In this 5-part course series, we will explore the development of Islamic architecture across the globe between the 11th and 18th centuries.
Date and time
Saturday, November 1 · 12 – 1:30pm GMT
Location
MIAH Gallery (at Moseley Community Hub),
496 Moseley Road,
Balsall Heath,
Birmingham
B12 9AH,
UK
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- In person
About this event
Community • Heritage
We are excited here at MIAH to announce the release of a new course on Islamic architecture! This five-part series will track the development of Islamic architecture in the 11th to 18th centuries, putting key dynasties in historical context, exploring stylistic similarities and differences across regions and widening our perspectives on what constitutes ‘Islamic’ architecture.
Course Structure:
Week 1 – Foundations: Tracking the historical and structural development of architecture in Iran from the Seljuk to Timurid period, setting up for later imperial Muslim dynasties.
Week 2 – Variations: Regional expression and ornamentation in the western Islamic world, highlighting the stylistic differences between Maghrebi architecture in al-Andalus/Morocco, and Mamluk architecture in Cairo.
Weeks 3-4 – Majesty: Analysing the architecture of the Ottoman, Mughal and Safavid empires, exploring how different cultural contexts shaped these sophisticated imperial dynasties.
Week 5 – Horizons: Expanding our conception of what constitutes Islamic art through Indonesian and Sub-Saharan architecture, showing how local materials, climates and traditions produce diverse but equally authentic artistic expressions.
These sessions will be run weekly across November 2025, with the first session taking place on November 1 and the last on November 29. Each session will last 1.5h, from 12:00pm – 1:30pm, and will consist of an interactive lecture followed by a Q&A session.
Tickets:
Early Bird Ticket: £60 (until 30/09/2025), + Eventbrite fees.
General Admission Ticket: £75, + Eventbrite fees.
Each ticket will entitle you admission to all 5 lectures, including any supplementary materials created.
Suitable for ages 16+; no prior knowledge is necessary.
Refunds and Cancellation:
Any cancellations made 14 days prior to the start of the course will be afforded a full refund. Cancellations made between 7-14 days will receive a 50% refund, and those made in the last 7 days will not receive a refund, as we cannot resell the ticket in such short notice.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking available?
There is plenty of street parking available nearby – the Edward Road opposite tends to be best.
How does the ticketing work?
Eventbrite is a little finicky for a course structure – don’t worry though, by purchasing either an Early Bird or General Admission Ticket, you are entitled admission to all 5 lectures, including any supplementary materials produced.
I don’t know much about Islamic art. Will the course be too difficult for me?
Absolutely not! The course is researched, written and delivered to be informative and detailed, but highly accessible and engaging. It is designed to be delivered to those with both a background in art AND those with little artistic knowledge.