On a sunny, hot afternoon on July 8, 2026, renowned artist Amin Gulgee, whom I previously interviewed for this website and who was featured in Simerg’s special series on books by Ismaili authors, visited the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) in Oxford, UK, for the first time. He came to see his copper sculpture, “Raga Continuum,” which was a gift to the OCIS from the Government of Pakistan and was permanently displayed at the Centre in 2025. Upon his arrival, Amin was warmly welcomed by Dr. Farhan Ahmad Nizami, the Director of OCIS, as well as by scholars and fellows from the Centre. A delegation from the Pakistan High Commission in London was also present for the occasion.
Energetically, the Karachi-based artist described how “Raga Continuum” is created using the letters from a line of Surah Al-‘Alaq, written in the Naskh script of Arabic. He mentioned that in his earlier works from this series, the line was legible, but now it is not. The artist explained, “I am trying to capture its essence.” He added that he has been using this specific line for over three decades. What fascinates him, he noted, is not merely the act of writing, but rather the concepts of repetition and form.
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After the presentation, Amin’s infectious laughter echoed through the hall as he continued discussing his ideas with the director and the assembled academics over tea. He was then taken on a tour of the institution’s expansive halls and beautiful gardens. The OCIS, established in 1985, focuses on the multidisciplinary study of Islamic civilizations, culture, and contemporary Muslim societies.
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At the end of his guided tour, Amin expressed his gratitude to his hosts, highlighting the significance of such an institution in today’s world. “I am so grateful that you exist, especially given the nature of the times we live in,” he stated.
Date posted: August 26, 2026.
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About the writer: Originally from Uganda, Aniza Meghani lives in London, England, and is an entrepreneur of classic textile fabrics. Among her contributions to Simerg are her highly acclaimed article, Ismailis on Social Media: You Need to Take Care and STOP Indiscriminate Likes, Follows and Forwards! and a loving tribute to her dad, My Beloved Papa, Kurbanali Kassamali Mulji (1935 – 2022).
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