī al-Dīn informed Sultan Murād, who had an interest in astronomy and astrology that the Ulugh Bey Zīj contained certain observational errors, resulting in errors in calculations made on the basis of those tables. Taqī al-Dīn indicated that these errors could be corrected if new observations were made and proposed that an observatory be built in Istanbul for that purpose. Sultan Murād was very pleased to be the patron of the first observatory in Istanbul and asked that construction begin immediately. He also provided the financial assistance required for the project. In the meantime Taqī al-Dīn pursued his studies at the Galata Tower, which he continued in 1577 at the partially completed new observatory that he called Dār al-Rasad al-Jadīd (the New Observatory). This also housed a library, comprising mainly books on astronomy and mathematics. The observatory, consisting of two separate buildings, one large and one small, was constructed at a location in the higher part of Tophane in Istanbul. Taqī al-Dīn had instruments used in the old Islamic observatories reproduced with great care. In addition, he invented some new instruments which were used for observational purposes for the first time. ...CONTINUED OVERLEAF
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BMHC ACADEMY
...CONTINUED The observatory had a staff of sixteen people, eight ‘observers’ (rāsid), four clerks, and four assistants. The observatory was designed to provide for the needs of the astronomers and included a dedicated library for astronomy and mathematics and certainly workshop for the design and the production of instruments. This institution was conceived as one of the largest observatories in the Islamic world and was completed in 1579. It was comparable to Tycho Brahe’s (1546-1601) Uranienborg observatory built in 1576. There is a striking similarity between the instruments of Tycho Brahe and those of Taqī al-Dīn. In his astronomical tables, called the Culmination of Thoughts in the Kingdom of Rotating Spheres, Taqī al-Dīn states that he started activities on astronomy in Istanbul with 15 assistants in 1573. The observatory continued to function until 22 January 1580, the date of its destruction. Religious arguments were put forward to justify this action, but it was really rooted in certain political conflicts.
Astronomical instruments of the observatory The following observational instruments were among those used in the observatory to perform observations: 1 An armillary sphere; 2 A mural quadrant;
10 A sunaydi ruler, apparently a special type of
instrument of an auxiliary nature, the function of which
was explained by Alauddin al-Mansur.
Taqī al-Dīn invented new observational instruments that were added to the array of those already in use for observation in the Islamic world. Among the instruments invented by Taqī al-Dīn in the observatory were the following: The Sextant (mushabbaha bi-’l manātiq): used to measure the distances between the stars. Taqī al-Dīn’s mushabbaha bi’l manātiq and Tycho Brahe’s sextant should be considered among the great achievements of the 16th century astronomy. A mushabbaha bi-l manātiq is composed of three rulers. Two of them are attached as the rulers of triquetrum. An arc is attached to the end of one of the rulers. Taqī al-Dīn made this instrument to observe the radius of Venus that was mentioned in the tenth book of Ptolemy’s Almagest. The Dhāt al-awtar: designates the spring and autumn equinoxes. Some astronomers set up a ring, which was not divided, parallel to the equator to designate this. Taqī al-Dīn invented his instrument in the new observatory.
3 An azimuthal quadrant;
The instrument was composed of a base in the form of a
4 A parallel ruler;
rectangle and four columns. The two columns were set
5 A ruler-quadrant or wooden
quadrant;
on the base so that a string was stretched between them. One of them was equal to the cosine of the
6 An instrument with two holes for
latitude of the country and the other
the measurement of apparent
to the sine. A hole was made on
diameters of heavenly bodies
each of these parts according to this
and eclipses;
proportion. A rope was hung from
7 An instrument with chords to
determine the equinoxes,
invented by Taqī al-Dīn to
replace the equinoxial armillary;
8 A mushabbaha bi’l-manātiq,
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9 A mechanical clock with a train of cogwheels;
another instrument of his
invention, the nature and
function of which is not
yet explained;
these holes with a plumb.
BMHC ACADEMY
The astronomical clock
observatory set to observe it ceaselessly day and night
Taqī al-Dīn used a mechanical clock, which he made
and the results of the observations were presented to
himself for his observations, and a wooden wall dial,
the sultan. Because of the new methods, Taqī al-Dīn
which he set up in the observatory. This clock was more
developed and equipment he invented, Taqī al-Dīn was
precise than those previously used and considered to
able to approach his observations in an innovative way
be one of the significant inventions in the field of applied
and produce new solutions to astronomical problems. He
astronomy in the 16th century. In Sidrat al-muntaha,
prepared trigonometric tables based on decimal fractions.
Taqī al-Dīn said: “we built a mechanical clock with a dial
He determined the ecliptic degree as 23° 28’ 40”, which
showing the hours, minutes and seconds and we divided
is very close to the current value of 23° 27’. He used
every minute into five seconds.” When we compare the
a new method in calculating solar parameters as well
instruments which Taqī al-Dīn used in his observatory
as determining the magnitude of the annual movement
with those used by Tycho Brahe, they are mostly similar,
of the sun’s apogee as 63 seconds. Considering that
but some of Taqī al-Dīn’s are larger and more precise.
today’s known value is 61 seconds, the result he obtained
For example, they both used a mural quadrant (libna) for
appears to have been more accurate than that of
the observation of the declinations of the sun and the
Copernicus (24 seconds) and Tycho Brahe (45 seconds).
stars. It is said that Taqī al-Dīn preferred a mural quadrant
The observatory was witness to a great deal of activity
instead of the sudus al-fakhrī and two rings used by
within a short period of time between 1577 and 1580.
the previous astronomers. Taqī al-Dīn’s quadrant was
Observations undertaken there were collected in a work
formed of two brass quadrants with a radius of six metres
titled Sidrat Muntahā’l-Afkār fī Malakūt al-Falak al-
each, placed on a wall and erected on the meridian. The
Dawwār. When compared with
same instrument used by Brahe was only two meters in
those of the contemporary Danish
diameter.
astronomer Tycho Brahe, Taqī al-Dīn’s observations are more
In his observational work, Taqī al-Dīn integrated the
precise. Furthermore, some of
Damascus and Samarkand traditions of astronomy.
the instruments that he had in
His first task at the observatory was to undertake the
his observatory were of superior
corrections of the Ulugh Bey Astronomical Tables. He
quality to Tycho Brahe’s.
also undertook various observations of eclipses of the sun and the moon. In September 1578, a comet appeared
Dr Salim Ayduz
in the skies of Istanbul for one month; the staff of the
Senior Researcher, BMHC
From Jeddah To The World!
www.flynas.com Contact our team to advertise in the next newsletter
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BMHC ACADEMY
Islamic Geometric Patterns: A Full-Day Conference and Workshop Traditionally Islamic decoration has made use of
Participants will then explore methods to tessellate
geometric patterns which have developed over the
the patterns to a larger scale.
centuries. Many of these patterns may have originally derived from various earlier cultures such as Greek, Roman, Central Asian and Persian. Complex geometric patterns are what make Islamic designs unique which are still used in many modern day settings. Square and rectangle shapes especially, play significant roles in Islamic architecture. The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) has organised a full-day conference and workshops on the topic of Islamic Geometric Patterns on 3rd May 2014, 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Huseyin Sen and Mesut Balik - M. C. Escher Style
Art, History and Techniques.
In this interactive workshop participants will learn
about the historical development and methodology for
analyzing and Escher drawings, first created by the
Dutch artist M.C. Escher (d. 1972), who developed his
art after being inspired by the beautiful Islamic
geometric patterns at the Moorish Alhambra palace in
Granada, Spain.
Registration IS £25 AND Includes: Lunch Refreshments
Conference Speaker: Eric Broug - An Introduction to Islamic Geometric Design.
Workshop: Hasret Brown - A Practical Introduction to
Admission to the
conference and both
workshops
For more information please visit our website: www.bmhc.org.uk
Creating Islamic Geometric Patterns.
In this interactive workshop participants will learn how
To register:
to draw an Islamic geometric pattern and apply
Call 0161 881 8062 or e-mail administrator@bmhc.org.uk
their own individual creativity with the use of colour.
Diabetes and Ramadan International Forum The second International Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) Conference in collaboration with Diabetes UK and the Gulf Group for the study of Diabetes (GGSD) was held at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) on 4th March 2014. One of the main aims of the conference was to reinforce
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This was the second conference to take place at the
the international networks and coordination that was
BMHC. As with the previous conference last year,
established in the first conference. The international DAR
this conference was also attended by hundreds of
committee also proposed to concerted action to promote
participants from all over the world.
and support diabetes and Ramadan education and research all around the world.
ISLAMIC GEOMETRIC PATTERNS A full day Conference and Workshops on Patterns in Islamic Art and Architecture
Register Geometric For
£25
Saturday, 3rd May 2014
BritishMuslim HeritageCentre
Conference Speaker: Eric Broug - ‘An introduction to Islamic Geometric Design’ Workshops: 1. Hasret Brown - ‘A Practical Introduction to Creating Islamic Geometric Patterns’. 2. Huseyin Sen & Mesut Balik - ‘M. C. Escher Style Art, History and Techniques’ Registration includes: Lunch Refreshments Admission to the conference and both workshops
TO REGISTER, CALL 0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR@BMHC.ORG.UK REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1110104 COLLEGE ROAD, WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHESTER, M16 8BP WWW.BMHC.ORG.UK
BMHC ACADEMY
Arabic Calligraphy Course for beginners
Politics Masterclass The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) hosted an
The British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) organised
iENGAGE event on 30th March 2014. The event was a
a course in Arabic Calligraphy for beginners which ran
Political Masterclass where the following topics were
from 16th February 2014 to the 9th March 2014. The
covered:
weekly course which was held on a Sunday afternoon for four weeks was delivered by Master Calligrapher Hamed Azeemi.
The British Political system The British Electoral system History of Political parties
Participants used traditional calligraphy tools such as wooden qalems (pens) dipped in ink to create their own calligraphy. The course provided an opportunity for participants to learn and
History of UK Race & Equality Legislation iENGAGE is a not for profit organisation that works towards enhancing the active engagement of British Muslim communities in our national life, particularly in the fields of politics and the media by running seminars for Muslims on how to engage productively with the media and politics.
create their own calligraphy artwork in the historical Ottoman Calligraphy script.
Islamic Heritage Course The Islamic Heritage Course was launched at the British Muslim Heritage Centre (BMHC) on 25th January 2014. The course is being delivered by Historian Dr Stef Keris from Birmingham. Dr Stef Keris is the author of the book ‘Europe’s Forgotten Ottoman Heritage’. He
Islamic Heritage BritishMuslim HeritageCentre
A series of courses presente d @ the British Muslim Heri tage Centre
is a polyglot (English, German, Greek, French, Spanish, Dutch and Arabic) with a Masters and a PhD in Political Science. Dr Keris is a lecturer and teacher for more than 25 years who has worked in many countries (NL, UAE, Saudi Arabia, GR, UK). The course runs on the last Saturday of every month from 10:30am – 4:30pm and costs £25 to register. This price includes all course materials and refreshments. Each month Dr Stef Keris covers a different area of the world and explainsthe
Eastern Europe
(Poland, CSR, Lithuania, Latvia , Estonia, Finland) A full day course covering the rise, fall, development and contributio n of Islam in the region
£25
29th of March 2014 10:30am - 4:30pm
ALL COURSE MATERIALS INCLUDED
TO REGISTER
rise, fall, development, and contribution of Islam in that area. So far in the last TO REGISTER, CALL
0161 881 8062, OR EMAIL ADMINISTRATOR three months Greece, Cyprus & Turkey, the Balkans & Eastern Europe have been @BMHC.ORG.UK I am a UK tax payer and would like the BMHC to treat my donations as Gift Aid Eligible until notified otherwise covered. REGISTERED CHARITY NO.
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1110104 COLLEGE ROAD,
WHALLEY RANGE, MANCHE
STER, M16 8BP WWW.BM
HC.ORG.UK
BMHC DEVELOPMENT
BMHC Strategy Our Vision for BMHC
Our Vision for BMHC
Our Offer
A centre of excellence,
Developing pioneering
A welcoming environment
celebrating the rich and diverse
initiatives that promote the
Muslim heritage, inspiring
rich and diverse Muslim
all communities to embrace
heritage and making it
diversity and be instrumental in
accessibale to all.
A learning environment Outreach Partnership Centre of expertise
shaping a cohesive society. Our aspiration is of a Centre “celebrating Islam’s rich
The BMHC will only achieve these aspirations with your
and diverse heritage, inspiring all communities to
help through the following:
embrace diversity and be instrumental in the shaping of a cohesive society”. We remain committed to the following principles: 1 The BMHC will be a centre for all communities
Muslims and non-Muslims.
2 We will strive to provide a welcoming environment for
BMHC scheme.
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers. You can donate to the ongoing work directly to the
BMHC bank account: Royal Bank of Scotland, Withington Branch
all, and work in partnership for the common good.
3 In focusing on Muslim heritage we mean: Muslim
We invite you to become a member of the Friends of
history and contribution to human civilisation.
friend OF BMHC
467 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester M20 9AP
A/C No.:10088053
Sort Code: 16-34-27
IBAN: GB85RBOS
Swift: RBOSGB2L
Send us the following details and we’ll do the rest:
This is an opportunity for you to help contribute to the vision of BMHC, and be part of an inspiring and
Name:
unique project which aims to enrich, bring together,
________________________________________________
and benefit all members of the community. Through a monthly subscription of only £10 per month, the
Address:
scheme aims to:
________________________________________________
Raise the profile of the BMHC
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Raise much needed revenue to run activities Offer exclusive benefits to members including:
- Priority booking for BMHC events
- Annual Friends Dinner
- Exclusive preview of exhibitions, book
launches and other similar events
________________________________________________ Tel: ________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________
- Regular email newsletter of developments.
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BMHC ENTERPRISE
THE MARQUEE AT THE BMHC The BMHC will be opening a brand new marquee in Summer 2014, catering for events of 600+ people, with the option of sectioning off for smaller events. The marquee will be provisioned to cater for events all year round. This exciting new space aims to be the ideal location for: Weddings Conferences/Seminars Charitable Events / Fundraising Private Events Exhibitons Special Occasions Our event management team offer their bespoke services to assist the planning of your event, giving you the opportunity to personalise your event. For further information please contact our Events Team on 0161 881 8062 or by email on events@bmhc.org.uk.
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Marquee location as displayed above