Two Muslim women from Bradley Stoke feature in a innovative photographic exhibition that opens today (Monday 15th) at Bristol Central Library.
The Building the Bridge project, which aims to to build understanding between the city’s Muslims and the wider community, celebrates ordinary Muslims living in Bristol. Each of the twelve subjects is photographed beside a city landmark or in a place that holds a special resonance for them.
Lara Almasri (pictured above, left), a Civil Engineer, is shown in her Bradley Stoke home, while student Majida Islam Khan (right) is seen inside the Council House in Bristol.
A strong theme running through the exhibition is a conviction that Islam is a religion of peace and that the actions of terrorists are abhorrent. Organisers say they aim to counter media stereotypes and provide the wider community with a greater understanding of their Muslim neighbours.
Zaheer Shabir, Chair of the Building the Bridge Programme Board, said:
“The individuals featured have been selected as a typical cross section of the Muslim community, which has deep roots in Bristol.”
“I hope that this exhibition gives you an insight into the aspirations and hopes of the Muslim community. I believe that through their words these individuals reflect Islam’s core teachings of peace, love and tolerance.”
The Building the Bridge exhibition will be at the Bristol Central Library for two weeks. It will then move to Easton Community Centre, where it will remain for a further two weeks.
A book featuring the photographs from the exhibition will be distributed to community and youth groups, mosques and other community venues to ensure that the project can be enjoyed by and is accessible to as many people as possible.
Full interviews with Lara and Majida can be found on the Building the Bridge page in our Faith and Religion section.
