Heritage Doncaster

Bangle stand, loaned by Siama

“I have a bangle stand to store my bangles. Bangles can be made from metal, glass, or plastic. I accumulated a big collection, and I wear them to wedding parties. I now have a nice fancy stand for the expensive bangles that I wore for my own wedding. It’s a popular item, a great way to store valuables.”

Tawa (chapatti pan) and Lieutenancy badge, loaned by Akeela

“The tawa (pan) is used to make chapattis. It is a powerful symbol of culture and tradition in South Asian homes. As a young girl, my father told me he didn’t want me to spend my life standing in front of the Tawa making chapattis. He encouraged me to get an education and do something more with my life.

The Deputy Lieutenant badge represents a symbol of civic duty and recognition. As DL of South Yorkshire I support the Lord Lieutenant in representing His Majesty The King, promoting social cohesion and celebrating community service.

Together these items show the balance of heritage and ambition, tradition and transformation. They reflect my journey and my belief that any woman in my community can achieve anything.”

Photographs, spoon, buttons, badges, and whistles, loaned by Mumtaz Ajmal

“These items belonged to my late husband. He moved to the UK from Kuwait in 1962. He worked as a railway guard at Doncaster Station, and he wore these buttons and badges as part of his uniform.”

Quran, loaned by Razia

The Quran is the central religious text in Islam. It is traditionally written in Arabic; however, this edition also has an English translation. For Muslims, it is a direct revelation from Allah (God).

Surmāa Thanee containing Surmāa (kohl, a type of eye make-up), loaned by Monavar

“This is a Surmāa Thanee containing surmāa, once called kohl. It brings back my childhood memories as it was used by mothers who put it in their children’s eyes to enhance the eyes – to make them more beautiful. Also it was used, and still is used by some families, to ward off the Nazir (evil eye) and protect young children, especially babies.

Then, as time has moved on, the future generation has questioned the use of surmāa. Researchers like Dr Mohammed Aslam found that the black powder contained lead which was proven to be harmful in any form. Since then, some of the older generation still use it but others have realised that it is not the best thing to use to beautify the eyes”.

Poster, loaned by Adeebha

“This poster of Allah’s 99 names shows all of his attributes. It gives you a glimpse into how wonderful he is and why he means so much to me and all Muslims around the world.”

Beauty Box, loaned by Summera

“This is my Beauty Box. It is almost 30 years old, given to me as a wedding gift. I have a lot of memories attached to it. I don’t use it any more but it is very valuable to me.”

Diamond artwork of the Kaabah at the Masjid al-Haram Mosque, loaned by Yasmin

“I have chosen this picture because it shows the most important Mosque and our holiest site. The Masjid al-Haram is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.”

Hijab

“This simple piece of cloth holds deep significance for me. When I began practising Islam more consciously in my early twenties, my journey started with wearing the hijab. In Islam modesty is a core value, and the hijab plays an important role in upholding that principle. It serves as a means of protection, promoting dignity and self-respect, and shielding women from harm.”

Poncho and purse keyrings, loaned by Naila

“This poncho, and the two small purse objects, are all handmade by me. I crocheted them myself. I made the poncho last year, and the smaller items just a few days ago. I am creative, and I enjoy showing my skills.”

Abaya, loaned by Naila

“An abaya is a modest piece of clothing often worn when going to the Mosque or when praying. I wear this to pray 5 times a day.”

Jānamaz and Tasbih (prayer mat and beads), loaned by Sameea

“Salah (prayer) is my priority in my daily life. As Muslims, we pray 5 times a day, and I use this mat and these beads as part of my prayer.”