Khayamiya, derived from the Arabic Khayam (Tent), is the Egyptian art of tent-making. It is created using a hand-appliqué technique in which fabric pieces are cut, folded and skilfully hand-sewn to canvas, producing impressive tents and wall hangings. These vibrant textiles are widely used in ceremonial contexts such as weddings, funerals, street parties and religious events. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) was proud to hold the “Khayamiya: Khedival to Contemporary” exhibition, a cooperative effort between the IAMM and guest curator, Dr Sam Bowker of Charles Sturt University, Australia.

This exhibition brought the visitors on a journey through the spectacular transformations of khayamiya from the late Ottoman Empire to the present day. Some of the highlights featured in this exhibition include the Syme Panel (the first Khedival khayamiya to be discovered in Australia), and rarely-seen monumental tent panels from the world-leading Bowker Collection. Furthermore, the IAMM has displayed one of its most treasured objects, a complete 19th-century Egyptian Tent, to demonstrate that khayamiya is a sophisticated textile art form with a rich legacy of Islamic design influences.

Dr Sam Bowker held public talk on Saturday, 3rd October 2015 at 10.30 am – 11.30 am , followed by a lecturing tour of the exhibition. Click here for more information about the talk.

Khayamiya Appliqué Masterclass workshop was also be held in conjunction with the exhibition. Click here for more information.