Islamic parks and gardens have long been treasured as havens of tranquillity in a busy world, but today, the Aga Khan Development Network is developing green spaces that do much more – they are the catalysts for , acting as agents of change for the communities around them.
On 3 November, three renowned experts in Islamic gardens came together to debate how Islamic parks can act as catalysts for social and economic change. The event was organised by the Institute for the Study of Musl
im Civilisations as part of the Nour Festival of Arts, an annual event that brings together authors, artists, academics,
historians and social commentators to shine light on the best of contemporary Middle Eastern and North African art and culture. “Parks that reflect Islamic values in their design and operation offer an environment that is conducive not only to unwinding, re-energising and reflection, but also to social bonding, family togetherness and social cohesion,” said Jurjen van der Tas, Deputy Director of the Historic Cities Program of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Mr van der Tas, whose speciality is transforming vast public spaces, spoke as part of shared a panel with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Gold medallist Tom Stuart-Smith, a gardens and planting expert, and the University of Cardiff’s Mark Bryant, an expert on biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability from an Islamic perspective. Islamic parks, with their cooling water features, tiled walkways and shaded nooks for quiet conversation, have long been a treasured spot for rest and contemplation across the Middle East and
North Africa. Londoners may be spoiled for choice when it comes to walking and rambling, but these gardens offer a different sort of appeal – and vital social and economic benefits.The full effect of a vast green space, bespoke plantings, sustainable design and urban renewal can be witnessed in a megalopolis like Cairo, where the Al-Azhar Park offers vital breathing space to nearly two million visitors each year. This project transformed not just the a sprawling, 200-year-old garbage dump that became into a lush, manicured garden, but revitalised
the entire community around it.
Expertise and investment from the
Aga Khan Trust for Culture has facilitated lasting economic and social development both led by and directly benefiting local the people and local businesses around the park. Al-Azhar Park now employs more than 200 staff and generated nearly US$1 million in income last year.
The ethical underpinning of Al-Azhar Park shows the AKDN ethos in action – a space designed to include all people, that demonstrates stewardship of the earth’s resources and offers a sense of peace and harmony to all who enter. It is also about building enterprise and agency in the local community.
