Islamic Art & Architecture Walk

THURSDAY JUNE 26TH 2025

09:00 AM – Sayeda Khadija Centre – Calligraphy Tour w/ Omar Uddin

10:30 AM – Persian Rugs Canada – Antique Rug Storytelling

11:45 AM – Great Library Law Society – Islamic Architectural Motifs

12:30 PM – Lunch at Naan Kabob

01:45 PM – Royal Ontario Museum Picnics & Passtimes Exhibit

02:30 PM – Q&A w/ Fahmida Suleman (Senior Curator)

03:15 PM – Biomorphic Art Workshop w/ Nora Alkeyat

05:00 PM – Muslims in Canada Archives with a spotlight on earliest art movers and shakers hosted by Mitra Fakhrashrafi at the University of Toronto

About the Artists

Pakistani-born Canadian artist Omar Uddin is a renowned Arabic calligraphy expert who began studying the classical art form as a young child. Over the years, what started as a personal journey of learning has transformed into a global mission to make the beauty of Arabic calligraphy accessible to people from all walks of life. His personal portfolio features structural calligraphic installations for landmark mosques across North America, where his designs fuse tradition with contemporary elegance. He will be hosting a talk about his calligraphy work at the Sayeda Khadija Centre!

Nora Al Keyat is an artist & trained interior designer with a studio practice in illustration. Her work explores biomorphic geometries in nature & Islamic heritage. Immerse yourself in the intricate nature of Islamic arts, learning to illustrate biomorphic motifs and paint with gouache. Drawing inspiration from traditional Islamic tezhip illumination specifically the Iznik Ottoman style, in her workshop we will explore the composition and harmony of Islamic patterns!