To Mohammed Aslam Bhatti
Founded by Qaisra Shahraz MBE, Muslim Diaspora Archives is a long-term heritage project dedicated to preserving and celebrating the lives of Britain’s Muslim diaspora in Manchester and the North West, with a special focus on first-generation migrants who arrived in the UK during the 1960s and 1970s.
The project highlights the contributions, struggles and achievements of Muslim pioneers, who helped build Britain’s social, cultural and economic fabric, and ensures these vital histories are accessible to future generations.
Through podcasts and interviews, it aims to create an authentic, community-led archive that reflects Muslim life in Britain from a lived experience.
The first generation of Muslim migrants who arrived in Britain during the 1960s and 1970s are ageing. Their memories, experiences and personal records are at risk of disappearing.
Without urgent action, a vital chapter of British history — told through Muslim voices — will be lost. Muslim Diaspora Archives preserves these stories now, while they can still be told first-hand, ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices, resilience and contributions that shaped Muslim life in Britain today.
By supporting this project, you help ensure that the pioneering stories of the 1960s and 1970s Muslim diaspora are recognised, valued and preserved for generations to come.
