Lok Virsa

Lok Virsa, a phrase which means cultural voyage, is also the name of a project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which explored the social, religious and cultural heritage of the diverse Muslim communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

The Muslim heritage is interpreted broadly to include the individual experiences of women, men and children in Britain and overseas, collective traditions, economic and political activities, aspects of spiritual life, festivals, music, painting, architecture, sport and the work of craftsmen and women.

Lok Virsa’s activities included collecting personal stories and oral histories, researching for information and images within the communities and in archives, libraries and museums, photographing people, buildings and artefacts and the holding of heritage training workshops to develop and share ideas, knowledge and skills.

Lok Virsa has participated in and created networks of Muslims and non-Muslims to promote understanding and an appreciation of how Muslims have contributed positively to life in Britain. Other project outcomes include a website and CD ROM.

The book is the culmination of the work of the Lok Virsa project and presents text, photographs and illustrations to reveal a cultural voyage through the Muslim heritage of Birmingham and the West Midlands.