An exhibition exploring the Ottoman legacy that shaped institutions, arts, and public life.

The MIAH Foundation is excited to announce the launch of our new in-house exhibition, Under the Sultan's Shadow: How Imperial Identity Shaped Ottoman Life and Culture. The exhibition will explore how the Ottomans consciously layered their identity onto the cultural, historical, and religious legacies of the lands they ruled. That identity shaped the empire’s institutions, arts, and public life, leaving a lasting impact across society.

Few Muslim dynasties capture our imagination quite like the great Ottoman Empire. The exhibition is designed to tackle our preconceptions head-on, as we explore the Ottomans on their own terms through their archival records, illustrated manuscripts, mapwork, and artwork. This includes a facsimile of a Qur’an copied by the ‘father of Ottoman calligraphy’ Sheikh Hamdullah, the famous maps of explorer Piri Reis, and a 16th century Ottoman Dome of the Rock tile that once adorned al-Masjid al- Aqṣā.

From our gallery space in Balsall Heath, Birmingham you will learn through objects and text how the Ottomans took on the identities of the great Roman, Mongol, and inherited Islamic traditions, that shaped them into something uniquely their own, reflecting through their arts, public life, and culture. The exhibition will bring together objects from private collections to be displayed together for the first time, and will be accompanied by a full program of creative workshops, talks, and activities suitable for people of all ages.

Private viewing: 9th May 2026, 5:00 - 7:30pm (Booking Link)

Public exhibition dates: 14th May – 30th June 2026, 90-minute slots available Thursdays and Fridays, 12:30 – 6:00pm; Saturdays 12pm-4:30pm.

We strongly advise pre-booking your 90-minute slot (aalk-ins will be accommodated as long as we are not already fully booked).

Address: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery (@ Moseley Community Hub), 496 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AH.

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STEP FREE ACCESS:

Please use the front doorbell or call us at 07737609025 and a member of staff will assist you with step-free access via the building back entrance.

Schools, home education, and youth groups: The exhibition supports curriculum learning in History, Religious Studies, Art & Design, and Geography across Key Stages 2–5. Students will explore themes including empire and governance, religion and society, urban life, and cultural exchange through the history of the Ottoman State. It encourages analysis of historical sources, material culture, and architecture to understand how power, identity, and culture shaped everyday life. Thus usual available slots are 10.30am - 12.00pm Thursdays and Fridays. To arrange a visit, please email contact@miahfoundation.com with the size of your group, potential visit dates and visit the following link to place a deposit on your booking: Educational Visits: Under the Sultan's Shadow Exhibition Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

A NOTE ON COSTS: As a charity without external funding, we rely on public donations to stay open. To remain accessible, we do not request a fixed cost and have a the option for free tickets where there is a genuine financial need. We recommend donating £4 per person, or £12 for a family of up to five people. We also have the option of up to four free tickets for those who cannot afford to make a donation.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Description supplied by the event organiser.