Islamic Tourism: Islam Expo 2008, Europe's largest celebration of Islamic culture, arts and innovation was held at London's Olympia Exhibition Centre. The aim of the four- day exhibition was to promote awareness and understanding within Muslim communities in Britain and between Muslim and non Muslim communities.
The Expo was sponsored by a variety of Muslim organisations including The British Muslim Initiative, Islamic Relief, The Cordoba Foundation, Interpal (Palestine Relief & Development Fund), Friends of Al Aqsa and Muslim Hands United for the Needy
The opening ceremony welcomed visitors to celebrate diversity within Islam. A number of high profile personalities made brief speeches among them the former Mayor of London Ken Livingston, Yusuf Islam, and Simon Hughes the shadow leader of the House of Commons.
Ken Livingstone emphasised that the expo was for all Londoners to come to understand better the diversity of the city. If he were mayor it would have been promoted on London busses. Livingstone described global warming as the greatest threat. "We must trust one another, love one another and work together. Let us find out what unites us rather than what divides us. The expo is about understanding our neighbour".
Simon Hughes called for a permanent dialogue between Islam and other faiths. He expressed the hope that Muslim people would take part in politics and feel they could represent the people of this country.
Yusuf Islam said that Islam Expo has created a platform to project the true face of Islam. "I am writing songs again as this is a great way to communicate universal values. All the things we love like coffee came from Muslim civilisation".
Anas Al Tikriti from the Cordoba Foundation said that the expo was showing the comprehensive face of Islam and how the religion touches on all aspects of life. "The West does not understand us and there is an incredible misunderstanding of the West throughout the Muslim world".
Dr Abdul-Bari the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain pointed out that the Islamic civilisation of Andalusia provided a template for Oxford and Cambridge. We all share a collective responsibility to realise a broad consensus in the quest for prosperity and stability.
The opening ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards: The Guardian online received an award for enhancing the proper understanding of Islam. Robert Lambert received an award for dialogue and building bridges. Prior to retiring from the Metropolitan Police in 2007 to pursue an academic career he was co-founder and head of the Muslim Contact Unit. The award for investigative journalism went to BBC Newsnight and Dispatches. Ken Livingstone was given the life time achievement award.
Visitors to Islam Expo had the opportunity to choose from various activities such as calligraphy and Middle Eastern cooking, explore the extensive exhibition area, attend informative debates and participate in lively discussions, or simply enjoy the beautiful tranquillity of the Islamic Gardens (created by the charity The Religious Education and Environment Programme). These stunning gardens were based upon the Garden of Paradise, as described in the Quran. Visitors also had the opportunity to discover the significant contributions the Islamic world has made to art over the centuries.
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