Art Exhibit Challenges Perceptions of Muslim Identity in Europe

In a striking fusion of history and contemporary issues, an art exhibit titled "I Was Born Here" is currently on display in east London, showcasing the complex relationship between Muslim communities and Europe's Islamic past. Created by artist Shahed Saleem, the exhibit features three large tapestries that reflect themes of migration, belonging, and the ongoing challenges faced by Muslims in the UK.

Set against the backdrop of a remarkable 536-year-old Spanish ceiling, the tapestries draw connections between historical events and modern realities. One piece, named "Home Office," incorporates alarming phrases from the British government's 2013 "Hostile Environment" policy, which encouraged undocumented immigrants to self-deport. Saleem’s work is not only a visual feast but a commentary on the evolving xenophobia in Europe, especially in light of recent political shifts and racial tensions.

Art as a Reflection of History

The tapestries serve as a powerful reminder of the rich yet often overlooked history of Muslims in Europe. Saleem, who is also an architect and academic, emphasized that the works reflect an ongoing narrative of belonging amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments. He pointed out that while creating the exhibit, he witnessed the alarming rise of racial politics, particularly with the election of anti-immigrant parties like Reform UK and instances of racially motivated violence.

Historian Tharik Hussain, who contributed to the exhibit's context, explained that the Spanish Inquisition marked the beginning of a violent campaign against Jewish and Muslim communities in Spain. He noted that while Europe has celebrated Islamic achievements, it has often marginalized and persecuted these communities.

A Personal Connection

Visitors to the exhibit, including 26-year-old Hana, found resonance in the artwork's themes, noting the irony of the beautiful ceiling contrasting with the harsh narratives depicted in the tapestries. Saleem’s work encapsulates the ongoing struggles faced by many immigrants and people of color in Britain today.

Imran Haque, a 25-year-old visitor, expressed how the exhibit echoed his own family's experiences as British Muslims. He stated, "I Was Born Here manifests the very real, tangible and honest truth that I, and thousands more British Muslims, were, in fact, born here." This sentiment underscores the exhibit's aim to counter ethnonationalist narratives that frame Muslims as outsiders in a land where they have long roots.

As the exhibit unfolds within the walls of the V&A East Storehouse, it stands as a critical reminder that the histories of Muslims in Europe are not just stories of the past but integral to the present and future of the continent.

Source: www.aljazeera.com