Islamic Art & Architecture Walk
Saturday, 28th March 2026
The day will be hosted by Sakina who is owner of FW Luxe- an interior design and build firm. She is also an art enthusiast. She will be joined by artists and scholars who invite you to engage with historic pieces and contemporary insights. From intricate geometric patterns to the elegance of Ebru water marbling, each experience becomes a story waiting to be uncovered.
This isn’t just a tour - it’s a space for reflection, learning, and connection with a tradition that continues to inspire across time and place. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a seeker of beauty, or simply curious - this experience is crafted for you.
We believe in the power of art and architecture to bridge time, culture, and community
Our Vision
Celebrating Legacy Through Art, Space & Storytelling.
We believe in the power of art and architecture to bridge time, culture, and community.
The Islamic Art & Architecture Walk is a carefully curated cultural journey~celebrating Islamic contributions to design, heritage and spaces in the Greater Toronto Area- ONE STORY, ONE SPACE AND ONE SOUL AT A TIME.
DAY RETREAT SCHEDULE
10:00 AM Gardiner Museum
Step into a fragrant world where Islamic ceramics, art, and memory intertwine. Come explore this sensory journey of warmth and fellowship at our Featured Partner exhibit at the Gardiner Museum: Experience the Pleasant Smells and Warm Fellowships: Scent in Islamic Ceramics Exhibit. Curated by Regatu Asefa (she/her), she is a curator and art historian based in Toronto and Oxford, where she is completing her MPhil in Islamic Art and Architecture.
11:30 AM JAH QUBE Studio Tour
Studio Tour: Javid Jah is an artist and architect exploring the sacred dimension of geometry. Partnering with maker Alex Akbari to establish a design-build studio known as JAH Qube, Javid seeks to build bridges between the principles of Islam and other marginalized traditions, telling stories that highlight universality through a cosmic lens. Let's explore his work at his studio!
12:45 PM Let's Eat! Halal Lunch Time
Lunch at Mr.Zagros for a healthy and delicious Mediterranean and Turkish fusion menu. Beef, chicken, lamb or vegetarian options with a drink will be offered. Included in the price! Prayer break offered
3:00 PM Quran City Interactive Exhibition at MARC!
A Walk through the Quran City Exhibition at the Mulla Asghar Resource Centre for an immersive and interactive journey & introduction to the MARC facility and resources.
3:45 PM Q/A with Yusra Qazi of Muslim Literary Festival- Where Writers become Authors!
Join Yusra Qazi, Director of Engagement & Partnerships of the Muslim Literary Festival for a Q/A session. MLF strives to connect Muslim writers with education, resources, and opportunities, cultivating a vibrant learning and networking experience that allows them to navigate the barriers in the publishing industry and thrive in their careers.
4:15 PM Ebru Turkish Water Marbling Art Workshop with Hacer Özcan
Ebru art is a traditional Turkish art form created by transferring patterns formed on the surface of water onto paper. Let Hacer Özcan, an Ebru artist walk you through a workshop that was widely used during the Ottoman period, especially in book decoration and calligraphy.
5:30 PM Return to pick up/drop off location at Sherway Gardens
Hop back on to our Charter Tour Bus to go back to our pick up/drop off location. Prayer time will be offered before departing.
Meet The Artists And Speakers…
Javid Jah is a Toronto artist and designer who combines Islamic art with modern architecture. He uses his training to create public sculptures based on sacred patterns and amazing geometry.
Hacer Özcan is a master of Ebru, the traditional Turkish art of water marbling. She is dedicated to preserving this centuries-old Islamic craft by teaching the delicate process of floating natural pigments on water to create intricate, "cloud-like" designs.
Yusra Qazi is an educator and community figure who participates in initiatives like the Muslim Literary Festival in Toronto. She is recognized for her work in promoting Islamic literacy and supporting diverse voices within the literary community.
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFO, MESSAGE US!
ABOUT YOUR HOST, SAKINA KHAWAJA
WALK WITH SAKINA
Born and raised in Canada, Sakina has lived in the Middle East and Türkiye for some time. She returned to Milton, Ontario to manage her interior design projects. Having traveled all over the beautiful Middle East, Türkiye, Pakistan and other countries and being an interior designer and art graduate- Sakina is offering the perfect blend of a walking trip dedicated to art, design, learning, inspiration & culture!
Sakina is the Creative Director of FW Luxe Decor & Lifestyle in Milton, Canada. She specializes in marketing, fashion, design, interior design, publishing and media. Sakina has worked in various corporate roles on large scale city projects as a part of museum design bids, retail design and has many other accolades but her passion is everything art & design. She wants to share the marvel of the city of Toronto having such nuggets tucked all over the city to her local art enthusiasts who have the passion to learn about Islamic Art & Architecture and all its glories!