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Amsterdam - A very family adventure!

If someone had told me years ago that visiting Amsterdam could make a great family holiday I wouldn’t have believed them. My perception of Amsterdam was a sleazy city with little to offer families. After becoming a mother some years ago the last place I’ve ever wanted to visit was Amsterdam. However a recent visit proved me wrong. It is for this reason that I felt compelled to share my take on on how friendly Amsterdam can be for parents with young children.

Here are just a few of the things you could do when visiting with your family:

Visit to Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a place of immense beauty, home to a gorgeous canal and numerous pathways leading to a number of quaint cafes. Vondelpark is sure to delight anyone yearning a spot of  countryside in the urban space. There are two main children’s cafes, The KinderKookeKafe, where children can have a go at cooking their own snacks, and the Vondeltuin, a cafe with a large play area and where you can hire some skates - although it is only open during the summer months, so be sure to check before you go.

Discover Miffy

Miffy (Nijntje) is an iconic little dutch character which many of you may have heard of before. Created by author Dick Bruna in 1955, Miffy is an inquisitive little bunny rabbit who has a lot of creativity and adventure. You can learn all about Miffy, read books, and try out (and buy!) lots of Miffy memorabilia at the official Miffy Store in Amstel. It makes a great afternoon out, especially since there is a lovely children's cafe just opposite.

Take a ride on a bike

Cycling around is the thing to do in Amsterdam. Most of the tourist places such as museums, parks and restaurants are fairly close to one another and tram lines are dotted all over the city, but if you fancy something a little more carefree, then renting a bike is the thing for you. You can get all sorts for hire, from adult bikes to children-carrying bikes (called a cargo bike), most of which are in the Dutch-style: comfortable upright riding position, sloping handlebars and a nicely-cushioned seat. It’s a safe and speedy way to get about with bike lanes on virtually every street and definitely a lot of fun.

Go on a canal ride with the family

This is a fantastic way to see the city quickly, and without getting too tired on your feet, especially if you have young children. It's probably better to go on a canal ride when it's not raining, and you will be guaranteed a relaxed and peaceful sight-seeing experience.

Visit the Museums of Amsterdam

There are a number of well-known museums in Amsterdam, but the two I found to be the most interesting for children are the Rijksmuseum and The Tropenmuseum.

Housing an extensive collection of paintings and Dutch artefacts, the Rijksmuseum is not to be missed. It includes paintings from famous artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Jan Steen. There is ample space for younger children to have a run around and for older ones to have a little quiet time to learn, reflect and sketch. A terrace cafe inside the museum makes life a little easier, and everything is accessible via lifts - all completely buggy friendly.

The Tropenmuseum is one of the oldest museums in the country. It was first used to showcase the lands and possessions taken by the Dutch overseas, and was very much used as a ‘colonial display’ for residents living in these countries. It later came under ethnologists who widened the scope of the museum to appreciate the culture and diversity of colonised States and includes the history of the Dutch. The museum is unique in that it has a dedicated ‘Tropenjunior’ section which is currently exhibiting ‘MixMax Brasilica’ which we were lucky enough to take our kids to. The exhibition is an enchanting South America town brought to life in Amsterdam through the use of Brazilian artists’ work, from a mangrove forest made from old t-shirts, to a room made entirely out of disused plastic bottles, it aims to demonstrate the infinite number of possibilities of recycling. Children can also have a go at creating their own ‘earth-friendly’ bracelet or keepsake box, and for boys, there is always wood-work to be done. This is another highly accessible museum, complete with lifts, ramps, and levelled flooring for families with buggies - and baby changing facilities are on site by the cloakrooms, where you can stash away all those can’t-live-without childrens’ belongings in multi-coloured lockers.

Discovering Cafes

Amsterdam is full of delightful cafes. But there is a catch, many family-run cafes have cats. If you’re allergic, you’ll run a mile, but for most children this can be a pleasant little surprise. Cats used to be commonplace in restaurants in Amsterdam due to a high population of rats caused by the close vicinity to canals. However, cats in restaurants are supposed to have been banned - but you can still find a cat or two sitting gracefully in some of the smaller cafes and restaurant windows.

One cafe which my family and I loved is called @Seven. This place is a breath of fresh air for any parent. Located on Scheldestraat in Amstel, opposite the Miffy Shop, @Seven serves some of the most delicious breakfast, lunch and tea options, but that's not the only thing - they also have an indoor and outdoor play area for children as well as a kids snack area just by the till. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

There are also a few lovely places to eat with the kids, one particular family-friendly one is called Cafe De Jaren, located near the University of Amsterdam on Nieuwe Doelenstraat, the restaurant works as both a cafe and a place for fine dining. It is incredibly accommodating to children and also has baby-changing facilities.

For those seeking a natural, organic alternative I would thoroughly recommend a vegan raw food cafe called The Alchemist Garden on Overtoom, 409. This is worth mentioning for families with dietary restrictions, such as dairy or wheat intolerances. The cafe is open pretty much all day and serves the most delicious hand-made wholesome food. The earthy decor and ambient music reflect the values of the cafe. The people who run it have backgrounds in sciences and love to experiment with food and this creativity flows into the types of dishes they serve. They also hold regular lectures on spirituality, consciousness and sustainability.

If you’re looking for a something a little more upmarket then dining doesn’t come finer than the Bridges Restaurant in the Sofitel Legend Hotel. This is the grand daddy of family-friendly fine dining in Amsterdam. The service was quick and considerate. As soon as we arrived we asked the waiter for a glass of warm milk for our crying baby which was served almost immediately. They then asked us whether our toddler needed anything, and repeatedly checked on us, making us feel completely comfortable and looked after. The food was of course amazing, but what was more interesting was that a restaurant of such exquisite dining credentials would at the same time be so respectful and accommodating to a family with young children.

Amsterdam Schipol

It may sound strange but the airport in Amsterdam is one to see. For children it is probably the most well-thought-out airport that could ever exist. Perhaps it is the meeting of international minds in one small city that has conjured such imagination and consideration for small children, but it truly is unique in it's design and ambition.

Once you have gone passed passport control, the children's play are, The Kids Forest is located between Piers E and F, a metallic and wooden indoor structure, The Forest is a free play area for excited little feet, allowing children to let off steam before getting onto a long flight. Next to The Forest is a Baby Care Lounge, between Lounges 2 and 3, which includes a baby changing and bathing area, microwaves, baby sleeping cots, and comfortable sofas for parents, within confined and curtained pods. But most of all it is a serene environment which gives babies and their parents time to think and recuperate.

Amsterdam is a wonderfully interesting place. It has everything you could imagine from an international hub of minds and cultures, it is a pit stop for fun and creativity, of new experiences and impending adventures.

Worth a visit, at least once as a family!

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Amsterdam - very family adventure

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This morning at the end of our road - disaster! Powerful thing, the wind!! #ukstorm2013

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In the early hours of this morning I was contacted by Radio 4's Woman's Hour to take part in a discussion about the economics of childcare and my experience of how I juggle work with childcare arrangements. The word complicated seems to be an understatement when trying to describe exactly what I do and how I manage. My children are patient, their grandmother (my mother), even more so. I am one of the few lucky ones. But I know that it won't last forever and I will have to think of an alternative sooner or later.

This is a question millions of parents ask themselves every day. What shall we do with the children? If you're lucky enough to work for yourself you can devise a system where you can be flexible. But if you work for the 'man' as many of us do, what do you do? Do you rely on after school clubs? Full time day care settings? Extended families members? Or friends? It is a dilemma that we all face at some point or another. Follow the debate on Woman's Hour this week, part of a series on 'The Economics of Childcare'.

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Finding a natural alternative to traditional medicine: Homeopathy - An Interview with Kiran Grover

As mothers we are always concerned about our children’s health, constantly on the look out for the best treatment for our little ones. Traditional medicine can have their benefits but for some this may be a tried and tested route, with little or no success. Natural alternatives have existed for years in many cultures and societies around the world, and we are now seeing all kinds of therapies available on our local high street as a healthy substitutes. One such alternative is homeopathic medicine

As someone who has been a staunch believer in homeopathy for many years I decided to take this route with both my children, from teething to night-waking, behavioural problems to allergies. Homeopathy seemed to be the one thing that has always worked for my family and me. It is for this reason that I decided to interview Kiran Grover from Healthy Homeopathy, a North West London based homeopath, and Director of the Society of Homeopaths.  In her interview Kiran tells us about her experience of working as a homeopath and how it could be a worthwhile alternative for all of us.

Hi Kiran, tell us a bit about yourself, your background?

I am born and brought up just outside of London and I worked in Whitehall for several years as a policy adviser. I have two young children and as well as running a busy clinic in north west London, I am a Director for the Society of Homeopaths, a Trustee of Foresight and the Chairman of a School PTA!

Was homeopathy your first line of study?

Far from it! I first studied History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, London University, as I have a great love of Indian art. I then went on to work as a civil servant for a few years and then decided to study homeopathy.

Who or what inspired you to take up homeopathy?

Many years ago my grandfather was diagnosed with appendicitis, so as a practicing homeopath he treated it successfully himself. He practiced in New Delhi philanthropically, helping the sick and poor for free. My grandfather was recognised for his good work and received an OBI (Order of British India). After that my great uncle and mother followed in his footsteps, and so when I was born homeopathy was second nature to me.

There are many myths that surround homeopathy, how would you dispel any concern parents have?

Homeopathy has been around for over two hundred years and is a complete form of medicine, it is safe, natural and free from side effects. It can be used alongside anything prescribed by the GP - in fact I often treat patients who have been referred to me by their GP with conditions they are unable to treat. Homeopathy can be simple and it is a great way for people to be in control of their own health.  There are remedies that you can buy at most chemists for common complaints like coughs, colds and tummy aches. BuT for more chronic issues, like hay fever, skin complaints, stress etc then it is important to contact a registered and qualified Homeopath.

What makes homeopathy different to other alternatives out there such as Bach flower remedies?

Bach flower remedies are an off shoot of Homeopathy and things like Rescue Remedy can complement Homeopathic treatment well.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about homeopathic medicine?

The best thing about Homeopathy is that it addresses the underlying causes of the patient’s symptoms and moves them towards better health and vitality. Homeopathy has long been used in countries such as France and Switzerland and can be safely used alongside traditional medicine making it an attractive option for those seeking a natural alternative.

Homeopathy doesn’t come cheap. How can homeopathic treatment be more accessible to all types of families, especially in the current economic climate?

At my clinic as well as having child and adult consultations we have family consultations too, which help saves money and we also have a low cost clinic which my students run under my supervision.  In some cases homeopathy can also be available on the NHS by referral through your GP, although there may be a long waiting list. 

It was lovely to talk to you Kiran, thank you for taking part in this interview.

If you’d like more information about homeopathy you can contact Kiran Grover at: www.healthyhomeopathy.co.uk

Or to find your nearest homeopath visit: www.homeopathy-soh.org

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Money, money, money - It's an informed kids' world!

Last week I was listening to a programme on the radio about teaching school children the importance of money. The debate came after the Government's announcement earlier this year to include personal finance into the national curriculum for secondary school children. The panel on last week's programme discussed the pros and cons of teaching the value of money in primary schools. I listened carefully to their debate and it made me wonder whether or not I'd want to teach my child the importance of material things at such an early age. The truth of the fact is that no matter how much we try to shy away from the rather crude reality of money and it's importance, money is a big player in our lives, and learning about it at such a young age might not be such a bad thing. What I wanted to know is how can a young childs' buying behaviour at primary school age determine what they'll eventually become as adults.  I for one want my daughter to know the worth of how hard her parents work to put food on her plate, and be able to appreciate the finer things in life without, as so many children do, taking it for granted.

So, to test out whether children ought to be taught the monetary value of things I decided to take my three year old daughter and my nephews (four, seven, and nine years old) on a little 'shopping trip' this weekend.

Our first stop was a rather high end children's boutique, where naturally the children's eyes lit up, they ran from one end of the shop to the other, happily choosing their favourite item to purchase. My three-year old daughter came running up to me with a magic wand and requested I buy it for her. My four year old nephew had bigger plans, "well, I don't have a bike, maybe we can get this one?" he said, puppy dog eyes looking at me pleadingly (by the way, he has about three bikes at home, in various colours and sizes.) For my nine year old nephew, a rather sophisticated novel was on the horizon. As for the seven year old, he just kept wandering around, looking at things, putting them back down again, playing a little, and then starting the whole process over again - this guy wanted to be more cautious in his approach. The price tags on all these 'little' items were rather dear to say the least, so I smiled at them all and gave them a firm "no." Obviously, the whinging and crying started, and it took all sorts of convincing arguments to finally get them out of the shop.

Our next stop was a seemingly more affordable setting. A well-known children's toy shop. I reached out into my bag and explained to them the process of what was about to happen, they would be given one pound an they would have to spend it wisely. Now the two little ones, the three and four year old went about looking at all the numbers on each of the toys trying to figure out where the "£1" sign was. Although no matter how many times I showed them they still couldn't really grasp the concept. Once again my four year old nephew chose a bike, then a guitar, and then a ball pit. He didn't really seem to know what "£1" meant. My daughter on the other hand chanced it at every opportunity "if you give me two more pounds, then I can get this!" she squealed excitedly holding a £3 baby's milk bottle in her hand. My two older nephews on the other hand wandered around the shop, playing with all the toys, whilst moaning miserably about the lack of spending money they had. We slowly realised that our one pounds would not get us very far in this shop. Once again, we got our things and made a swift exit.

Convincing the children to leave the shop was not hard, especially since a more humble toy shop was ready to welcome us just next door. This shop had it all. Large £1 signs, bargain offers, pretty banners everywhere, and discounts galore. I knew they would all find something in this shop. Now this is where it got interesting. As soon as we entered, my three year old and her nine year old cousin ran up to the bargain basement and chose the first thing they saw for a pound. A bubble wand for the three year old, and a pack of water balloons for my nephew. They didn't even look around further. They were so tired of looking around for something that cost a pound and realised that it wouldn't take them very far that they chose the first thing they set their eyes on. They were just glad to have  found something. Grateful, they queued up to pay for their goods.

My opportunist little four year old nephew searched around again, unaware of the one pound sign, trying to convince me to buy him something a little more 'worth' the money in his pocket. I refuse and explain the concept to him again. Finally we came across the 'children's pocket money treat' zone. This is where his eyes lit up and he happily picked up two kinder eggs for the price of one. This kid couldn't believe his luck. Not only did he wait it out, but in the end he got two things!

My last protege, my seven year old nephew continued his search, mulling over various objects, calculating the cost of things in his mind. This kid wanted to wait it out. "Time's up!" I called out. The clock was ticking and we'd already spent two hours in search of something for one pound. He quickly grabbed something and walked to the till. When he got to the cashier he didn't look too pleased. He wasn't very happy with his choice but decided to go along with it because time was running out. The cashier noticed his unhappy face and asked him if he'd like to see some more goods from the store cupboard. My nephew's eyes lit up and he followed the cashier to a different part of the store. He came back delighted. A pack of animated cards. Hooray! He finally found something. My seven year old nephew was the most cautious of them all. Waiting it out, hoping something better would come along to stretch his money as far as it would go.

As we were about to leave my nine year old nephew spots a discount 'piggy bank card'. Get one today and the store will automatically put £1 in there for you. All you have to do is save your money with them. He's got it. It's the first rule of banking and he wanted to play the game because in the long run it'd help him next time we visited the shop. He took two, one for himself and one for his brother.

The test was an eye opener. What it revealed about my four little guinea pigs was that the value of money can and should be taught at an early age. They all realised that 'mummy' or 'auntie' won't buy everything they want, and most importantly it taught them that although money might be hard to earn, it's equally difficult to spend.

A great challenge for all kids and parents, have a go! You might even discover a side of your child you never knew they had.

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The Miraculous Night Journey | 

Isrā’ is the famous night journey of the Prophet ﷺ, he ﷺ was accompanied by the archangel Gabriel and the heavenly steed named Burāq, he ﷺ was taken in spirit from Mecca to Jerusalem and from there the ascent (mi‘rāj) began. He ﷺ traveled through the seven heavens ascending to the utmost limit.

This is one of the reasons why Jerusalem holds such importance for Muslims, as Ḥabīb Alī al-Jīfrī said, “…it’s the only place on earth that has a gateway and opening from the lower sensory world to the higher celestial realms.”

While reflecting on this journey, I remembered that the Prophet ﷺ didn’t tell everyone about the journey on his return, he disclosed it to a few close friends, namely Abū Bakr, a far cry from us today updating our statuses and tweeting our every movement! Subḥān’Allāh.

I had a long long piece written about the journey, but I came across one thing that Imām Ja‘far b. Muḥammad said and decided no to.

Once a man came to Imām Ja‘far and asked him to describe the ascent (mi‘rāj) Imām Ja‘far replied “How should I describe a station which even Gabriel, with all the magnitude of his rank, was not able nor permitted to enter?”

Subḥān’Allāh. As it says in the Qurʾān [53:18]:

“Truly he saw some of the greatest signs of His Lord.”

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اللهم صل وسلم وبارك على سيدنا ومولانا محمد خير البرية، وعلى اله في كل لمحة ونفس عدد ما وسعه علم الله

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Review: Tesco's Wheat and Gluten Free Range

In my family food is life.  It really is.  A meal is something that brings people together; it signifies all that is good in the world, and the task of eating is not taken lightly, nor for that fact is cooking. So you can imagine my horror when I discovered that my foodie three-year old daughter, who loves to bake and cook as much as I do, is intolerant to wheat and dairy.  This discovery not only changed her life, but as a family, ours too.  So when I was asked to review Tesco's latest wheat and gluten free range, I was happy to oblige.

This week I wasn't sent any free food through my letterbox (now that would just be weird!) but instead I was sent money off coupons for a whole range of gluten and wheat free goodies from Tesco.  The range was versatile, and my daughter and I decided to review the following:

Mrs Crimbles Chocolate Macaroons (naturally) these were an instant hit.  Funnily enough I've been gluten free snack shopping numerous times but I've never come across these.  They're an easy treat for children who gaze longingly at the biscuit aisle and are an understated delight for wheat eaters like myself.  A thumbs up for this product.

Tesco Free From Fresh Seeded Bread is as basic as it gets.  It's bread.  It's wheat free bread, so it's made from rice flour.  A little dry, but slathered with some dairy free spread, it does the job just as good as any normal loaf of bread, especially when served as a toastie or sandwich.

Newburn Bakehouse Rolls - Much like Tesco's Free From Bread range, we found the bread to bit a little on the dry side, but with a little spread and a (halal) sausage stuffed inside it seemed to go down well.

Tesco Free From Cheese & Tomato Pizza - This was the first time I'd ever tasted a wheat free pizza.  Actually, my poor daughter has been missing out on pizza ever since we found out that she can't tolerate wheat.  It tastes great, but the best part for me was being able to have something that I could quickly bung in the oven as an after school snack just like the 'old days'. Simple and yummy.  We'll definitely be going back for more!

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Motherhood Workshop with Kensington Mums

Yesterday morning I attended one of the workshops for the Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition. It was an opportunity for those who want to get involved share their stories and pictures (which hopefully you’ll all see at the exhibition) and describe what motherhood means to them. A quick snap of the camera, followed by a one minute video by the very talented Juliana (from Captured by Juliana.)

I met some lovely mums, including the designer behind the infamous ‘Create & Stir’ mother’s apron range, Stephanie Wilkinson (third from left) and was able to find out why she chose to design such a unique piece which all mothers can relate to - a typical to-do list in the life of a mother, as an apron - genius!

But aside from meeting a group of highly talented mummies and finally getting to meet Dina, the workshop helped me answer that fundamental question every mother asks herself at some point or another. What does motherhood mean to me? It’s not easy coming up with an answer, but simply put, for me, it is all about finding happiness in any way you can, that might be while playing with your kids, discovering a new part of yourself, or simply living in the moment with your family. Staying content in your mind is what makes you able to handle everything motherhood throws at you, the good, the bad, and the oh-so ugly!

So whether you’re a mother, a grandmother, trying to have a child, or thinking about it happening some day, make sure you always stay…

If you’d like to take part in the exhibition contact info@kensingtonmums.co.uk

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Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition

It's been a while since I last wrote.  The word 'busy' seems like an understatement when trying to describe my life at the moment.  I'm starting to fulfil some of the things I said I'd be doing in my new year's blog post and 'making life more interesting' so to speak!  From holidaying to learning a sport, new creative 'ventures', to taking up photography as a hobby, I have been making 2013 mine.  And the best part is that I can do all of this whilst spending quality time with my children.  If there's one thing I've realised in the last four years, it's that as a mum you have to make every single second count.  That's why when Dina from Kensington Mums asked me to cover the Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition on my blog, I was thrilled to take part.

The Kensington Mums Motherhood exhibition will showcase and support mums to develop and share their own motherhood stories using their own personal pictures which to them illustrate the definition of motherhood. Mums should be able to celebrate Mother’s Day every day! This day should be celebrated because so many Mother’s work super hard all year round and rarely get the merit they deserve. Nurturing and celebrating ourselves is the first step towards nurturing and bringing joy to others. We are not just Mums; we are more than a Mum.

The exhibition itself aims to engage a wide community of UK and international mums from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The legacy will be increased social awareness of mums’ creative role and value. The exhibition welcomes ALL Mums to take part in this honest exhibition whether they are grandparents, single mums, and teenage mums or widowed. This exhibition will be included for the touring exhibition and events programme: “Story of Mum: Mums making an exhibition of themselves” culminating in an exhibition at the Museum of Motherhood in New York.

This FREE event is taking place on the 7th of June 2013 at Beaufort House, Chelsea.

There are still opportunities to take part – all you need to do is email info@kensingtonmums.co.uk with subject heading ‘Participate in Kensington Mums Motherhood Exhibition’. You must attend one of the meet-ups. Dates for meet-ups are: 8 May 2013 7-9pm, 10 May 2013 10am-12pm, 15 May 2013 7-9pm and 17th May 2013 10-12pm. You will be emailed the location.

A little bit about Dina, Creator of Kensington Mums:

"I am a contented Mummy of two healthy and vivacious kids and a Kensington lover. It all started when I had my first baby. It occurred to me that I was not the only one struggling with interrupted sleep, being on call 24/7 with no time off. Kensington Mums was created with the aim of sharing knowledge and experiences and helping my yummy Kensington Mums learn from one another. Since its launch, Kensington Mums has proved to be a vital support network for the community where Mums can connect, share parenting tips and capture all those invaluable word of mouth recommendations. Not even one year after its launch, I was truly honoured when Kensington Mums made it into the Top 100 winner of the 2012 Business Mum Award.

I run this group with pure passion and determination and honestly enjoy reaching out to Mums. I captured so many invaluable word of mouth recommendations from other mums that I would not be able to live without. After having my second baby, the idea of having a bigger network support came to mind and in a sense created a passion in me to help mums outside my group of friends. It occurred to me that mums really need a network support so that they won't feel alone in a haze of milky delight during the first few months of being a mum. If you have family around you to help you then that is ideal but in a country where you don’t have family, your network of mummy friends become part of the family.

As a Mum myself, I can relate to the ups and downs of Motherhood. To me motherhood is the most exhausting yet most rewarding job (I only wish we could get paid for being a full time mama!). So what better way to share the many different motherhood journeys than to exhibit them. 

I look forwards in seeing many of you there.

Let’s put the mmmm into motherhood!"

To be kept in the loop with the local scoop with the latest in children activities, playgroup and family outings, join Kensington Mums where you get free updates with what’s on for you and your little one(s). You are welcome to connect with other Mums to share your tips and recommendation and capture all those invaluable word of mouth recommendations.  It’s a fantastic support network!

Kensington Mums also organises Mummy and baby outings as well as Mums Night out and pamper events! Visit www.kensingtonmums.co.uk You can also find us on Facebook  and Twitter @KensingtonMums.

Enjoy your time with your little ones, as they are only little for a short while!

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The beginnings of Islamic architecture in Cairo

I've been meaning to write something on Islamic art and architecture for a while now. A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I would be sharing what I learn on my blog. The problem with this is that firstly I have very little time to squeeze in my reading, with two beautiful but demanding children, and secondly once I've managed to do my reading there is so much I want to say that I really don't know where to begin. But a couple of nights ago I started writing again and this time I've decided to share.

The thing to remember about the study of art is that the language used can often be quite technical, and unless you are familiar with the terminology you will forever be misunderstanding the text or googling your way through my post. So I've tried to keep what I'm saying as simple and 'non jargonistic' as possible. This may, for those of you who are more in tune with the intellect of art history, at times oversimplify traditions and techniques. I do however welcome comments (look above) and you can always pop me a line - I'm a student so I'm open to discussion.

I've been wondering where to begin my journey and a great place to start, in my opinion, would be to visualise the period we are looking at. This timeline is a fantastic way to get an idea of the great Islamic empire and how vast it was.

Chronology of Islamic Art (click on this link for a detailed version of the chronology, highly recommended to get an idea of the different empires.)

The 'Gates of Cairo'

This week I want to share with you the history of one of the Islamic world's most influential dynasties, the Fatimids. I begin here not because of any chronological link but because it seems a suitable place to introduce some of the architectural structures we'll be seeing along the way and how far the Muslims took structures and ideas from previous civilisations to make their own mark in art history as well as the astrological influence on Islamic art. We will also note how important art and architecture were used as tools to propagate the message of leadership, caliphate, religion, and most notably, dominance.

The city of Cairo was first established by the Fatimid dynasty in 969AD. Under the Shia' branch of Islam, the Fatimids wanted to establish a capital for themselves having traveled from and conquering Ifriqiyah (which is the area of modern day Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.) The Fatimids settled in Fustat, as Cairo was previously called, and made it the centre of their rule, they built a wall around the city to prevent attacks from invaders, which were built from brick and had several gates on each side. These magnificent gates were further developed in 1092 when Badr al-Jamali, a visir under the Fatimid Caliph al-Muntasir, built a second wall around the city and in effect fortified it.

This second wall was built from stone and some of the stones were taken from Pharaonic temples. Much of these pharaonic inscriptions and motifs are still visible on the gates. The new fortress had a number of gates called 'Babs' (meaning 'door' or 'gate' in Arabic) and today only three of these gates exists, Bab al-Futuh, Bab al-Nasr, and Bab al-Zuwayla. We will be looking at the construction of these gates.

As the purpose of the fortress was the prevent attack from outsiders the walls of Cairo were built on three levels; firstly the street level, with the entrances being slightly elevated and being reached by ramps. The second level contained galleries and rooms and the third level is a terrace, which could have been a viewing point. The stonework on the gates is unparalleled anywhere in Cairo and the gates are heavily inscripted in Shia verses in Kufic script and references to 'Ali. There are some Byzantine elements in the architecture of Bab al Nasr, such as the swords and shields, these signify the fortification of the city, images of protection, which were popular in Christian artistic culture before Islam.

Bab al-Nasr

Bab al-Futuh

The names Bab al-Nasr (gate of victory), Bab al-Futuh (gate of conquest) are seen to be talismanic with the purpose of protecting the city and therefore the significance of imagery, and using the right symbols to portray and display military might was important. Interestingly enough these walls were never invaded or challenged. The towers of Bab al-Nasr are rectangular made of solid stone up to the second level whereas the towers of Bab al-Futuh are semi circular and greatly different in decor. The inner flanks of the towers have round arches with cushion voussoirs (a large semi circle, arch like structure), these echo Byzantine architecture, for example, you may see this type of 'arch' on the portal or entrance of a church. Unfortunately I can't seem to find any pictures of the inner part of these wonderfully majestic towers, which is why you really have to try and visualise what this grand inner structure must have looked like in detail. Here's an image of a voussoir to illustrate what I mean (although you can roughly see it in the pictures):

On top of this arch are carved brackets on either side, as well as bearing the traditional and popular islamic eight pointed star, two of the carved brackets bear a rams head. What is interesting to note is that the ram is the zodiac sign related to the planet mars, al-Qahira (the Arabic for 'Cairo'), and it is not coincidental that as the city was founded during the ascendancy of this sign, the ram's head appears on the carved bracket of one of the gates. The rams head has a talismanic meaning in Egyptian culture, signifying authority and importance. As you can see the towers are covered with shallow domes, and something is needed to hold up these large domes. These domes are formed by pendentives - simply put, this type of architectural tool allows a circular structure to rest on a square room. Pendentives were mainly used in Byzantine dome architecture and can be seen in many renaissance and baroque churches. Their purpose, in a square structure or base, is to take the weight of the dome. One very famous place you'll be able to see such a structure is in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, which is highly decorative and elaborate.

The final gate is the Bab al-Zuwayla and it was the last gate to be built. It is named after a Fatimid soldier who was originally from the North African, Berber tribe, Zuwayla. The gate consists of two semi circular towers made of solid stone. Most of the inscriptions on the towers are the only Islamic part of the design whereas most of the architecture is foreign to Islamic art. The gate was a site often used for great Mamluk ceremonial processions during their reign, and was later used for executions.

Bab al-Zuwayla

By simply taking a short journey into the past and looking at the three gates of Cairo we can already see how how much Christian art and architecture has influenced Islamic art and how the Muslims have so creatively adapted Byzantine design in both religious and secular buildings.

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Noam Chomsky on the real ambitions of the US and where they stand today. I have always been a huge admirer of Chomsky's work and his level headed approach of US foreign policy. In intellectual culture his voice is the most objective. If there is one thing you read today make sure it is this.

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thanks for sharing this. I found it really useful and informative and thank you for participating in our Gaza Awareness Week x 

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chinese herbs

did it work ? tell all xo 

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I am beginning to hate this world we live in

These days I am becoming increasingly afraid of my phone. It seem every week I receive some bad news about a shocking incident or another. Each time I think ‘there can’t be anything worse than this’ something even more tragic happens. Life is really changing around me. It isn’t the same as it used to be when I was growing up and the nature of death, sadly, is becoming more and more devastating and unimaginably grotesque.

This week I learned of a distant relative going through one of the most disturbing and tragic incidents I have ever come to know. As a parent I am constantly fearful of my children’s health and safety. Not a moment goes by during my day when I am not concerned about the welfare of my children. To lose your baby, and that too at the hands of someone who you thought you could trust is something I cannot comprehend. The pain, the suffering, the shock. It is something I hope and pray no parent goes through. But these days it seems that death is becoming ever more violent and alarming. Little babies and children who dress themselves for a lovely day at school walk into a caring environment expecting nothing but happiness and fun. Their curious little minds were built for learning and joy. Babies who are left in their care of nannies, au pairs and childminders don’t ever leave their parents without a struggle. Every parent I have spoken to who has left their child with a nanny (so that they could work, mainly) has told me how utterly difficult it is and how emotionally upset they feel at having to impose separation on their child at such a young age. Parents leave their most prized possession in the trust of someone else. A baby goes to this person hoping for love, expecting nothing but care. They don’t go to be abused, hurt, upset, or worse, brutally murdered.

What is happening to the world? There is something seriously wrong with the world we live in when it’s not burglars and car thieves, bank robbers and terrorists that we need to be afraid of, but the people we are voluntarily asking to help look after our family and paying them to do so. Are people becoming so deranged that even the crying of a year old baby is enough to tick them off, sending them into fury and an abusive killing spree?

Truth be told my phone is simply the messenger through which this bad news seems to trickle into my life every week, making me wonder how long I have got, or worse, for how long my children are with me. I am under no illusion that life will always be the same, my family will remain happy forever. I try to be realistic and prepare my mind for the worst to come, but no amount of preparation of realistic mind can ever prepare you for the shock of losing a child. Unfortunately the sorry nature of the world these days means that some of us will have to. God forbid any of you ever have to go through anything remotely like this.

Pray for those around you and those who aren’t for we are completely bound by our fate, living in a bizarre world where war zones are protected and the innocent are left unprotected.

Rest in peace little souls who have departed. You are in a sanctuary now where no one can hurt you.

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The minaret has long been associated with the architectural structure of the mosque, inherently a design created by Muslims for the purposes of the mosque. This article by Tarek Kahlaoui seeks to dispel the myth that surrounds the use of minarets as an expression of conquest. He takes us back to pre-Islamic times, namely the Byzantine era during which minarets were an appropriation of a Church's tower. The visual interpretation of religious icons, architecture and art can be so misleading unless we look to the past in order to locate the birth of a particular structure and when and how civilisations absorbed existing art and made it their own.

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The art of learning history

When I first enrolled onto my course in World Art and Artefacts one of the most common reactions I got was people wondering whether I was doing it to enhance my career. My career path has no shred of artistic appreciation so to suggest such a thing is almost absurd. Another question people ask (my cousin asked me this earlier this evening, actually) is whether I am attempting a career change. It seems most people I have encountered associate learning with career progression. Maybe it is for some, but not for me. I still haven't decided if I'm going to one day take a giant leap and start off fresh, but presently the thought off jumping off into the 'creative unknown' to pursue a career change certainly isn't on my mind. At the moment my ambition is that of a student and nothing more. As a child I have always been surrounded by artists; brought up with a sibling who has nurtured her intellect and ambition in the very substance of artistic impression, and by extended family members who either choose to paint, draw, shoot, or even write. In my family I was the child who wrote. From an early age, perhaps six or seven, I kept a diary. It wasn't unnatural for me to chronicle my life and all that surrounded me. This habit, to me, was both interesting and therapeutic whilst growing up. I'm not quite sure what I was thinking when I first started my somewhat childish interviews of friends and family, all I knew was that I was interested in learning about people, their lives and the environment that surrounds them. Leaning about society can tell you so much about personal relationships, the impact they have on the world around us and the changing face of our society. My eagerness to learn about the expression of art, through both practical craftsmanship and the history of art stems from a deeper yearning to learn about the world. For me the journey to understand the history of the world begins with one of the most beautiful ways you could, through the medium of art. In some of my next few blog posts I want to invite you on this journey with me. Currently the subject is Middle Eastern art history, also known as Islamic art history. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.