British Muslim Magazine - Winter/Spring 2020

BRITISH

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MUSLIM WINTER / SPRING 2020 £3.99

M A G A Z I N E

THE FOUR SEASON Foodie Experiences

INDIA

A voyage!

MOROCCO

land of dramatic Mountains

7 SAFETY TIPS travelling the globe

ISSN 2056-3159

9 772056 315001

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST SELLING MUSLIM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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BRITISH

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

Editors Letter

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British Muslim Magazine is published by Syed PR & Publishing LTD Email: info@britishmuslim-magazine.com

British Muslim Magazine provides inspiration and advice for Muslims in Britain looking for unforgettable and luxurious travel experiences, Muslim history and heritage to food, fashion and style.

Editor Shumaela Syed Senior Features Writer Tahira Khan

Assalamu alaykum, In this issue we cover the very best halal destinations to travel to in 2020.

We kick start the features with news on events not to be missed! Tutmania has returned to London! The stunning exhibition and treasures displayed at the Saatchi gallery in Kensington, will leave you spellbound.

Halal tourism is on the rise and many of you have requested for us to write about more halal holidays, so we have decided to create a new ‘Halal Travel Guide 2020’ which will explore the very best of Halal travel around the world and we will be recommending the best travel services to use when booking your next holidays. We are super excited to launch the guide later this year so watch this space!

We love to bring you a different perspective to travelling across the world, including beautiful Britain. We kick-start our features with Morocco, the land of dramatic mountains, gorgeous sun drenched beaches and memorable cities.

(Page 38-40) Earlier this month we travelled to Girona, a hidden gem between Costa Brava and Barcelona, where we discover the historic, yet modern buildings and great views of the River Onyar.

We speak to BBC presenter Bushra Sheikh about her daily beauty regime and what she cannot live without. (Page 62-63) Our guide to bear watching in British Columbia will leave you wanting a cuddly grizzly bear. We explore sustainable tourism at it’s best. (Page 28 – 30).

We cover the beautiful eco-chic, cosy hideout - Bethnal & Bec, located in the village of Cottered, Hertfordshire (Page 66-68). Definitely one to book!

We hope you enjoy this issue while we are travelling across the world to cover some one the best travel destinations to inspire you in our next issue.

Keep safe when travelling, happy reading!

Shumaela Syed EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Official Fashion Partner

Writers Tahira Khan, Marcus Macaulay, Natasha Syed, Huma Baig, Juber Ahmed, Rabi’ah M, Angela Youngman Design MarcusMacaulay.com Publisher Syed PR & Publishing LTD CEO & Commercial Director Natasha Syed Managing Director Muk Rajah Event’s Director Abbas Syed Digital Production Manager Dene Conway Digital Marketing Co’ordinator Cherie Ann Conway

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© Syed PR All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. The information found in British Muslim Magazine is published in good faith. However you are strongly advised to check prices, dates and opening times before making final arrangements. The opinions expressed by contributors to British Muslim Magazine are not necessary those of the publisher.

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BRITISH

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MUSLIM

CONTENTS

M A G A Z I N E

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18

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30

7 News Editors Choice

26 Faro Travel Guide Often Overlooked

9 Tutmania Has returned to London!

30 Bear watching In British Columbia

12 Lighting Up Britain this winter

34 The Four Season Foodie Experiences

16 Muslim Travellers Of the Past

38 Morocco A Land of Dramatic Mountains

18 India A voyage!

43 Craftsmen With Magic Fingers

22 Abandoned Mosques Of Cyprus

46 Girona the Historic City

24 Seven Safety Tips Travelling the World

49 Winter Sun Destinations

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Our beautifully illustrated page’s are devoted to family holiday’s, couples retreats, halal dining, history, heritage, cultural art, luxury shopping, spa’s and more…

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51 Books Recommended

64 Pakistan Fashion Week Riwayat London

52 Inspired By the East

66 Four Season Honeymoon Experience

54 Coasteering To Surfing

70 Bridging the past Through inspirational art

56 Boating Trips On the Oxford Canal

72 Architectural Wonders Photographing Glasgow

58 Princess Dania Al Saud A Woman of Substance

76 Best Halal Burger In London

60 2019 Awards Arab Women of the year

78 Revamping Fashion For Special Needs

62 A Girl Can Do without Bushra Sheikh

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tahira Khan – Writer

Love to keep things real and I always like to add my unique twist. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it and as a Journalist, the detail always tells the story.

Nothing is impossible, even the word itself spells I’m Possible. (If I get the time)

Huma Baig - Writer

“A bit of a gallivanter, a bit of a foodie, a bit of a cake addict... I write to give you a share of all three.”

Quote I live by... “Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow.” - Imam Ali (AS)

Cherie-Ann -Designer

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do, and live life with a smile on your face” Website design is a passion of mine. I love working with new clients and building them bespoke websites for their businesses. I owe a lot of my knowledge to my dad who has helped me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams as a web designer.

Rabi’ah M - Writer

An experienced journalist with a passion for photography, travelling, exploring new things, adventures, and history, Rabi’ah.M graduated from London with a background in journalism. She enjoys writing about an array of subjects: arts, fashion, lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. Defining herself as a chirpy, friendly and committed to her passion for continuously learning new things in life. She likes to think out of the box.

Juber Ahmed - Writer

Juber Ahmed is a travel writer and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences on his site muslimsgotravel.com Quote: “The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page” [Saint Augustine]

Angela Youngman - Journalist

BRITISH

Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist & member of the International Travel Writers Alliance.

She specialises mainly in travel, tourism, food, culture, leisure, writing for national & international magazines and websites. Angela has written numerous books including walking guides, travel books and garden books.

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MUSLIM M A G A Z I N E

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NEWS

EDITOR’S CHOICE:

The ultimate halal food, fashion & shopping extravaganza weekend returns to OLYMPIA LONDON 18th - 19th April 2020 Tickets start from only £6 – Books yours today https://www. muslimshoppingfest.com/tickets BACK BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER FOR THE FIFTH YEAR RUNNING!

Singer and actress Preeya Kalidas is soon to be starring in hit West End musical Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, which just celebrated its two year anniversary at the Apollo Theatre London. Based on a true story, Preeya will play one of the leading roles, Miss Hedge, and will be the first British Asian to play the role, starting from November 19th 2019 till February 2020.

Come and join us on Saturday 30 May for the Eid Festival 2020 at Trafalgar Square.

Thousands of Londoners and visitors celebrate Eid together in London every year. Hosted by the Mayor of London, to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an exciting stage line up, family fun and delicious food. Don’t miss out!

Saturday 30 May 202012pm to 6pm Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN Free entry

Shazia Mirza – ‘Coconut’ stand up comedy Stratford Play House, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6LU Saturday 29th February 2020 – 7:30pm “What’s going on? Why is everyone fighting? Why does everyone hate each other? Who the hell is Alexa? And why are there no women left with real eyebrows?” Strap in for a hilarious and uplifting joyride into the art of survival in a world of crocodiles, coconuts, solitary confinement and alpha males.

Shazia’s brand new show will push boundaries you didn’t know were there, it will challenge and delight audiences and in uncertain times when everyone is looking for answers - it will deliver even more questions!

Empowering women through the Urban Muslim Woman event Words: Rabi’ah. M

“This year’s Urban Muslim Woman event was a memorable and dazzling night featuring talented, creative and successful British Muslim speakers from all walks of life. The night started in a serious mood and ended on an entertaining note with the performance of Zanga Zanga.”

After a gap of two years, the Urban Muslim Woman by Saverah made an outstanding comeback, with a remarkable lineup of motivating, talented and creative Muslim females at the London Marriott Hote,l during the month of November.

This year’s event maintained its original vision of promoting women from all walks of life, who speak and encourage other women to pursue their dreams and ambitions. There was also an exciting bazaar which ranged from clothes, jewellery, perfume, candles and many other things for ladies to shop for.

The beautiful and talented Bushra Shaikh hosted the show; keeping the audience engaged in amusing conversation. A www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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beautiful recitation of the Holy Quran by Halima Ait Bahou made the opening of the show; a truly blessed way of starting the exciting night ahead.

The night flourished with attention grabbing and beautifully designed outfits gracing the ramp, from many different prominent designers including: Hum Hum London, MFIT (UK), Sri Munawwarah Design (Malaysia), Ozlem Kanbul (Germany), Dress to Empress (UK) and Salayfa (UK).

The lineup for this years event featured Nusaiba Mohamed Timol (WAW Creative Arts), Dr Zareen Roohi Ahmed (CEO Gift Wellness), Chaimaa Aznag (Business Development Director, USI Money), Aina Khan OBE (Managing Director, Aina Khan Law); and Lauren Booth (Presenter, activist and writer). There was also a greater emphasis on visiting Malaysia for the medical tourism; the leading spokeswomen Sherene Azli, the CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council Malaysia, spoke about the perks and facilities of the emerging medical tourism industry there. The night became exciting and musical when the crowd waited for Zanga Zanga; a renowned dance troupe, to perform at the beginning of the show, as well as concluding the show; encouraging the audience to come and shake a leg.

It was a truly enjoyable and entertaining night.

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EVENTS The Saatchi Gallery in Kensington is home to an unbelievably stunning exhibition: Tutankhamun Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh.

Tutmania has returned to London!

Walking into the darkened gallery, amazing glittering objects covered in intricate designs immediately capture your attention.

Made for a Pharaoh over three thousand years ago, these are treasures that leave you spellbound; fascinated by the story of Tutankhamun. Tutmania has returned to London!

According to Ancient Egyptians there were two deaths – one of the body, the last when no one remembers your name. Dying young, Tutankhamun was a Pharaoh they wanted to forget completely, seeking to erase all mention and knowledge of him.

Even the location of his tomb was lost.

Fast forward to November 4, 1922, when archaeologist Howard Carter accompanied by his sponsor Lord Caernavon, broke through the wall of a hidden tomb. When asked what he could see, Carter could only answer ‘wonderful things’. He later wrote that, “At first I could see nothing, the hot air escaping from the chamber causing the candle flame to flicker, but presently, as my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged from the mist, strange animals, statues and gold – everywhere the glitter of gold.” It was a discovery that enthralled the world, and has continued to do so ever since.

Between now and May 2020, there is a unique opportunity to see just why that discovery has captured the world’s imagination.

The Saatchi Gallery in Kensington is home to an unbelievably stunning exhibition: Tutankhamun Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh. It is the largest ever exhibition of its kind. On display within the darkened galleries are 150 items, ranging from bows to tapestry gloves, jewellery to statues. Sixty of the items have www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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By Angela Youngman

never been on display outside Egypt before – and this exhibition is probably the last time anyone will have the opportunity of seeing them again unless you are visiting Egypt. A massive new Grand Egyptian museum is under construction at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. For the first time, the entire contents of Tutankhamun’s tomb will be on display in the Grand Egyptian museum enabling visitors to experience just what Howard Carter discovered nearly one hundred years ago.

For visitors to the Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh exhibition, there is a tremendous amount to see. It is laid out so that you

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feel as though you are following the Pharaoh along his journey through the Netherworld, watching him display his skills, attributes and power.

This is an exhibition where you can really get up close to the various objects, and observe the sheer level of detail, such as the twists and folds on the loincloths worn by the statues, the tiny engravings on a bow, and the little unexpected touches, such as the way glass was used to create eyebrows, or obsidian for eyes.

Some of the most precious items from the tomb, such as Tutankahmun’s golden coffin, have not made the journey to London. What has arrived, however, is absolutely breathtaking.

There is a golden Ostrich fan that once held 30 feathers, intricately engraved on either side, one showing an Ostrich hunt in progress, while on the other side Tutankhamun successfully rides home.

A gilded wooden figure of Tutenkhamun throwing a harpoon while standing on a small boat indicates his strength, that nothing is too dangerous for him. There is a painted, wooden model solar boat, complete with throne and two steering paddles, along with an inlaid wooden cartouche box which held royal regalia such as crooks and flails. Another semi circular box held a selection of tapestry gloves made from linen Even domestic items made into the tomb. A group of wooden, egg shaped, painted boxes originally held a variety of different cuts of meat, with some residue still present even though all those centuries had passed. Elsewhere is an exquisite, gilded, wooden and ivory pen in the form of a column, inlaid with glass.

A gilded wooden bed, made of ebony, has a beautiful gold leaf covered footboard bearing the images of protective creatures, such as Bes and Tawerset. Small statues of Shabti reflect his need for servants. There are musical instruments and even a wishing cup – one of the first items to be seen by Carter and Carnarvon on that momentous day.

His military might is symbolized by ceremonial, open work

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shields covered in gold leaf, while a massive bow is decorated with tiny pictures of stylised plants, geometric motifs, minute horses and even prisoners. One of the most stunning objects is the gilded statue of Tutankhamun standing on the back of a black varnished panther, designed to show his domination of nature, which would carry him through the nocturnal darkness of the Netherworld.

One of the most touching items is a tiny, gold, squatting figure wearing the chain of Tutankhamun’s grandfather, Pharaoh Amenhotep III. A lock of hair belonging to Queen Tiye, Tutankhamun’s grandmother, was found with the statue.

A striking feature of this exhibition is just how vivid and bright the colours are. The intense blue of the faience work really shines out, while the dark obsidian eyes seem to follow you as you walk around the displays. This is not an exhibition that you can pass through quickly – you just have to stop and study the detail of each object.

The final section of the exhibition deals with the actual discovery of the tomb. Howard Carter’s work was far reaching, as not only did he discover the only intact Egyptian tomb anyone has found to date, but he actually laid the foundations for modern archaeological methods. His method is still followed today, and has never been improved. Every object in the tomb was numbered, labeled and photographed in situ, before being moved for conservation.

Even before the exhibition had opened, over 285,000 tickets had already been sold. It is set to be a sell out exhibition, attracting record numbers, even higher than previous, smaller exhibitions.

John Norman, Managing director of Exhibitions IMG sums up the situation, “As millions get a final opportunity to see these ancient and exquisite objects in an immersive and personal context, we know Tutankhamun will continue to live large in the hearts of people around the world for generations to come.”

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UNTO THIS LAST

Two Hundred Years of John Ruskin 10 March - 31 May 2020 Including works by J. M. W. Turner, John Everett Millais, and Edward Burne-Jones.

Produced by YCBA.

Book tickets online at wattsgallery.org.uk

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EVENTS

Lighting up Britain this winter From darkness into light – the night sky takes on a very different hue during the winter. By Angela Youngman It is all too easy to feel that you don’t want to leave the warmth of your home during those long, dark winter nights. But if you take the opportunity you can enjoy some incredible and very memorable experiences.

Spectacular light festivals have become a major winter attraction throughout the country. These range from traditional street displays in places like Matlock in Bath, to stunning garden scenes at Blenheim Palace or Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens. It can be a wonderful reason for a weekend break.

Thousands of visitors head for the amazing light displays in Kew Gardens, which are being held for longer and longer each year. This year, they will be in place until January 5, brightening up the darkest days of the year. Light artists have fashioned some really spectacular creations. Among the highlights are a choir of holly bushes, smoking hazy arches, and a cascade of lights descending from the Treetop Walkway. Not to be missed are animations within Studio Pitaya’s Scandinavian themed Bifröst installation, complete with characters from Norse mythology. Equally stunning are the glittering pink cherry walkway and the pyrotechnics in the Fire Garden. A flotilla of tiny boats brings the lake to life. With lots of food & drink stalls scattered around, with such things as marshmallow roasting pits and vintage fun fair rides to enjoy, Kew Gardens offers an amazing way to experience the winter skies.

Heading north to Edinburgh, the Royal Botanic Garden is hosting an amazing Laser garden through which dancing lines of light bounce across tree branches, often adorned with larger than life icicles.

In Cambridgeshire, the National Trust owned historic house Anglesey Abbey, has a Winter Lights display in late November/December. Visitors are given a totally different view of the pretty gardens, especially the winter garden, as you pass through illuminated trees within the Silver Birch Grove, or watch light displays over the Riverside Path.

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On the South Coast, Bournemouth has a trail passing through more than 100 illuminated trees scattered across the entire town, including the seaside promenade. This is a town filled with light. Every tree presents a totally different image, such as the fairy tale Tree of Light and the shimmering pink glow of the Warsaw tree. Over 30,000 individually programmed LED lights adorn the 60 ft Wonderland Tree, offering some amazing music and light shows. Stroll through the Polar Walk complete with polar bears, icicle shards and sparkling lights. Anyone with a head for heights can get a spectacular view of the illuminations, during a ride on the Big Wheel beside the sea front. The lights make a brilliant contrast against the darkness of the sea.

One of the best light displays is to be found at Blenheim Palace, at Woodstock near Oxford. Stroll through the State Rooms to discover the magical world of Alice in Wonderland as you step into the pages of a larger than life adventure. Outside, the gardens are filled with an incredible array of lights. There are countless dancing bands of colour, a waterfall full of sparkling lights, whilst the flowers within

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the Snowdrop Walk glow softly from carefully positioned illuminations. As you stroll through the 30 metre long promenade of vines, you can touch and interact with thousands of individually colour changing lights. No matter how often you walk through the vine promenade during the night – it will always result in a different experience.

Canary Wharf in London takes on a new image throughout January as a result of its free, outdoor light installation festival. Skyscrapers and water features come alive with lights, including a word waterfall, illuminated graffiti and even giant rabbits! Over 25 light installations can be experienced, including works by the most innovative light artists in the world.

Yet it is not just bright illuminations that offer ways of enjoying the night skies. Why not find out what it is like to walk in true moonlight or starlight? Most people living in cities and towns across the UK have never really experienced this, as the beauty of the night sky is diminished by the glare of lights.

Exploring one of the many Dark Skies festivals or activities to be found out in the countryside, will offer a very different light experience. Anyone keen on sports could try mountain biking under the moonlit skies, for example the 24 hour Kielder Chiller race through Northumberland’s Kielder Park in early March, or you could join in a Dark Sky cross country run at Castle Howard in Yorkshire, or out across the moors of North Yorkshire. There are opportunities to try a Go Ape zip wire course under the light of the stars, or even join How Stean Gorge’s night time canoeing activity on Scar House Reservoir. Fastened in a raft like formation, the canoes gently glide across the water for over an hour, inevitably startling some of the Canada geese sleeping there.

Taking part in a star gazing event is the best way to discover the wonders of the night sky. Although

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observatories throughout the country generally have at least one night a week where anyone can visit to view the stars through massive telescopes, by far the best views of the moon, stars and planets can be experienced in one of the Dark Sky parks such as Northumberland, Snowdonia or Exmoor.

Wildabout Exmoor frequently takes groups on moorland strolls to climb Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on the moors, offering uninterrupted views in all directions. Guests staying at Cober Hill, a coastal hotel in North Yorkshire, are provided with blankets, star gazing leaflets to help identify the various constellations plus hot drinks and binoculars.

The further north you go, the greater your chance of seeing one of the most spectacular of all natural illuminations – the Northern Lights. These incredible flickering, dancing coloured lights have been seen out on the coast around Whitby, in the depths of the Northumberland National Park, as well as in the Scottish highlands.

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HISTORY

‘Europe ought to look upon them as its cultural ancestors in the domain of geographical knowledge, of discovery, and of world trade.’

Famous Muslim Travellers of the Past

By Juber Ahmed

Muslim travellers were leading pioneers in broadening their horizons [through travel] not only because they desired to travel, but also because they had a religious incentive behind doing so. Religion and a passion for travel complimented each other fuelling their interest in traversing different lands, across different continents. It did not stop there. Muslim travellers contributed to the knowledge of history, geography and discovery, as J.H. Kramer states, ‘Europe ought to look upon them as its cultural ancestors in the domain of geographical knowledge, of discovery, and of world trade.’

Below are five Muslim travellers who travelled the world and contributed to history and travel literature: Ibn Batutah – Born in 1304, Ibn Batutah began his quest towards Makkah at the age of 20, to perform Hajj. After having begun to travel, his curiosity led him to do so for the next 29 years. Upon his return, Ibn Batutah penned a record of his travels in a book called The Travels of Ibn Batutah.

Zheng He – Born in 1371 in Yunnan near the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, Zheng was an admiral, allowing him to travel extensively. Being one of the first Chinese travellers of his time, he managed to reach as far as Mogadishu in East Africa.

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Evliye Celebi – known as the traveller of the Ottoman World, Evliye travelled throughout the countries of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century. Travelling for around 50 years he wrote about his journey in a book called Seyahatname; The Travelogue. He was regarded as one of the first travel writers in Ottoman history.

Ibn Jubayr al-Kinani – Born in Valencia in the 12th century, Ibn Jubayr was a traveller and a famous poet.

Travelling for a period of two years, he traversed Baghdad, Aleppo, Damascus, Acre, Italy and many other places.

Within his travelogue, readers will find many lines of poetry.

Whilst writing about places and objects in his travels, Ibn Jubayr went into much detail, something which is still useful to archaeologists and historians today.

Al-Masudi – One of the oldest travel writers in history, Al-Masudi was born in the 9th century. Beginning his travel adventures at the age of 20, Al-Masudi travelled through India and Persia, as well as into Madagascar and Indochina.

He also travelled to Zanzibar, Oman, Armenia, Sri Lanka and Georgia. A statue of Al-Masudi, which stands on top of the Natural History Museum in Vienna, testifies to the fact that he was a great traveller.

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TRAVEL

A Voyage through India In our previous issue we visited the beautiful northern region of Pakistan, so now we visit our neighbouring country. By Tahira Khan

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Discover its’ majestic heritage and make sure that all the unseen elements of traditional Southern and Northern India come to light.

Darjeeling toy train and a visit to a working tea plantation; a traditional home-cooked Awadhi dinner in Lucknow with a royal family is also included in the tour.

Going back in history to Rajasthan

The Colours of Rajasthan

This tour travels through the heart of Rajasthan, exploring its magnificent forts and ornate palaces, as well as Ranthambore National Park and the Taj Mahal. Starting in Mumbai, the trip also includes Udaipur, the rural Aravalli hills, Jodhpur and Jaipur.

This is one of the easy paced private tours and the 17-day luxury trip is where most tours spend a number of nights in Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur as well as stays in Pali and Deogarh. Discovering the main attractions of India’s most colourful region and its lesser-known sights, there is a balance of exploration and time at leisure.

A Passage through Kerala

Northern India

Taking in the beautiful sights and landscapes of Kerala and Karnataka, this tour includes Mysore, Nagarhole National Park, the scenic narrow gauge Blue Mountain train journey to Ooty and a cruise on the backwaters of Kochi. After a guided visit during the day to Mysore’s Maharajah’s Palace – the largest in India -the tour returns in the evening to see it spectacularly illuminated by over 1,000 lights.

Visiting Northern India – This trip explores the more historic and traditional aspects of the region than compared to the more well- known tourist attractions.

A Journey of The Taj Mahal, Tigers and Trains Crossing the Ganges plain over fourteen days from Delhi to Kolkata, this new tour takes in the majestic Taj Mahal, the wildlife of Ranthambore, colonial Lucknow and Kolkata and spiritual Varanasi. The trip ends with a trip on the

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The Legacy of Delhi Tour The first day in Northern India starts with a sightseeing tour of New Delhi by beginning with the tallest minaret in the world that is made of brick. The Qutub Minar, built by Aibak in 1199, is the architectural significance of Humayun’s Tomb makes it a proud example of the Mughal era’s building techniques.

Getting closer to the Indian legacy and witnessing the journey of India, from being a ruled country to becoming a free democracy, you will be taking time to stop at places

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such as India Gate, the President’s Palace, Secretariat buildings and the Indian Parliament House.

Then you will discover the richness of Old Delhi, starting with the grand red stone marvel, Lal Qila, known as the ‘Red Fort’; continuing on to the Jama Masjid, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, this mosque is decorated with Ply chrome stonework and contains a huge courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. A visit to Birla House, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, helps us to remember this ‘Father of the Nation’ ahead of an afternoon at the National Museum, rich with archaeological artefacts and art from the last 5,000 years. You also get the chance to experience a rickshaw ride in the markets of Old Delhi.

The Heritage in Lucknow Tour Lucknow is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh: Starting with a walking tour to discover some of the heritage of the city at Gol Darwaaza, and exploring its culture, before ending at the Akbari Gate.

You will also be visiting the exquisitely decorated Rumi Darwaza, also known as the Turkish Gate. We also see the magnificent Bara, Husainabad and Asafuddaula Immambara’s, which reflect the quintessence of Awadhi architecture with its strong Persian influence.

The Hussainabad Picture Gallery houses a collection of life-size oil paintings of the Nawabs of Oudh (1882 - 1885), in its foreground is the British Style Clock Tower built in 1881. Our afternoon includes an insight into Chikankari (traditional hand embroidery).

Next Stop Orchha On this morning and during the journey, your guide will use this opportunity to deliver a lecture that will enhance your next visit. An old but beautiful town, it is home to a range or archaeological monuments. Influenced by the old school Mughal architecture, the creative creation of the palaces and temples is commendable. Many of these structures were carved during the 16th and 17th century and still remain in good condition. Jahangir Mahal is a noted palace with royal cenotaphs, and provides amazing views of surrounding locales.

Gwalior and Datia Palace This Palace stands tall in the historic city and is a great example of Indo-Islamic architecture. A blend of Rajputani and Mughal styles, its exterior is adorned with arches, oriel windows, and the interior is decorated with Bundela paintings.

The day starts with a city tour of Gwalior. The city is dominated by its hill-top fort, one of the most redoubtable in the world, and within it are some marvels of medieval architecture. Next is the Jai Vilas Palace, a symbol of age-old Indian culture and opulence, preserved in the backdrop of modern-day India A royal Mughal city, Agra has many monuments that epitomise the high point of Mughal architecture.

The Taj Mahal is a mesmerising example of architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. An immense mausoleum in white marble and a tribute to eternal love, it was built by www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The visit will also include touring the elegant garden mausoleum of Itimad-ud Daulah and Agra Fort, a walled palatial city built of red sandstone.

The Final Voyage A final voyage will end with a visit to Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. Visiting Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century to commemorate the birth of his son; with a farewell stop - off to Amber, the magnificent fort that nestles on the rocky hill rising above Maota Lake and is a symbol of power and perseverance, before finally returning to Jaipur and Delhi.

Okay, so as there is so much more yet to see and I still need to visit my distant relatives of my mother’s ancestry, who I’ve yet to meet. Being on my mind for several years to go back and explore my roots, I have concluded a travel mission for 2020.

NB: Please note that the set tours may include elements of visiting Indian sites eg: The River Ganga and observing Non -Muslim rituals. If you are not comfortable with any of these elements please discuss with the tour company who may be able to accommodate your needs accordingly.

For more detailed information visit: CoxandKings.co.uk/andantetravels.co.uk 21

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TRAVEL

Fascinating Yet Abandoned Mosques of Cyprus

By Juber Ahmed

An Island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is steeped in history and has many historical religious monuments that live up to this claim. It was not until 1571 that Islam was officially introduced to the Island through the Ottoman Empire; this meant that Mosques started appearing across the Island. The large majority still stand today; however, it is only the Mosques located in the northern part of the country which are open to worshippers and visitors. Driving around the south of the Island, visitors will see many Mosques that have been abandoned, due to the forcible division of Cyprus by the Turkish Invasion in 1974.

There are two types of Mosque in Cyprus; Churches that have been converted into Mosques and those which were newly built. It’s quite simple to distinguish between them, as many converted churches retain their former architecture and design. In some cases, however, minarets were erected on the side of the Mosque.

Many of the abandoned Mosques which lie in the Southern part of the Island are primarily located in Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. Larnaca in particular has some of the oldest mosques on the Island, with many of them being permanently closed.

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One such example is the Klavdia Village in Larnaca in Klavdia Village in Larnaca. Formerly known as the Holy Church of Agia Aikaterini, this is a Mosque that was previously a church. Recently visiting this Mosque was somewhat surreal as the exterior was beautiful and inviting, being located in a relaxed neighbourhood, yet walking up toward the doors to enter the Mosque and finding it locked was dejecting.

Further west, after a ten-minute drive, we arrive in the almost deserted village Kofinou. Prior to entering the village, visitors will notice the exceptionally tall minaret.

Built in the 1960s, this is one of the most recently built Mosques in Cyprus. Since the Turkish Invasion in 1974, the Mosque has been abandoned and therefore visitors will see graffiti on the walls and a lack of maintenance within the gardens of the Mosque.

Cyprus is a unique place when it comes to historical religious monuments, as these abandoned mosques represent an integral part of the heritage of Cyprus.

Walk in the footsteps of the former Cypriots to explore, discover and be inspired.

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TRAVEL

Seven Safety Tips for Travelling Anywhere in The World By Juber Ahmed

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Documents, Emergency Info & Backups

Wherever you go, ensure that you have extra copies of your travel documents, passports, flight tickets and visas if applicable. Ensure you have copies of emergency information such as contact details of family members, local embassies, medical facilities and any other places you feel you may need to resort to in an emergency.

Put Away Some Emergency Cash

Whether that’s safely in your bank ready to withdraw or locked away in a safe back at your accommodation, having extra cash for unforeseen situations will always help you out.

Inform Your Bank That You are Travelling

Not only does this help avoid any unwanted charges, it also prevents your bank from contacting you if they suspect that your card has been stolen.

Medication & First Aid Kits

Being equipped with the right medication and a first aid kit can help to go a long way in minor medical emergencies. Having basic first line medication and equipment can help alleviate many illnesses and injuries that may occur when travelling.

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Keep Your Boundaries with Strangers

having extra cash for unforeseen situations will always help you out.

Be very careful about divulging any information that can be used to track your whereabouts. It’s fairly normal to feel special when being approached by locals on your first few trips abroad, but remember to keep it short, simple and sweet.

Keep Your Belongings Light & In Sight

By travelling light, you’ve got fewer things to overlook.

By keeping them in your sight, it’s harder for pickpockets to take anything from you. Don’t keep valuables in your backpack or trouser pockets, as pickpocketing is quite common in busy areas. Use a money belt if you need to, or a bag that you can keep at your front.

Keep Your Family Informed

Whether you are staying within this country or venturing off abroad, always keep your family informed of your trip details. From sending you emergency cash, locating you in an emergency or informing the police of your last known location - in case anyone should go missing - keeping your family informed will help when necessary

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Faro offers plenty of appetising seafood, which is best to try at a marisqueira: a restaurant specialising in seafood.

Faro Travel Guide Often overlooked by visitors coming to Portugal. By Juber Ahmed

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Faro has more to offer than meets the eye. Historically and culturally rich, the city has some of the most remarkable sights in Portugal. With picturesque plazas and parks, a charming old town and scenic cobbled streets, Faro is the perfect place to start or end your trip when visiting Portugal.

Getting in Getting to Faro from the UK is simple. There are flights from most UK airports flying directly to Faro Airport, which takes approximately three hours and costs as little as £40 return. The airport is around 7km from the city centre and has good transport links.

Visa Visitors holding a British passport do not need a visa to enter Portugal.

Getting Around From Faro Airport, take the bus 14 or 16 operated by Proximo. This will take you directly to the bus station in the city centre in approximately 15 minutes. From there, you can either walk or take a taxi to your hotel/accommodation. The bus operates between the hours: 5:20am-00:10am. A single ticket can be purchased from the driver, costing €2.35 one way. Alternatively, a taxi from the airport will cost around €10 - €15.

What to see, do and eat Faro is the capital and largest city in the Algarve district of Portugal. With a small population, Faro is an uncrowded alternative to other major resort towns and cities.

Faro offers plenty of appetising seafood, which is best to try at a marisqueira: a restaurant specialising in seafood. Walking around the cobbled streets of the old town, you’ll notice many orange trees with their sweet-smelling aroma. For those interested in history, The Cathedral of Faro is the place to be. Once a Mosque, it was converted into a cathedral in the 13th century. Visit the Museu Municipal, the local history museum, located in the old Jewish Quarter, where you can see Islamic artefacts from the 9th – 13th century.

Currency The currency used in Faro and Portugal is the Euro. Money can easily be exchanged in the UK or upon arrival. Cash machines are also widely available.

Weather The best times to visit Faro are between late April and early June or between September and late October. June to September are hotter months. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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TRAVEL

A guide to Bear watching in British Columbia Deep in the woods something stirs.

By Angela Youngman

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Dense brown fur, pointed snout and weighing up to 300 kg, a brown bear seen in its natural habitat is an impressive sight. If you are lucky, you may even see them fishing for their supper in lakes or rivers, possibly even climbing trees.

The number of bears in the wild is slowly, and steadily increasing. Bear watching has become one of the most popular attractions in countries like Sweden and Canada.

Shy creatures, they are not always easy to spot which is why expert guides are useful.

This is sustainable tourism at its best. Visitor numbers are limited, to ensure that the welfare of the bears is paramount.

There is no direct contact with the bears, as you just watch them from a distance, often using a specially constructed hide.

In Canada, British Columbia is definitely the centre of bear tourism experiences. This is a massive province incorporating vast areas of rugged forest, through which the bears roam freely. Black bears are the most common, along with a smaller population of around 14,000 grizzly bears.

Occasionally visitors may even spot a rare Kermode, or ‘spirit’ bear, which is a white furred version of the black bear.

The best times to spot bears in British Columbia are between May and October. This is when they are most active. Access is via flights to Vancouver, and then by float plane to the various reserves: There are no roads to the remote locations used by the Bear Watching companies.

Knight Inlet Lodge is a typical site. This tucked-away inlet is home to a large number of bears and visitors can sometimes see dozens during just one trip. Bears may be seen splashing through the water while feeding on sedge grasses in the estuary in the spring, or walking along the logging roads during the summer. As the autumn leaves begin to fall, visitors are encouraged to use viewing platforms near the spawning channels to watch the grizzlies catch salmon in the Glendale River.

Another favourite location is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve around Barkley Sound where bears can be seen foraging for favourite foods like rock crabs and fish.

The Kutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, located in a remote inlet north of Prince Rupert, is Canada’s first designated grizzly bear sanctuary and visitors can only reach it by water or air. The Sanctuary is home to around 50 to 60 grizzly bears, and with access limited to a handful of licensed operators such as Sunchaser Charters and Prince Rupert www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Check out these sites to find out more: www.grizzlytours.com www.wildretreat.com www.spiritbear.com www.tweedsmuirparklodge.com www.orsarovdjurspark.se www.wildsweden.com/tours/bear-watching-bollnas https://www.hideandsee.se/bjornskadning-2 www.naturesbestsweden.com/en/produkt/ bjornskadning-i-halsingland-2 Adventure Tours, it is a perfect location for photographers wanting a quiet site from which to get some brilliant images.

Anyone wanting to try to catch a glimpse of the rare Kermode Bear should head for the Great Bear Rainforest.

This is an area covering approximately 250 miles around the central and northern coast of British Columbia. It is a pristine wilderness where there has been minimal development and houses just a few specialized lodges catering for visitors wanting to see the bears. One of the best locations is the Bella Coola Valley, from where guided tours take you into the forest in the hope of seeing a spirit bear.

Even if you are not successful, the sight of massive grizzlies feasting on salmon as you glide down the Atnarko River is unforgettable.

Much closer to home, Sweden is another country popular with visitors wanting a bear experience. Just like British

Columbia, it has large tracts of remote forested countryside with deep lakes and mountains. Head north into Swedish Lapland and the provinces of Dalarna, Gävleborg and Jämtland, as these are the areas which possesses the largest population of brown bears in the country.

Just like in Canada, the best times to see bears are from April to October. This is the land of the Midnight sun, where on some nights the sun never sets. As a result, bears

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can be glimpsed all day and all night within forests, which also contain lots of other wildlife such as foxes, raccoon dogs, golden eagles and martens.

At Hide & See, visitors spend the night in special hides offering photo opportunities, watching the bears patrol the forest. You may even glimpse bear cubs at play!

Over at Wild Sweden, you can stay in a wooden photo cabin overnight at Sandviken, within a mossy pine forest.

The bears may even come so close that you can hear them snuffling around outside. The best times to see the bears are late at night and early in the morning, so there is time to catch some sleep as well!

Another popular location offered by Wild Sweden is at Bollenas about two hours from Stockholm. There are trains connecting Bollenas and Stockholm, and guided transfers take visitors from Bollenas to the bear lodges.

Much further north, Natures Best offers eco-friendly bear watching tours around the forest of Hälsingeland. It is an area where there is a very dense bear population and some guests at the lodge have reported bears passing by just a few metres away. Windows and peep holes provide good views of the surrounding area, and are just the right size for watching or taking photos in comfort. Other animals that might be spied during the night include wolves, wolverine and lynx. It is a quiet and very tranquil environment – except when the bears pass by and the excitement inside the lodge mounts to fever pitch!

Whilst in Sweden it is also worth considering a visit to the Orsa Brown Park, at Orsa near Stockholm. Although a zoo, this is a massive place, since it is Europe’s largest predator park, covering over 325,000 sq km. It is primarily a research and education centre, and contains vast reserve areas catering for the needs of different types of endangered bears. Among the bears to be found here include colonies of Kodiak bears and Kamatchatka bears, it also houses the world’s largest polar bear centre. Even if the brown bears are hibernating, you can still see them from a screen at the entrance.

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FOOD

The Four Season Foodie Experiences Fatt Pundit in the Autumn; to spice it up

By Tahira Khan

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all-day spot for Londoners. For a real taste of the USA you don’t need to look any further, this place merges the soul of the USA into urban London perfectly.

The Bustronome experience in the Spring; to get out

Located in the heart of Soho, I absolutely loved the Indo- Chinese dining concept from Calcutta which melted my heart. The Chindian (Chinese - Indian) spot launched in late March 2019), so I had to rush down to try out the versatile starters, but the hero dish for me is their delicious and yummy Momos; spicy dumplings originating from Tibet with flavoursome chutneys. I would describe these like an Indian Tortellini’s. There is a Momo station at the front of the restaurant which means you can get a quick bite of Indo Chinese cuisine during the lunch hour. For the main course I was brought a range of signature dishes, which were decently portioned in size; not too large.

These include Shredded Chilly Venison, Hakka Chilly Paneer, Lettuce Cups and Malabar Bream Curry. The Indo -Chinese experience also includes cocktails, so inspired by the fruit vendors in India, I tried the spicy Guava Chilli Sour and my friend had the refreshing Cucumber Cooler.

My personal favourites are the goat Momo’s, the crackling battered spinach, and the Bombay Chilly prawns. The whole concept is awesome and I totally forgot I was in London: it reminded me of being in the city streets of Calcutta with upbeat, trendy and banging hot food with excellent and attentive service from the staff. Not to forget the sizzling brownie with ice cream, bringing a sweet zest at the end; this venue has definitely made it onto my list as a city stop off.

Bustronome is a new and unique concept in London, having started life in Paris five years ago. Guests can enjoy a gourmet fine dining experience as they travel in style around the city’s major attractions and landmarks aboard the top deck of a hi-spec, glass-roofed bus. Use audio pens to touch famous sites such as St Paul's and The London Eye on our map menus and learn extraordinary facts about the city. This luxury bus seats a maximum of 38 patrons on the top deck, giving every guest a 360° view. The bus houses a kitchen at the rear of the lower deck, together with a cloakroom, guest loo and the driver's quarters. The tour starts at Embankment, heads East to Tower Bridge then West to The Royal Albert Hall, with most of the important elements in between such as the London Eye, Westminster and Buckingham Palace! Lunch is a four -course meal running from 12.1514.00. Afternoon tea runs from 15.00-16.45 and Dinner is more leisurely - from 19.15-22.00. If you haven’t had the opportunity to discover London in the past, then you can do it in style.

Harlem Soul in the Winter; to warm up Located in trendy Shoreditch, this gem has a range of delicious American Urban cuisine and lots of Soul Food created from Mexican and Korean influences. I was offered halal, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options, ranging from classic to fusion dishes. The interior is splashed with street vibrant art and graffiti influenced by the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The artist named ‘Tizer’ has become one of the wellregarded street painters in the capital, but the quirky art displays were a favourite feature, especially the chandelier crafted from coke bottles. This decor is ever evolving as new artists are brought in to update it and place their own signature on the restaurant’s walls. The place is split between two floors; the ground floor acts as a drinking spot where the music will take over and the DJs turn the lower bar into a dancing zone. Amongst the quintessential American menu, I tried a number of snacking options like wings, served with a range of dips, as well as the sassy jackfruit tacos, soft shell crab, blackened Cajun popcorn shrimp and Mexican nachos with classic jalapenos. The scrumptious hearty chicken burger and sweet potato fries took me the longest to get through, and afterwards I needed at least half an hour to make space for the home-made cookie dough dessert.

Harlem Soul is a first of its kind in London, becoming the

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Gelato Village in the Summer; to cool down For those cooling summer evenings I would recommend this newly opened halal ice- cream parlour, founded by two passionate foodies from Piedmont, Italy, the gelateria is dedicated to producing the best quality fresh gelato from local and seasonal ingredients. All of the milk for the traditionally made gelato comes from Vine Farm Dairy just 13 miles away.

The duo also use Leicestershire honey from The Bee Farmer and their British berries are sourced from Nottinghamshire.

One of Gelato Village's most popular recipes is Mango Lassi gelato. This combination of fresh mango, yogurt and cardamom is only available at the height of the mango season in the summer. They source the best Kesar mango and Honey mango direct from the farmers in India and Pakistan to ensure that fair payment is made for the fruit and that the flavour is at its optimum. Gelato Village is a rare beast in the city – a late night venue that does not sell alcohol, but does offer a wide range of natural soft drinks, authentic Italian coffees and other delicious refreshment.

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Modest fashion world set to gather in Istanbul this April Designers, celebrities and bloggers from around the world are gearing up for the third edition of Modanisa Istanbul Modest Fashion Week (IMFW), which will take place from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th April 2020.

Turkey’s avant-garde couturier Özlem Süer, who has dressed the likes of Meryem Uzerli, Lindsay Lohan, Norwegian Princess Martha, and countless Turkish stars such as Ajda Pekkan and Sıla, will open this year’s IMFW. Other designers showcasing their Ramadan collections in Istanbul include Zeina Ali of Jordan, who has won plaudits for her disability-inclusive collections and fashion shows, and fashion and beauty blogger- turned-designer Roza Jo. Arinna Erin, who recently became the new face of Nike, and Feriel Moulaï will be gracing the Istanbul runway, while ‘global citizen’ Sophia the Robot will be on the front row and also participate as a speaker on a panel about ‘Fashion and Technology’.

Dedicated to modest dressing, Modanisa IMFW is the largest event of its kind in the world. Over four days, some seven thousand people will flock to the Zorlu Center in the heart of the city to see twenty trend- defining fashion shows ahead of Ramadan, hear globally-renowned speakers share industry insights, rub shoulders with 50 global influencers, and indulge in some retail therapy at the IMFW boutique pop-up market.

Serving as a natural bridge between Eastern and Western modest styles, IMFW annually offers a unique platform for designers, brands, influencers, buyers, and consumers to converge. Sponsored and organised by ready-to-wear fashion portal Modanisa.com, IMFW was first held in May 2016.

Since then, this trailblazing concept has travelled to multiple

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international destinations including London (2017), Dubai (2017, 2019), and Jakarta (2018).

Event director Havva Kahraman said, “The story of modest fashion is ever-evolving and it’s great that Modanisa and Istanbul are at the heart of it. This year, we welcome internationally acclaimed Özlem Süer, who is celebrating her 30th year in fashion and is Turkey’s representative at Intercolor. She makes her modest fashion debut alongside young trendsetter Roza Jo, who will unveil her Turbans for Modanisa collection.”

“We are especially excited by our special guest Sophia the Robot. She is synonymous with the ‘future’, which is a major theme at Istanbul Modest Fashion Week 2020.”

Designers and visitors interested in participating or attending IMFW can register online. Visit the event website, modanisafashionweek.com.

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“The story of modest fashion is ever-evolving and it’s great that Modanisa and Istanbul are at the heart of it.”

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Morocco

A land of dramatic mountains, gorgeous sun drenched beaches and memorable cities. By Angela Youngman Perfect for relaxing, for sports, for its culture and some very desirable shopping! Not surprisingly, this North African country is attracting an increasing number of visitors keen to experience all that it has to offer.

The best times to visit Morocco are from March to May, and between September and November when temperatures are at their most comfortable.

For Game of Thrones fans, some of the scenery will seem very familiar. The pretty coastal town of Essaouira, just three hours from Marrakech, was the location of Astapor, home of the Unsullied. Stroll in the footsteps of Daenerys, along the ramparts of the Scala, the old Portuguese fortifications. The cannon row here posed a problem for the Game of Thrones producers, since they are bolted into place. As a result the film set was built over the top of them!

Another unmissable Game of Thones site is Ait Ben Haddou, also just over three hours drive south of Marrakech.

This ancient village doubled as Yunkai, the yellow city in Slavers Bay, to which Daenerys laid siege during series three.

Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, this village is definitely well worth a visit. Narrow streets wind through tall earthen buildings, some reminiscent of miniature castles, crowded together within high walls. It represents a very

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traditional style of regional architecture. Views from the top of the village are spectacular, since you are gazing out across the Sahara just beyond its fortifications.

Marrakech itself makes a fantastic holiday centre.

There is a wide choice of hotels ranging from well-known international chains such as the Hotel Sofitel, to the Hotel Ibis, Four Seasons and Savoy le Grand Hotel, to privately owned traditional riads.

The pretty rose-pink adobe walls of the Medina contain one of the glories of Marrakech – its souks. Inside these walled areas, it can seem as though time has stood still.

Merchants have traded from these small shops for centuries, with goods piled high, ready for eager customers. It is constantly noisy, with traders calling out trying to attract your attention and people chatting, as well as constant bartering taking place. Always remember that the first price quoted is just a starting point for negotiation – haggling over the price is the norm. Everyone likes to bargain hard!

Getting an official guide to take you round the souks is recommended, as it ensures that you don’t get lost in the labyrinthine alleys. No two parts of the souk are the same, as different areas focus on different products. You should head for the Semmarine souk, if you want classic Berber or

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TRAVEL

Arabic craft items, while the Attarine souk is great for brass & copperware. Yet more souks focus on leather or spices, textiles or jewellery. For really good bargains to bring back to the UK, search out craft items and bags, and natural products such as spices, Black Soap, Rose Water and Argan Oil, which is only harvested in Morocco.

The Jemaa el-Fnaa is definitely well worth a visit, if only to soak up the atmosphere. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is situated in the very centre of the Medina. A massive marketplace, there are always lots of food stalls and water sellers to be found throughout the day. As the evening draws on, street entertainers turn up. Wherever you look there are musicians, magicians, snake charmers or storytellers vying for attention.

The riads, the stunning palaces of Marrakech, are also worth considering. Built by Si Moussa, chamberlain to Sultan Hassan 1 of Morocco in the 1860’s, the Bahia Palace justly deserves its title of Beautiful Palace. The soaring architecture with intricate lacey stonework, brilliantly decorated tiled columns and floors covered with brightly coloured geometric patterns are complemented by the quiet, fragrant garden squares complete with tiled, raised beds and constantly bubbling fountains. Covering over eight www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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hectares, this is a palace guaranteed to please the eye. Quite apart from its architectural beauty, it is filled with richly decorated marble, carvings, paintings, stucco work and most spectacularly the first stained glass windows of the Maghreb.

Not far away is the Dar Si Said Museum, containing historic and contemporary art works. Located in an old palace, it also houses antiques, armour, musical instruments and folk art from Marakesh and the nearby Berber villages.

A very different cultural influence can be explored in the modern Yves Saint Laurent museum. This doyen of Parisian haute couture has spent much of his life in Marrakech.

The museum now contains a collection of his work, with over 100 costumes on display, along with accessories such as jewellery, shoes, gloves and hats. There are collection boards reflecting every collection he ever made, as well as his notebooks and original sketches.

Next to the museum is one of the loveliest sights of Marrakech – the Yves Saint Laurent Major Elle Garden. Yves Saint Laurent owned the garden for over three decades until his death in 2008. Occupying two and half acres, it is an ideal spot in which to relax. There are pools filled with water lilies, shady paths, exotic plants filling the air with fragrance, and everywhere the sound of birds and bees. At the centre of the garden is the stunning art deco building painted in vibrant Majorelle Blue, which contains a fascinating Berber Museum filled with costumes, jewellery, art, weapons and ceremonial items spanning over 9,000 years.

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The pretty rose-pink adobe walls of the Medina contain one of the glories of Marrakech

Just outside Marrakech are the impressive Atlas Mountains, with steep slopes, perfect for winter skiing and snowboarding. Head over to the Toubkal National Park for the biggest ropes adventure in Africa complete with ziplines, ropes courses and aerial bridges. Equally as much fun, is to take an overnight guided tour into the desert; camping out under the starlit sky or riding camels to a distant oasis.

Anyone preferring some water sports should head out to Essaouira, where the blue and white architecture is almost Mediterranean in style. Enjoy an afternoon swimming, surfing or even kite surfing around the coast taking advantage of the Atlantic winds.

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Discover elegant silhouettes with the Autumn/Winter 2019-20 Collection by Modanisa. Delicate designs harmonized with vibrant details will light your way through the season in comfort and style.

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Pakistan Fashion Week Riwayat London Word’s Rabi’ah M

Renowned for organizing the Pakistan Fashion Week, the Riwayat founder and creative director Adnan Ansari launched the “Lifestyle London” fashion event in one of London’s prestigious event at the Institute of Director (Pall Mall).

One could describe it as a vibrant and multicultural event featuring a pool of top fashion designers fostering fashion without borders. Amongst the participating fashion designers were: Maheen Khan (The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore one of her designed outfits during her recent official tour of Pakistan), Adnan Libas, Ananya, Fatima Salamat, Amir House of Fashion, Komal Nasir, Naika of London, Naila, Purple Haze and others.

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TRAVEL

Visiting the Historic City of Girona Strategically located between Costa Brava and Barcelona. Words: Juber Ahmed

Visitors to the Catalonia region of Spain usually miss out on this splendid city. After a thirty-minute drive from the Costa Brava airport, visitors to this historic, yet modern, city will be thrilled by the splendour of the city visible through its magnificent walls, old buildings and great views of the River Onyar.

The city is a delight for explorers, adventurers and history buffs, as it is filled with historic buildings, museums and galleries. All accessible on foot, walking through cobbled, narrow streets, Girona offers diverse adventures aplenty.

With something incredible to see in every corner, the city is a never-ending delight to the eye. Although the city is perfect for exploring on foot, one of the best ways to explore is by bicycle. Make your way through the cobbled streets, which lead to many interesting sights, including the city’s cathedral.

A fascinating fact about this city is that it has one of the most well-preserved Jewish Quarters, not only in the entire Iberian Peninsula, but also possibly in the entire world. Jews lived in this once thriving place for a period of over 500 years and in that time contributed a great deal towards the success of the city. Today visitors can see sections of the original streets and buildings that remain from its Jewish history, making it a leading attraction in the city.

With great transport options to and from the city, plenty of options for food and with much to see, Girona should definitely be a part of your itinerary if you are going to the north of Spain. What’s more, as Girona stretches towards the coast, there is the option to visit some of the best beaches in the region. The big-city, Barcelona, – which is only 100km away – may set the brain buzzing, if you’re looking for a change of scenery. Wherever you choose to be in the region, you are never far from a memory in the making.

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TRAVEL

Six winter sun destinations

By Juber Ahmed

Dubai

With direct flights from major UK airports, going to Dubai has never been easier.

Whether you are looking for a quick weekend break or a week-long adventure, getting there is simple. With pleasant temperatures ranging between 28 – 32 celsius throughout the day, Dubai has been voted one of the best places for a winter break.

Due to its pleasant climate, there are a lot of outdoor activities that you can enjoy, which would otherwise be quite difficult in the heat of the summer months.

Zanzibar

East Africa’s archipelago promises winter sun along with adventure, striking scenery and mouth-watering food, all at an affordable price. Strategically located off the east coast of Africa, all 50 islands offer splendid views and beautiful beaches. Be sure to visit Stone Town. A UNESCO heritage site, this is the old town located in Unguja and is home to narrow lanes filled with shops, mosques, food and beaches.

Thailand If you are looking to visit Thailand between November and February, you couldn’t choose a better time, when there is a pleasant climate with little humidity: Thailand in the cool season is the perfect place to eat some handpulled noodles, whilst getting yourself the perfect tan. Take a wander across the Islands, stroll along the beautiful shoreline and prepare yourself for the country’s night markets. This is a land of thriving cities, tranquil moments, and friendly people, surrounded by undiscovered landscapes. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Marrakech

A city replete with never-ending charm, Marrakech is only a short hop away from the UK and Europe, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. If you are looking for a complete change of environment and year-round sunshine, Marrakech is the place to be. Steeped in ancient history, Marrakech does a perfect job in preserving some of the oldest surviving historical sites in the world. Winter’s pleasant weather makes it possible to walk around and visit these sites without breaking into a sweat.

Cape Town

With a pleasant Mediterranean climate throughout the winter, Cape Town allows you to get out and do more.

You’ll be able to see the lush greenery and awe-inspiring views of the Table Mountain without finding yourself at battle with the intolerable summer heat. Voted as number one Best City in the World in the Telegraph Travel Awards, South Africa’s Mother City becomes a lot more affordable for visitors in the winter. What’s more, the weather allows visitors to climb the Table Mountain and get a beautiful view overlooking the city.

Cairo

Organised chaos, beautiful mosques, striking pyramids, world class museums, dusty lanes and colourful souks. This is Cairo! One of the main concerns for travellers is when to go. If you want to avoid the dry, intense heat, look at visiting between November and February. With affordable accommodation and fewer crowds, visiting in the winter allows you to see more of the city in a pleasant climate.

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Recommended books to read If you’re struggling to recommend a good book for your next book club, here are 6 book’s we recommend which are exciting and original books to get the conversation started.

Behind the Mask My Autobiography £10 – Amazon

The Billion Dollar Secret by Rafael Badziag £13.99 – Amazon

Lessons from Surah Al-Kahf £9.99 – Kube publishing

The Night Tiger by Yangsza Choo £7.99 – Blackwell’s

When You Read This by Mary Adkins £17 - Amazon

Voices from Punjab by Anita Goyal £12,99 – Troubador

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REVIEW

Inspired by the East

Head over to the British Museum, London, to discover a stunning, innovative exhibition highlighting the impact that the Islamic world has had on western culture over the centuries. By Angela Youngman ‘Inspired by the East’ is totally mind blowing both in terms of the incredible beauty of the exhibits and the sheer scale of the Islamic artistic influence.

Curator Julia Tugwell says, “We hope that it will encourage discussion, particularly relating to the cultural impact across all aspects of life, encouraging people to engage with Muslim culture and the wider aspects of Islamic art.”

The exhibition is the result of a steadily developing link between the British Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia. In October 2018 the two organisations worked closely together on the creation of the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World at the British Museum. During this project, the two museums recognised the opportunity for a wider exhibition, looking at the impact of the Islamic world on western culture.

Lucien de Guise, Associate Curator of the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia, comments, “This is a truly 50/50 project, a real collaboration, as we are reaching out to people who want to understand the relationship between Islam and the West. The exhibition links the IAMM collection of paintings with the objects owned by the British Museum.

The IAMM has a great collection of Oriental paintings, and is committed to Islamic art. Many of these paintings have been in storage, and this will be the first time that many of these paintings have been displayed.”

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“Everyone will be amazed by the long term exchange of culture that has taken place between east and west over the past six hundred years, through diplomacy, warfare, trading and explorers,” Julia says.

The exhibition tracks the scale of the impact, from the early traders who came into contact with the Ottoman world, through the subsequent years of exploration and discovery which resulted in Islamic culture affecting all aspects of culture. Displays show how artists used to use studio props to create imaginative representations of Islamic culture, as well as the use of realistic images. There are sections looking at music, theatre, ceramics and life scenes, together with a section focusing on how the East looked at the West through photography and pictures.

On display are objects sourced from both the British Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum. The range of items is incredibly extensive, covering virtually every type of visual and decorative art that you could imagine, from metalwork to ceramics, from books to jewellery, as well as architecture.

It is a breathtaking spectacle of brilliant colours, intricate designs and eye catching yet thought provoking images.

There are rare costume books from Iran, which show westerners wearing stylized clothing.

As Julia points out, “It is a richer cultural impact than many would expect.”

Clear evidence of this impact can be seen in the beautiful vase created by French artist Philippe-Joseph Brocard and the work of Theodore Deck. A leading French ceramicist, Deck created a range of pieces directly inspired by Islamic originals. In the UK, William de Morgan created stunning tiles which were highly influenced by Middle Eastern artistic designs and colours.

Nor was it a one way traffic – ‘Inspired by the East’ also shows how western influences affected Islamic art.

“There is a common misconception that the Islamic world did not have any pictorial representation of people. This exhibition shows that this is not the case. Within the wider span of Muslim art, these images were created in such places as manuscripts. The Iranians, for example, used portraiture in a big way to reaffirm their rule. The Iranian Shah’s were influenced by the western interest in photography and we see examples of court members using photography and staging scenes,” says Julia.

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One of the key themes of the exhibition is the nineteenth century artistic style known as Orientalism, particularly the way in which North Africa and the Middle East were represented as lands of beauty and intrigue. Paintings showing imaginary harem scenes were especially popular.

Famous artists like Eugène Delacroix and Frederick Arthur Bridgeman are on display, as well as less familiar works such as Edmund Dulac’s illustrations for a 1907 edition of the Arabian Nights.

“Our paintings show western impressions of the Orient.

They look at people’s way of life. Views of the harem were only a tiny portion of what was created. We are trying to show a more realistic view of what the artists were doing.

Most of them were not seeking to exploit, but to record and admire what they saw. We are trying to show the www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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impact of Islam, how both cultures benefited. It was a huge interchange of ideas between two different parts of the world,” commented Lucien de Guise.

The story of that impact is brought right up to date in the final room where work by modern female artists highlights the changes in attitude that have taken place.

“All the twenty first century artists are female from different countries. Their work shows the influence of those nineteenth century harem scenes. Leila Essaydi has created scenes where the woman is completely covered against a bare background, yet is staring out and engaging the viewer. The woman now has agency, control over the picture. Another painting shows a woman covered in Arabic calligraphy – again they now have control, whereas in the typical nineteenth century Orientalist paintings by males, the women had a more passive appearance,” says Julia.

It is an exhibition which clearly creates much scope for thought and reflection, as well as being an opportunity to see some of the most spectacular and stunning artworks created by both cultures. As co-curator Olivia Thelkeld points out, “This is a rare opportunity in the UK to see important artworks from South East Asia’s largest museum dedicated to Islamic art, and to think about Orientalism’s impact on art history, and its legacy today.”

Inspired by the East is at the British Museum until 26 January, after which it is packed up and sent off to the Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia where it will be on display from 20 June to 22 October 2020.

Adults £14 U16’s free

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TRAVEL

Coasteering to surfing Jumping off a cliff into the ocean for the sheer fun of it, or surfing through some of the biggest waves you can imagine creates some really exhilarating and memorable sports experiences. By Angela Youngman Surprisingly, you do not have to travel far to do so. All you need to do is head for the coast – or certain inland destinations – to enjoy some of the best water sports activities to be found anywhere in the world.

For anyone wanting a challenge, to push themselves to the utmost and enjoy a water sports holiday, the UK is the perfect choice. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming and sailing have long been popular activities, but now an even wider range of activities, such as Coasteering and surfing, are becoming common.

Coasteering has to be one of the most exhilarating – and nerve wrecking – sports you can undertake. Basically you jump off a cliff into the sea, then navigate your way around the coastline swimming and clambering over rocks until you reach a beach. It is a sport which originated in the UK back in the 1990’s as part of team building adventure activities. Coasteering quickly proved popular and more and more centres started offering courses, from Cornwall all the way up to Scotland. Coasteering is mostly found on the west coast simply because that is where the cliffs and rocks are most suitable. Popular locations for Coasteering experiences include Abereiddy Bay, Pembrokeshire,Hoy Island in Anglesey, Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea, Greve De Lecq in Jersey, Horwick in Northumberland, Dancing ledges in Dorset, Mullion Cove, Cornwall and the Isle of Seil on the West Coast of Scotland It is best undertaken as a group activity. You can book on to sessions, or if you have a large group, you may be able

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to arrange a private guided coasteering journey. Having a professional guide is essential. Participants need to wear wetsuits, buoyancy aids and a helmet – all equipment that is provided by the various coasteering centres.

Over at Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Preseli Ventures is one of the leading coasteering operators.

“There are no seasonal constraints on coasteering. All specialist kit is provided, including winter wetsuits, wet-suit socks and even gloves in the chillier months so you are toasty warm. Coasteering takes place in a variety of locations on the Pembrokeshire coastline to take account of swell winds and tides throughout the year,” says Ruth Jenkins of Preseli Venture.

There can be little doubt that coasteering has to be one of the most dramatic watersports possible. It certainly takes you out of your comfort zone. Just jumping off a cliff into the sea below takes a lot of courage. Following the jump, you can find yourself exploring sea caves, clambering over rocks, climbing through natural rock arches, or swimming alongside passing Atlantic Grey seals. You might even find yourself passing through rocky areas where the waves constantly swirl upwards, creating an experience described as ‘almost like being in a washing machine!’ according to Celtic Quest Coasteering.

Surfing can be equally challenging, especially for the experienced surfer. Head for Newquay, Cornwall for some of the best surf spots in the country. Described as the capital of British Surfing, it has great surfing beaches – and lots of

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centres where you can take lessons to gain or improve skills.

You can often watch some of the best surfers in the world in action on beaches like Sennen Cove, Praa Sands, Porthleven, Fistral, St Agnes or Watergate Bay. There is no shortage of potential locations to try surfing, especially on coastlines facing towards the Atlantic or the North Sea. The Isles of Lewis and Harris enjoy some of the most consistent surfing waves throughout Northern Europe. It is also an area where the sea temperatures are reasonable, even in the autumn, due to the proximity of the Gulf Stream.

Over on the East Coast, Saltburn in Yorkshire is one of the favoured surfing locations. The area on either side of the town’s 600 foot Victorian Pier offers some of the most challenging reef breaks on the UK coastline, making it popular with experienced surfers.

Wales is another popular surfing location. Beaches such as Rhossili on the Gower Peninsula near Swansea, or Porthcawl Beach in South Wales offer surfing conditions suitable for all abilities. Experienced surfers often head over to North Wales to try out their skills against the waves crashing onto the shores of the shingle beaches on the Llyn Peninsula; such as Hell’s Mouth at Porth Neigwl.

Consistent surfing all year round can be enjoyed at Surf Snowdonia, an inland centre based at the Adventure Parc Snowdonia in Dolgarrog. This is where the world’s first

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inland surfing lake was created back in 2015. Depending on where you choose to surf across the lake, you can encounter varying wave heights. Some are suitable for total beginners, while others are much more extreme.

By far the most challenging of all surfing locations is on the Severn Bore. Surfing the Bore is something that is only recommended for highly skilled, experienced surfers as the waves can be enormous. The Severn Bore is a spectacular natural phenomenon, which periodically whizzes up the River Severn estuary. Some years there can be up to 60 bores on this stretch of the river. It is basically a huge tidal wave that surges up the river, an area which has the second highest tidal range in the world. Sometimes the Bore can reach heights of up to 50 feet, depending on tidal conditions. As the estuary narrows the wave is funneled into an increasingly narrow channel, which creates the Bore itself. At Avonmouth, the estuary measures 5 miles across, narrowing to just one mile and by the time it reaches Lydney & Sharpness. From Minsterworth to Gloucester, the river is just a hundred yards across.

As a result, surfing the Bore offers a very challenging experience. It has been known to move at a speed of up to 16, or more, miles per hour, with the most common heights being around 25 feet. Definitely not for the faint hearted!

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TRAVEL

Family Boating trips on the Oxford Canal The Union Canal Carriers is a family run hire boat company, celebrating 50 years in business. By Tahira Khan

The company has a range of 17 modern hire boats (all built in Braunston), providing accommodation for up to 12 people, and a very popular day boat ‘Ouzel II’. Over the last 50 years the company has introduced thousands of people to the delights of the waterways. Many come back year after year and; ‘We've watched their children grow up’.

We were told that the interiors have changed dramatically: “Over the years, there have also been many improvements to the standard of accommodation provided on board today’s holiday narrow boats, which are now equipped with all the essential mod cons - central heating, hot water, TV’s, fullyequipped kitchens, Mircowaves, Wifi, showers and flushing toilets. Owner Tim Hewitt adds: “It’s recognised that the role of the waterways in people’s lives has helped to improve the wellbeing of millions of people. The Canal and River Trust work relentlessly to ensure our canals and rivers will continue to be valued and used for the next 50 years.”

The Holiday boats

Each of the seventeen boats is uniquely different from the next. Braunston itself offers one of the biggest choices of routes for boating in the country. Should you wish for a leisurely holiday with a few locks or an energetic week, you will find the route from the base at Braunston. The Ouzel II, which was the boat we hired, is available for the day, accommodates up to 12 people and is very popular as an introduction to boating. After our tuition with Heather we cruised in a day boat down the Oxford Canal, departing from Braunston and then back through the lock, rolling through the Northamptonshire countryside Being a journey of five hours in total, there was enough time to have lunch and some tea. We had to pack our own food but we could make use of the facilities quite easily and even have a go at steering the boat whilst viewing the countryside and learning about the historical aspects of the conversion of old railway routes to canals, the Victorian bridges, and the routes themselves. For longer holidays there are different boats

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which are fitted with carpets, beds, and other necessities.

We all learnt so much about The Oxford Canal, it was a very interesting, fun but educational experience, and the kids enjoyed it too, playing with the ducks along the way. It got me thinking about buying a houseboat on the canal in the future for sure. I would recommend hiring the overnight boat for at least a couple of nights to get the full experience of living on water; it’s a complete contrast to being on land.

“It’s such a pleasure to see our customers returning all happy and relaxed after a holiday on one of our boats,” says owner Tim Hewitt.

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A woman of substance Princess Dania Al Saud Words: Rabi’ah. M “Dedicating herself to the welfare of the community, Saudi royal Princess Dania Al Saud believes people with disabilities deserve better opportunities. She talks about the influence of her mother; her strengths and maintaining a positive outlook.”

There is no doubt that Princess Dania Bint Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family is a woman of substance. She recently got an award for her outstanding achievement at the Arab Women of the Year awards in London. It was a prestigious event, which celebrated the concept of women’s empowerment.

She is the founder of Our Special Friends charity in Saudi Arabia: Despite being royalty, there is more to Princess Dania; it is her dedication to improve the image of people of determination. She is a wife, a mother of three daughters, has two masters’ degrees and is currently studying for a third in the field of psychology for people with disabilities.

Talking about her background, she says: “I was raised in a house where philanthropy was encouraged. Since childhood I saw my mother actively participating in the Al Nahda Women Charity Association. She was a member and we were involved with her in charitable events.” Describing her strengths, she points out: “I believe it’s about specialising in serving people with disabilities, which has helped me to understand their psychological and learning issues, and to search for ideal solutions to help them.” Considering

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her hectic schedule, dealing with stress is a challenge, she tells me of her coping mechanism: “I find solace in praying five times a day, followed by sports, and then there is my constant, positive outlook towards my goals.” When asked to comment on what makes a good leader, she explains: “A good leader is someone flexible yet firm, depending on the

“I believe it’s about specialising in serving people with disabilities...

situation, bearing in mind the general purpose and goals to be achieved. It is also important to be empathetic, modest and respectful of others.” The one piece of advice she would like to give women is to work hard in a profession that they love. It is pivotal to maintain a positive way of thinking and to exercise patience in your efforts, which will bear fruit with time, and employ the coordinated efforts of others.

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The Arab Women of the Year 2019 award -The Langham

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BEAUTY

“ A girl can do without everything, except for mascara and lip gloss!”

Bushra Shaikh

The businesswomen, producer, presenter and mother of three loves the power of lip liner and dislikes too much foundation on a day to day basis.

MAKE_UP Favourite make-up brand is Charlotte Tilbury, especially the lip liners and lip-sticks.

Fave colour by CT lip liner is Love trap.

Fave colour by CT lipstick is Pillow Talk, nude with a tint of coffee!

I don’t wear foundation day to day but for events or evenings out my go to range is Chanel. I use Aqua Vita lumiere, this is perfect for dry skin types like me! But one thing every girl should have is bronzer! I use bronzer very finely to brighten my face a little... we all need to shine! lol

Luscious lips are key for a finished look. I use vaseline rose first and exfoliate my lips using a gentle toothbrush. Only do this once a week, then I finish by applying Dior addict lip maximiser.

Bronzer by Rimmel London is the best!

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Best mascara of all time! Perversion by Urban Decay!

Lengthens and thickens lashes without damaging them!

My beauty hack... always use an eyelash curler ALWAYS... a cheats way of long lashes without having the need to wear falsies!

Rosy cheeks are a must, I use Bobby brown blush nectar.

I don’t like complicated skin regimes.

I use Simple no fragrance face wash and follow with Nivea lotion!

Every so often I may use Khiels avocado night eye cream, once a month.

ALWAYS PAT YOUR FACE DRY, NEVER RUB... LINES ARE CREATED BY HARSH DRYING. AND ALWAYS LEAVE A LITTLE WATER ON THE FACE BEFORE USING FACE CREAMS... THIS HELPS WITH HYDRATING THE SKIN. I exfoliate using Dove exfoliating body scrub. Crushed macadamia and rice milk, once a week only.

Deepen eyes using Rimmel London Dark brown kohl water line eyeliner.

SIGNATURE SCENT Chanel mademoiselle

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I finish using Nivea all body lotion and spray with The Body Shop Vanilla mist.

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ART

The craftsmen with magic fingers

Words by Huma Baig

The long bank of the Red River (Kızılırmak) has provided the town of Avanos with red clay from as far back as 2000 BC, to yield the iconic art of pottery. This town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey is home to several authentic family run pottery factories where the craft has been a tradition passed down for many generations.

Using a traditional foot driven spinning wheel, the moist lump of clay transforms into a perfectly curved pot in the steady, skilled fingers of a craftsman. After being dried in a high firing oven, an artist illustrates it with intricate contemporary, geometric or floral designs. These are painted using natural dyes in bright, and sometimes phosphorescent, colours. A clear melted glass glaze covers the product to finish it with a radiant gloss. From ashtrays to vases, each piece of earthenware produced here not only exudes perfection, but is both beautiful and functional. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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A Four- Season Honeymoon Experience Our Features Writer has your honeymoon woes covered all-year round, why not give these new experiences a try in the year ahead. By Tahira Khan

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especially with halal food stored in the fridge making life much easier to make breakfast or lunch. We made full use of the pantry with essential stocked items. With all these items,,we hardly went hungry. Halal food is also available upon request. The en-suite bathroom was stunning, along with an added rainforest shower. The natural and earthy feel of the bathroom was my favourite part, and the subtle touches of the little luxuries, from toiletries to the ornamental brass fittings, became one of my favourite features, especially the duck tap on the huge bath tub. There were subtle, unique and detailed touches everywhere. As the sun began to set I also set up the vinyl record player to play some soothing music, lit the fire in the garden, grabbed a glass of soda and eased into the outdoor hot-tub, and to make it even more private, there were privacy screens available too. There was plenty of modern technology to keep us entertained, with Netflix loaded TV’s. One of the best features that Bec had to offer was a flip-down cinema screen perfect to cuddle up to and enjoy a cosy evening. The retreats are adults only and are located by an extensive footpath and bridleway network so guests are able to explore the beautiful local villages, enjoy the nearby country restaurants and take in the spectacular countryside landscapes. There are also plenty of services that you can preorder with your room, including treatments and massages.

This is ideal if you want to relax and take it easy after a hectic wedding. Visit: www.bethnalandbec.com

Winter candlelight romancing in La Lupaia, Tuscany A cosy hideout in Autumn at The Bethnal & Bec, Hertfordshire This luxury, rural, cosy retreat is located in the village of Cottered in Hertfordshire. Being beautifully designed with a touch of vintage eco- chic, this is where style meets country and a great feature is that it is Halal conscious too.

The homely feel of the retreat and both of the rooms (one being Bethnal and the other Bec) have a private garden area boasting stunning countryside and English gardens views, which are tranquil and beautiful and ideal to immerse yourself in. If you are a wildlife fan you will love this place, as the collection of traditional english flowers attract the best of the bees, butterflies and birds.

We didn’t have to worry about food too much as we had use of the fully stocked kitchen, with food and drink, www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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La Lupaia, the quintessential Tuscan hideaway and country farmhouse immersed in stunning countryside had some of the best scenery that Italy has to offer. Citrus trees, olive groves and vineyards confirm that you have arrived in Tuscan heaven.

Eleven exclusive rooms are spread out across this traditional, stone-built property. There are two standard rooms, six deluxe and three suites; all furnished in classic Tuscan style, with the utmost comfort in mind. All rooms have private external areas. At the heart of the hotel are the kitchen and dining areas - breakfast, light lunches and dinners are served outdoors in the warmer months and inside in the wintertime. Many places claim to use fresh local produce but La -Lupaia takes this ethos to the centre of their menu, using the majority of ingredients from its own allotment.

The pool area faces the town of Montefollonico, and feels like it is in a private valley. Spacious lawns surround it and

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the pool bar means that a cooling drink is never far from hand. The location is rural and there is ample opportunity for keen walkers, and once at the end of the track some of the most sought-after towns and villages are accessible within a short drive. Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano sit in the most splendid rolling countryside, and further afield Siena, Arezzo and Florence make wonderful days out: Making it the perfect combination of location, superb service and top quality; all making this a truly special location for a mini-moon. Visit: www.essentialitaly.co.uk

& lounge. Here, you can relax or escape while watching the sunset or moonrise over the Pacific. With a 24-hour concierge service, lush courtyard with elevated pool and cabanas, Spa, first-class epicurean restaurant, ONYX – a 360-degree view rooftop bar and lounge, indulgent bath products by Gilchrist & Soames, and the plushest robes by Frette, everything is carefully integrated to provide a comfortable, exuberant, yet deeply inspiring and exhilarating getaway. Gaze out at the waves or watch the world drift by from your room. Many of the 70 rooms come with Pacific Ocean vistas and exclusive terraces. Visit: shangrila-hotel.com

A Summertime Helicopter Safari in the British Columbia This summer, the owners of the Siwash Lake Luxury Guesthouse will be introducing a new Rocky Mountain Helicopter Safari & Picnic. Located completely off-grid in British Columbia’s Cariboo Country, the boutique ecoretreat is part solar-powered and surrounded by 80,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Offering up an authentic glimpse into the old frontier West; historic stories of gold prospectors and cattle ranching abound here. The landscape is closely tied to the Secwepemc First Nation. You have the option to choose from a variety of immersive experiences on the new helicopter safari, including swimming in a glacier-fed lake; and what better way to savour the adventure than to land on Mount Robson (or a neighbouring peak) for a gourmet picnic?

Spring with glamour at The Shangri-La Hotel, Santa Monica If you love the idea of celebrity, then The Hotel ShangriLa is a luxurious Art Deco boutique hotel perched on top of the oceanfront bluff of Santa Monica, overlooking the Pacific, with a rich history: Being a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hotel Shangri-La has been the ultimate clandestine destination for celebrities, Presidents, Royalty and the fashion glitterati. In the 1940’s it attracted actors from the Golden Age of glamour, such as Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, and Jane Wyman, the then future wife of President Ronald Reagan. Offering privacy and discretion, alongside glamour and sophistication in a timeless retreat with a modern twist, it has continued its appeal throughout the decades entertaining A-listers such as Madonna, Tom Cruise, Diane Keaton, Randy Newman (who moved his piano in to shoot a video, ‘I Love L.A’. on the rooftop bar), to Bill Clinton, Bill Murray and the Dalai Lama.

Being a 1939 landmark, this streamlined white boutique hotel is beautifully preserved with period features and is an architectural gem; one of the most recognisable buildings on Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue. The rooms boast spectacular views of the Pacific, as well as the Santa Monica Beach and Pier; the hotel gives the impression of an opulent ocean liner, especially when on the ‘top deck’, ONYX open-air rooftop bar

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Ruth Daly, Marketing Director at Ranch Rider, comments, “Guests will be treated to some breath-taking scenery on the helicopter safari, the journey taking them over stunning glaciers: The Rocky Mountains are only an hour's flight east of the ranch. An incredibly personal experience, and for one night of the six-night stay, there is also the option to enjoy an ultra-private glamping experience at the Siwash Star Camp, where guests stay in a pioneer-style luxury tent. Located in the ranch's private dark sky reserve, this new adventure is also an astro-tourism experience with extraordinary stargazing. The perfect place for your next escape, in 2020, the ranch will launch a river rafting helicopter safari. Each adventure is tailor-made and there are plenty of spots en route to explore.”

Visit: www.ranchrider.com

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Bridging the past with the present Through inspirational art Words: Rabi’ah. M “At first sight you would find a concoction of Omani heritage beautifully sketched in a mystifying manner, which is thought provoking as there are multiple layers of stories in a single piece. In her solo art exhibition “The Ancestors Waited and Watched” British-Omani artist Latifah Al Said talks about her inspiration, connections and relevance.”

For Latifah Al Said, an emerging contemporary BritishOmani artist based in London; using an expressive medium such as art seems ideal, enabling her to narrate stories with an intriguing approach and a spiritual relevance. Her mixed heritage certainly has shaped her experiences in life, which is apparent in her work. Having been in the art scene for more than 10 years, Latifah likes to make the best of everything, and it is this resilience and passion for art which has taken her on different journeys. She is currently studying an MFA in Fine Art at the Slade School of Art. With a strong academic background in the arts, her recent solo art exhibition, “The Ancestors waited and watched” at

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the Brick Lane Gallery, is an ode to her roots. Working on the body of the work for the past 12 months, which reflects her life history, heritage and her life in Oman, she wanted to connect to her roots through materials. It took her quite some time to put the art exhibition together, as she explains: “My research took me to Zanzibar, examining the kanga and the 1001 Nights, where I wanted to use a new set of references and mix them with literature; considering how fantastic that Oman is.” There is one piece which features her late father, aged seven years sitting on a bicycle before he left Oman; she explains the relevance to herself: “I never knew my father as a child; what must he have felt when his mother died when he was a boy? I wanted to depict him as a child because I always knew him as a big, strong man; but he was once a little person. This piece is a tribute to him.” To me, Latifah’s work is very inspirational; especially when she displays such emphasis on her history, connecting with the present day.

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11/03/2020 08:44:34

Architectural Wonders Photographing Glasgow one of Britain’s most intriguing citys Words & photography by Marcus Macaulay

Arriving in Glasgow on a crisp morning in late November the sky was blue and the river Clyde was so still it perfectly mirrored the surrounding architecture (pictured above).

I’d travelled to Glasgow to photograph an event at the City Chambers and was staying just out of the city centre at Springfield Quay. I’d manged to get a couple nights in a budget ibis for £59 which suited me fine. Whenever I travel to a new city I always try to plan extra time to go explore and photograph the architecture. Glasgow was not disappointing, full of wonderful historic buildings with creative sculptures. Which I really enjoy looking at and photographing.

Making my way towards the city centre the first building I came across was the former Co-operative Wholesale Society headquarters on Morrison Street. This stunning 123-yearold building has a the statue of a woman called ‘Light and Light’ gilded in 23 carat gold leaf (pictured top right). This was sculpted by the artist Kenny McKay in 2016 to replace the original. I’ve read the original statue was concrete and had to be re-moved due to environmental damage making it unsafe. Could you imagine the destruction that would be caused if it had come tumbling down?

Moving on I crossed over the Clyde via the relatively new Tradeston Bridge passing by all the Riverside redevelopment work. I don’t do too much research before visiting a new city as I enjoy the element of surprise when viewing a building for the first time. So, discovering the Peel Ports building www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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on Robertson Street was indeed a surprise. This beaux art renaissance building built 1883 (added to in 1905) features fine sculpture by Albert Hodge (pictured above).

Compared to the first building I photographed the ccondition of this one didn’t look great. The building was also overshadowed by many modern buildings which didn’t help. It also made it very awkward to photograph the impressive architectural sculptures which is a shame though not uncommon.

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Walking through the city centre heading towards the City Chambers there’s lots of new developments going on.

Historic buildings are everywhere you look, too many too many to mention. Arriving at George square (which was originally laid out in 1781 but not built for another 20 years) home to the Cenotaph and statues of famous Scots. The centre statue on a column is that of Sir Walter Scott the Scottish novelist, poet, playwright and historian. Facing on to the square is my destination, the City Chambers.

Photographing the façade is tricky as there is a lot going on in front of it. Particularly the stunning granite cenotaph with its art deco lions. With this in mind I decided to use a long lens and shoot some close ups of the sculptural architecture (pictured above). As I was working inside the building I was able to get some photographs of the interior which is magnificent. The highlight is the Carrera marble staircase (pictured left) it’s breath-taking. It’s said there is more marble used here than in the Vatican in Rome.

To finish the day off I went to visit the Kelvingrove art gallery and museum which is pretty much a 2-mile straight road from George’s square. I’m always happy to walk these distances as along the way is the chance to discover more interesting buildings and again I wasn’t disappointed. There are some lovely buildings along this route. One that really

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stood out for me was 200 St Vincent Street, ‘the North British & Mercantile Building’ (now SVS Conference and events) built between 1926 and 1929 this modern classical building shows a trio of beautiful sculptures by Archibald Dawson. I was particularly struck by the sculpture of St Andrew. (pictured top right) Arriving at the Kelvingrove gallery in glorious sunshine I was met with another grand building (pictured middle right). Opened in 1901 this Spanish Baroque red sandstone building has some interesting sculptural architecture. There are two entrances to the Kelvingrove the smaller entrance to the rear of the building has an impressive bronze of St Mungo (pictured right) which could be easily missed if on foot using the main grand entrance.

As a side note inside the gallery is one of my favourite painting Christ of Saint John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí.

Although this article is not about the artworks in the gallery it is worth looking up the horrific story of how the painting was vandalised and restored. (www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/ history/story-vandals-kelvingrove-dali-15294542) I enjoyed visiting Glasgow, it has a really good feel to it.

People were friendly. I never felt threatened walking around the city taking photographs with expensive photography equipment, unlike other major city’s I’ve visited. www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Of course, there is much more to see in Glasgow including some of the famous attractions such as the mackintosh buildings. The purpose of this article is to share a small selection of my photography and to encourage you the reader to explore our extraordinary heritage by occasionally looking up.

If you’d like to read more and see more photographs about my trip to Glasgow and other places please visit. www.theartaroundus.co.uk Equipment used: Canon EOS R, Canon 24-70 f2.8, Canon 100 - 400 II f4.5. F5.6. Edited using Adobe Lightroom CC. All the photographs were taken hand held due to it been very bright, usually I would use a tripod.

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FOOD

THE BEST HALAL BURGER IN LONDON

By Natasha Syed

There are over 80 halal burger restaurants in London and everyone has their own taste. Some come with pickles, halal turkey bacon while others are grilled, fried and created with perfection.

Rules to find that perfect burger …

delicious, good for value and a burger joint you can rely on.

These beef burger’s pack a punch and are created with 2 smashed beef patties. At £7.50 around lunchtime - you cant go wrong.

Where am I going?

8-10 North Street, Barking, IG11 8AW

The burger must not exceed £10 Make sure its smell’s good Don’t eat that perfect burger once, try it twice!

BAND OF BURGERS – E17 £10 per burger

CRISTINA’S – Barking £7.50 per burger Cristina’s create an amazing ‘Double Smashed burger, ‘’ which is packed with flavour. It’s a great burger which taste’s

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The Big Cheese definitely grabbed our attention.

I actually prefer burgers that are not falling out of the bun and this was just that!

The Angus beef in these burgers are aged for 35 days and cooked on flat grills to

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There are over 80 halal burger restaurants in London and everyone has their own taste.

EDITORS CHOICE TWO BUNS – EALING Under £10 The double smashed patty burger was topped with American cheese between each layer and sandwiched in a premium bun. The burgers were served hot! A soft bun perfectly seasoned and super tasty. All the meat for the burger is grounded in store, so these fantastic burgers are fresh and highly recommended. The staff is really friendly and they go the extra mile to make you feel at home. We are BIG fans of the chilli cheese fries too. Love this place! perfection. The burger was juicy, fatter and the sweet bun added to the flavour.

Where am I going?

154 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London E17 4QH

Burgeri – Central £6 per burger A soft potato bun with a black Angus patty topped with American cheese melted on top. This burger comes with pickles, salad, and Burgeri sauce. Made using the chuck cut of the cow, the flavour was delicious with a nice char.

The pickles added some sharpness to help with the richness of the meat, whilst the crispy salad was a great topping.

Overall, this was a tasty, simple, no-frill burger.

Where am I going?

22 Great Marlborough St, Soho, London W1F 7HU

Baba G’s Bhangra Burger – Camden Yes you read that correct and yes the flavours really do dance in your mouth.

This lamb burger looks the part with its double patty, Indian spices and colourful look. They also offer ‘Pachos’ an Indian take on nachos.

Where am I going?

Camden Lock Market, Wesy Yard, Unit 215 - 216 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8AF www.britishmuslim-magazine.com

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Revamping fashion for special needs “One could define Asiya Rafiq, an eminent modest fashion designer based in Abu Dhabi, as dynamic due to her inventive designs and new addition for specialising in designing outfits for those with special needs and patients” When you sit down and talk to Asiya Rafiq - an Abu Dhabi based modest fashion designer - at the Taj Hotel St James Court, London; you are bewildered by her love for fashion and yet she maintains modesty as a central theme. Known for her modest designs, Asiya recently started designing outfits for her special clientele, people of determination. Using the influences from her Kashmiri heritage and her marketing and advertising background in her fashion work; she is elated to take fashion to the next stage by catering for people with disabilities and illnesses.

She has actively participated and volunteered at the Special Olympics, which took place earlier this year in Abu Dhabi.

There her experience was enriched, and this motivated her to design something special for this section of society. Fully sympathetic of their struggles, Asiya believes it is necessary to provide them with practical, yet stylish and fashionable clothes, which serve the purpose of ease whilst incorporating the latest look.

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For example: patients with Parkinson’s disease or shaky hands can make use of her magnetic buttoned tops which are convenient to wear. She explains: “I designed a top which has Velcro, easily opening the sleeves and avoiding stress, so if their attendant is with the customer, it’s easier for them to use without assistance.” She even designed chemo caps for cancer patients, as she describes their use: “I didn’t want them to feel that just because they had lost their hair, they couldn’t feel or look good if they were attending an occasion or going out, which is why I designed these attractive chemo caps.” She shows me a pair of shimmery trousers which are zipped from top to bottom making them easy for the person to use: Bearing in mind the sensitivity one may have; she ensures that the material is anti-bacterial and does not cause any itching or discomfort.

The response from the community has been positive; many customers have thanked her for the amazing work she is doing, which has created an opportunity for them when it comes to purchasing clothes which fulfil their requirements.

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T H E E XC L U S I V E T U R B A N

Autumn - Winter 19/20

A N D S H AW L C O L L E C T I O N

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