The Islamic Garden as Sacred Art

A talk on Islamic Gardens as Sacred Art and as an oppportunity for bridge-building between cultures, with reference to the Cambridge Mosque. In this talk, Emma Clark will introduce the concept of the Islamic garden as sacred art, assess the principal elements of the traditional Islamic garden – mainly the chahar-bagh type – and examine how some knowledge of its design principles and spiritual significance may contribute to an understanding of the culture behind it. It is hoped that this introduction to the Islamic garden may open hearts and minds to its timeless and universal beauty, demonstrating how such gardens may offer great opportunities in ‘building bridges’ between communities. Please note that doors will close shortly before the advertised time so we request that you arrive 15 minutes before the start time. About Emma Clark Emma Clark specialises in the gardens of Paradise in Islam. She has published two books on this subject: The Art of the Islamic Garden, and a monograph, 'Underneath Which Rivers Flow', The Symbolism of the Islamic Garden, as well as many articles on Islamic art and architecture, gardens, the garden carpet and textiles. She designs gardens including the one at the Cambridge Central Mosque and contributed to the Carpet Garden at HM The King’s country house, Highgrove. About The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts The Cambridge Festival of Islamic Arts runs from 19 to 29 November 2026, bringing performances, exhibitions, lectures, and workshops to Cambridge's historic colleges, museums, and cultural spaces. Open to everyone, the festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of Islamic arts, and, fifty years on from the landmark 1976 World of Islam Festival, carries that spirit into our own time. Find out more at cfia.co.uk.