A “unique” Islamic art gallery in a Bradford mill is believed to be the first experience of its kind in the UK and Europe.
Artz-i Islamic Art & Gift Gallery has transformed part of an old mill on Longside Lane into a space for Iranian, Spanish, Turkish, Egyptian and Baghdadi art.
Founder Mohammed Rasul has moved the previous Artz-i shop from the city centre to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
It is attracting clients from across the continent in America and the UK.
Mohammed, who has travelled across the world and worked for many iconic fashion brands in New York, said: “We do a lot of research just to find our competitors, but there really isn’t anybody doing what we’re doing.
“It’s amazing when people walk into the gallery or when we have exhibitions and they just say, ‘Wow’.
“You can freely come in to enjoy something very different that you’ve probably never experienced before. It’s so good for kids to see and be inspired.
“We always encourage people to just come and have a walk around.”
He added: “I have a lot of artists from Baghdad. Having been destroyed by the war, it’s really cool I can stay working with them and they get a source of income.
“There’s nothing like an old mill, the old trusses in the ceiling. It creates a trendy feel. It gives that artistic feel.
“This mill has a lot of history.
“Most of my sales are online – 80 per cent is online. From that 80 per cent I would say 40 per cent is international. From that majority is America. America just loves this stuff. London’s a big one for us.”
The walls are full of exclusive bespoke-made and faith-led artworks – from 99 stones featuring the names of Allah and depictions of camels in the desert, to scannable QR codes for Qur’an readings.
There are thousands of traditional and modern Islamic-inspired artworks to view - making it one of the biggest Islamic art galleries.
Artz-i currently employs seven people, including part time roles, who also create artworks in the on-site studio.
Whilst you wander, the café is open for refreshments.
Mohammed, who grew up in Manchester, said: “In December 2014, we opened. Covid happened so we moved out from there. It was sad to leave the space.
“I had the option of leaving Bradford.
“There’s something in Bradford that not many cities have. There’s a chemistry no other city can provide. From retailing in Bradford, it was amazing how non-Muslims were looking at the art. They were like, is this part of Islam? That was beautiful for me. I thought, I don’t want to leave this in a way. This dynamic kept me in Bradford.
“It’s the people that make a place. That’s what I sensed in Bradford, this beautiful fluidity.”
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