New Delhi, November 14, 2025: The 7th International Conference on Islamic Arts & Architecture (ICIAA 2025), organized by the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics at Jamia Millia Islamia, commenced on November 11, aligning with National Education Day. The event brought together scholars, practitioners, academics, and students to explore the evolution, symbolism, and relevance of Islamic art and design traditions. Featuring lectures, panel discussions, and a remarkable exhibition, the conference aims to highlight the cultural richness and global impact of Islamic arts and architecture.
Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, along with chief guest Dr. Fariduddin Farid Asr, Cultural Counsellor at the Iran Cultural House, New Delhi, inaugurated “The Kaleidoscope”—a photography and art exhibition—at the M. F. Husain Art Gallery on November 11.
Prof. Qamar Irshad, Dean of Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Prof. Taiyaba Munawer, Head of Department and conference convenor, faculty members, delegates, and students of the Department of Architecture were actively present at the session.
Curated by Dr. Mohd. Arshad Ameen, with co-curator Ar. Mohd. Rahil from the Department of Architecture, the exhibition offered a nuanced display. The entry foyer featured photographs presented by the Iranian Embassy, alongside miniature models, books, and travel guides showcasing Iran’s rich cultural heritage and architectural legacy. The displays emphasized the conference’s theme through vibrant architectural features, motifs, renders, and paintings.
The façade was decorated with Islamic jaali patterns painted by students. Inside the gallery, watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media paintings created by students adorned the walls, while a striking mosaic mural of glass paintings—crafted on October 31 during the “Stained Palette” workshop marking the university’s 105th Foundation Day under Dr. Ameen’s guidance—welcomed visitors with vivid colors and intricate detail. The exhibition also included compelling photographs by faculty and students, capturing the interplay of light, shadow, and geometry in Islamic architecture worldwide, complemented by impressive calligraphy on large canvases and harmoniously integrated among the artworks.
During his inaugural address, Dr. Fariduddin Farid Asr praised the students’ creativity, underscoring the importance of art and aesthetics in architecture, and the need to preserve the legacy of Islamic architecture for future generations. Prof. Rizvi, in his remarks, congratulated the organizers on the exhibition’s success and its strong alignment with the conference’s theme.
As the inaugural day concluded, Prof. Taiyaba Munawer invited the curator to deliver a vote of thanks. Students, led by Dr. Mohd. Arshad Ameen, worked diligently for a month on the exhibition. Dr. Ameen concluded the evening with an eloquent speech in Urdu, recalling the collective efforts behind the event. The day ended with guests receiving saplings as mementos and the official unveiling of the exhibition brochure, designed by Ar. Mohd. Rahil.
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