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Lok
Virsa, a phrase which means cultural voyage, is also the name of a project
supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which explored the social, religious
and cultural heritage of the diverse Muslim communities in Birmingham
and the West Midlands.
The Muslim heritage is interpreted broadly to include the individual experiences
of women, men and children in Britain and overseas, collective traditions,
economic and political activities, aspects of spiritual life, festivals,
music, painting, architecture, sport and the work of craftsmen and women.
Lok Virsa’s activities included collecting personal stories and oral
histories, researching for information and images within the communities
and in archives, libraries and museums, photographing people, buildings
and artefacts and the holding of heritage training workshops to develop
and share ideas, knowledge and skills.
Lok Virsa has participated in and created networks of Muslims and non-Muslims
to promote understanding and an appreciation of how Muslims have contributed
positively to life in Britain. Other project outcomes include a website
and CD ROM.
The book is the culmination of the work of the Lok Virsa project and presents
text, photographs and illustrations to reveal a cultural voyage through
the Muslim heritage of Birmingham and the West Midlands. |
