Monday 22 February to Sunday 28 February 2010

Editorial

This week’s topic is that of ‘Culture’. Rarely has a term encompassed so many different meanings, both spoken and unspoken, to so many different people. What exactly ‘culture’ means is a question which has exercised some of the greatest minds throughout history.

Today, British society stands amongst the most ethnically and culturally diverse in Europe. Our Eid and Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square alongside the classic Christmas celebrations Britain has known for centuries, bears testament to this. It is a diversity that has seen rich growth, even more so in the 21^st century, and is therefore acknowledged and celebrated now more than ever.

This multiplicity of Britain is richly manifest in the creative cultural expressions of our society. From drama to photography, fine art to poetry, this week we will explore British culture. Through the variety of works we will highlight, we hope that we may get and give a glimpse of the exquisite medley and beauty of our homeland.

We also hope to explore the evolution of art and culture in Britain, particularly within the Muslim community, and illustrate the different manifestations of multiculturalism and expressions of British identity therein.

Each fellow citizen has something to share with his or her neighbour. Each person is able to positively channel his or her own cultural expressions, and contribute to the rich tapestry which colours the vast complexities of our human fabric. The Quran states; ‘Another of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colours’ [30: 22]. Thus, our cultural differences are nothing short of a miracle from God.

Through the works of our contributors we hope you will join us to discover and understand how they and we interpret and express our connection with Britain.

How do you define your identity? How do you express it? What does Britain mean for you?

Sometimes, words may not be adequate.

The Platform Editorial Team