The Arts of Pilgrimage

Since the 7th century Muslims around the world have been performing Hajj - the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. During this time and up to the current day, there has been a huge artistic legacy which has developed around the rituals and the sacred sites, with each object uniquely commemorating this journey and its spiritual endeavour.

This lecture will explore the journey to Mecca and the performance of Hajj, focusing on the skill and creativity of the artists, craftspeople and pilgrims who have all been inspired by this great pilgrimage.

About the Speaker: Qaisra began her studies with a degree in Law and an MPhil in Oriental Studies both from Cambridge University. Her most important role came with the groundbreaking "Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam" exhibition at the British Museum in 2012; where, as Project Curator, she worked in the development and delivery of the exhibition. Currently she is an Independent Curator at the Nasser.D.Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, working on a multi-volume publication entitled “Hajj and The Arts of Pilgrimage” which will focus on the Khalili Arts of Pilgrimage Collection, one of largest and the most important of its kind.