In ‘Illuminated Threads,’ Artist Faig Ahmed Distorts Pious History

Rugs from Dagestan, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus reflect the shared visual language of Islamic faith across diverse geographies.

An installation view at the Birmingham Museum of Art shows three historical Islamic prayer rugs

“Illuminated Threads: Contemporary and Traditional Rugs” is at the Birmingham Museum of Art through April 13, 2025.

In ‘Illuminated Threads,’ Artist Faig Ahmed Distorts Pious History