Nadia Khan

Nadia is a historian and writer. She is the founder of Golden Threads: A project exploring shared history, culture and art across the Islamic world and beyond.

Articles from author

‘End of an era’: Closure of Al Saqi Books sees London lose a cultural gem

The iconic Bayswater bookstore’s story is one that was intertwined with Britain’s Arab diaspora over four decades.

9 MIN READ

‘End of an era’: Closure of Al Saqi Books sees London lose a cultural gem

How the West demonised Muslim piracy while romanticising their own

An initial thorn in the side of European imperialism, Muslim pirates were seen through an orientalist lens because they posed an economic threat to the West.

7 MIN READ

How the West demonised Muslim piracy while romanticising their own

The centrality of the Muslim world to Shakespeare’s work

Ignored for centuries, the presence of Muslims are prominent in the oeuvre of one of Britain’s most quintessential figures.

6 MIN READ

The centrality of the Muslim world to Shakespeare’s work

Elizabeth I and the Ottomans: An alliance that saved England

In the 16th century, the Muslim world would come to rescue an isolated Protestant England from a disasterous fate by making it an ally and trade partner.

9 MIN READ

Elizabeth I and the Ottomans: An alliance that saved England

Why Leila Aboulela’s literature strikes a chord with Muslim readers

The British-Sudanese author's writing deeply resonates with diasporic Muslims, particularly Muslim women who feature in her books as central characters.

7 MIN READ

Why Leila Aboulela’s literature strikes a chord with Muslim readers

Celebrating female literary heroines

From Maya Angelou to Fahmida Riaz, a number of female writers and poets have championed the cause of women using the power of the pen.

8 MIN READ

How Islam shaped British architecture

Quintessential landmarks from Big Ben to the Durham Cathedral owe their inspiration to Muslim-designed buildings centuries ago.

8 MIN READ

‘Minarets in the Mountains’: A journey into Muslim Europe

Author Tharik Hussain discusses how his travels to the Balkans shed light on issues like identity and belonging, the roots of Islamophobia, and the European fear of the ‘Turks’.

8 MIN READ

‘Minarets in the Mountains’: A journey into Muslim Europe

Keeping Kathak alive in Pakistan

Nighat Chaodhry hopes to preserve classical Indian dance form, and with it, part of Pakistan's history and identity.

8 MIN READ

A dance-off with occupation: The female dabke troupe centring Palestine

UK-based dance collective Hawiyya Dabke are breaking boundaries to celebrate Palestinian culture and identity.

8 MIN READ

A dance-off with occupation: The female dabke troupe centring Palestine