{"id":5233,"date":"2025-10-28T06:32:56","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T06:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/?p=5233"},"modified":"2025-10-28T09:42:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:42:04","slug":"20th-anniversary-celebration-nancy-kamal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/20th-anniversary-celebration-nancy-kamal\/","title":{"rendered":"20th Anniversary Celebration – a reflection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scroll down for Welsh \/ Sgroliwch i lawr am y Gymraeg<\/p>\n

“Reflections on the Centre\u2019s 20th Anniversary Celebration” by Nancy Kamal<\/span><\/h2>\n

On the 18<\/span>th<\/span> of September 2025, we celebrated the 20<\/span>th<\/span> anniversary of the Islam-UK Centre at Cardiff University.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The event hosted nearly 200 guests to our celebration, many of them coming from national and local Muslim community organisations, from civil society, as well as from academia. Here, Nancy Kamal, a current PhD scholar, reflects on her experience of attending the event.<\/span><\/h3>\n

When I first joined the Islam-UK Centre as a PhD student, I knew it had a rich legacy of scholarship and community engagement, but it was only during the recent 20th anniversary celebration event that I truly grasped the depth of its influence. The day was not only a celebration of twenty years of pioneering work, but also a reminder of the Centre\u2019s unique role in shaping research and dialogue about Islam and Muslims in Britain.<\/p>\n

Walking into the event felt both inspiring and humbling. It was the first time I found myself surrounded by so many of the scholars whose works I had cited throughout my own research journey. Seeing figures such as Professor Tariq Modood, Professor Ron Geaves, Professor Alison Scott-Baumann, and Professor Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor \u2014 names that frequently appear in the literature I engage with \u2014 was a surreal experience. There was a quiet sense of awe in being able to put faces to the names that have shaped so much of the academic landscape I now work within.<\/p>\n

\"\"
MBRN Panel Left to\u00a0 Right \/ MBRN Panel o arbenigwyr o’r chwith i’r dde: Prof Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor, Dr Stephen Jones, Prof J\u00f8rgen Nielsen, Prof Ron Geaves, Prof Tariq Modood, Prof Alison Scott-Baumann and Prof Sophie Gilliat-Ray<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At moments, I felt small among such giants \u2014 scholars whose ideas have opened doors for nuanced, faith-informed conversations in spaces that were once resistant to them. Yet, rather than discouraging, this feeling became an invitation to reflect on my own journey and aspirations. The event reminded me that scholarship is not a distant, unattainable pursuit, but a continuum of effort, integrity, and curiosity \u2014 values I see embodied by the Centre and hope to carry forward in my own work.<\/p>\n

I was also struck by the sense of collective achievement. Listening to the presentations and panel discussions, it became clear that the Centre\u2019s impact extends far beyond academia. Its research has informed public understanding, policy discussions, and community development. Seeing the scope of that influence made me feel proud to be associated with a place that treats knowledge not merely as theory, but as a vehicle for change and understanding.<\/p>\n

A particularly memorable moment was when Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray, the Director of the Centre, brought out her basket of cherished items \u2014 each representing a milestone in the Centre\u2019s twenty-year journey. As she spoke, it became more than a recounting of history; it felt like being invited into a story of collective effort, perseverance, and care. That personal touch reminded me that behind every publication, partnership, and achievement, there are people who have poured their hearts into nurturing the Centre\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"
Professor Sophie Gilliat-Ray showing her basket of ‘Cherished’ Items\/Yr Athro Sophie Gilliat-Ray yn dangos ei basged o Eitemau ‘Anrhydeddus’<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/figure>\n

It was also impressive to learn more about the enduring relationships between the Centre and many of its esteemed collaborators; their ongoing involvement demonstrated a level of loyalty and continuity that I found deeply inspiring. The fact that His Majesty King Charles sent a personal message to the Centre on the morning of the event was another moving reminder of how far its influence now reaches \u2014 a testament to its sustained contributions to interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and scholarship on British Muslim experiences.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on how studying through the Centre might benefit me going forward, I feel an increasing sense of privilege and responsibility. To be surrounded by such expertise and mentorship is an invaluable opportunity \u2014 not only in terms of academic guidance, but also in shaping how I think about research ethics, representation, and impact. My doctoral work explores Islamic spirituality practices and coping with chronic anxiety among British Muslims, and being part of a Centre that champions interdisciplinary, community-rooted research allows me to feel supported in asking sensitive but necessary questions.<\/p>\n

If I had to summarise what I learned from the event, it is that legacy is not static. The Centre\u2019s past twenty years have been remarkable, but its greatest strength lies in its ability to evolve \u2014 to listen, respond, and grow alongside the communities it studies. As I look ahead, I hope the next twenty years continue in that spirit of responsiveness and courage. And, as someone who is not Welsh, I found ending the day with Welsh cakes to be a thoughtful and poetic touch \u2014 a small but meaningful reminder of the local roots and community spirit that continue to shape the Centre\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

The 20th Anniversary Celebration left me with a renewed sense of purpose. It was a celebration of the past, but also a call to the future \u2014 to continue building on the foundations laid by those before us, and to ensure that the Centre remains a space where faith, intellect, and humanity meet. To have witnessed that legacy in person was both grounding and motivating, and I am deeply grateful to be a small part of its ongoing story.<\/p>\n

“Myfyrdodau ar Ddathliad 20fed Pen-blwydd y Ganolfan” gan Nancy Kamal<\/h2>\n

Ar 18fed Medi 2025, fe wnaethom ddathlu 20fed pen-blwydd Canolfan Islam-UK ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Croesawodd y digwyddiad bron i 200 o westeion i’n dathliad, llawer ohonynt yn dod o sefydliadau cymunedol Mwslimaidd cenedlaethol a lleol, o gymdeithas sifil, yn ogystal ag o’r byd academaidd. Yma, mae Nancy Kamal, ysgolhaig PhD cyfredol, yn myfyrio ar ei phrofiad o fynychu’r digwyddiad.<\/h3>\n

Pan ymunais \u00e2 Chanolfan Islam-UK gyntaf fel myfyriwr PhD, roeddwn i’n gwybod bod ganddi etifeddiaeth gyfoethog o ysgolheictod ac ymgysylltiad cymunedol, ond dim ond yn ystod y digwyddiad Dathlu 20fed Pen-blwydd diweddar y sylweddolais ddyfnder ei dylanwad go iawn. Nid yn unig oedd y diwrnod yn ddathliad o ugain mlynedd o waith arloesol, ond hefyd yn atgof o r\u00f4l unigryw’r Ganolfan wrth lunio ymchwil a deialog am Islam a Mwslimiaid ym Mhrydain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roedd cerdded i mewn i’r digwyddiad yn teimlo’n ysbrydoledig ac yn ostyngedig. Dyma’r tro cyntaf i mi gael fy hun wedi’i amgylchynu gan gynifer o’r ysgolheigion yr oeddwn wedi dyfynnu eu gweithiau drwy gydol fy nhaith ymchwil fy hun. Roedd gweld ffigurau fel yr Athro Tariq Modood, yr Athro Ron Geaves, yr Athro Alison Scott-Baumann, a’r Athro Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor \u2014 enwau sy’n ymddangos yn aml yn y llenyddiaeth rwy’n ymwneud \u00e2 hi \u2014 yn brofiad swreal. Roedd yna ymdeimlad tawel o ryfeddod wrth allu rhoi wynebau i’r enwau sydd wedi llunio cymaint o’r dirwedd academaidd rwy’n gweithio ynddi nawr.<\/p>\n

Ar adegau, roeddwn i’n teimlo’n fach ymhlith cewri o’r fath \u2014 ysgolheigion y mae eu syniadau wedi agor drysau ar gyfer sgyrsiau manwl, wedi’u llywio gan ffydd mewn mannau a oedd unwaith yn wrthwynebus iddynt. Eto, yn hytrach na digalonni, daeth y teimlad hwn yn wahoddiad i fyfyrio ar fy nhaith a’m dyheadau fy hun. Atgoffodd y digwyddiad fi nad yw ysgolheictod yn ymgais bell, anghyraeddadwy, ond yn barhad o ymdrech, uniondeb a chwilfrydedd \u2014 gwerthoedd rwy’n eu gweld wedi’u hymgorffori gan y Ganolfan ac yn gobeithio eu cario ymlaen yn fy ngwaith fy hun.<\/p>\n

Cefais fy nharo hefyd gan yr ymdeimlad o gyflawniad ar y cyd. Gwrando ar Drwy\u2019r cyflwyniadau a\u2019r trafodaethau panel, daeth yn amlwg bod effaith y Ganolfan yn ymestyn ymhell y tu hwnt i\u2019r byd academaidd. Mae ei hymchwil wedi llywio dealltwriaeth y cyhoedd, trafodaethau polisi, a datblygu cymunedol. Roedd gweld cwmpas y dylanwad hwnnw\u2019n gwneud i mi deimlo\u2019n falch o fod yn gysylltiedig \u00e2 lle sy\u2019n trin gwybodaeth nid yn unig fel damcaniaeth, ond fel cerbyd ar gyfer newid a dealltwriaeth.<\/p>\n

Munud arbennig o gofiadwy oedd pan ddaeth yr Athro Sophie Gilliat-Ray, Cyfarwyddwr y Ganolfan, \u00e2\u2019i basged o eitemau gwerthfawr allan \u2013 pob un yn cynrychioli carreg filltir yn nhaith ugain mlynedd y Ganolfan. Wrth iddi siarad, daeth yn fwy na dim ond adrodd hanes; roedd yn teimlo fel cael fy ngwahodd i stori o ymdrech ar y cyd, dyfalbarhad, a gofal. Atgoffodd y cyffyrddiad personol hwnnw fi, y tu \u00f4l i bob cyhoeddiad, partneriaeth, a chyflawniad, fod pobl sydd wedi tywallt eu calonnau i feithrin gweledigaeth y Ganolfan.<\/p>\n

Roedd hefyd yn drawiadol dysgu mwy am y berthnasoedd parhaol rhwng y Ganolfan a llawer o\u2019i chydweithwyr uchel eu parch; dangosodd eu cyfranogiad parhaus lefel o deyrngarwch a pharhad a gefais yn ysbrydoledig iawn. Roedd y ffaith bod Ei Fawrhydi\u2019r Brenin Siarl wedi anfon neges bersonol at y Ganolfan yn atgof symudol arall o ba mor bell y mae ei ddylanwad bellach yn cyrraedd \u2013 tystiolaeth i\u2019w cyfraniadau parhaus at ddeialog rhyng-ffydd, cydlyniant cymdeithasol, ac ysgolheictod ar brofiadau Mwslimiaid Prydain.<\/p>\n

Wrth fyfyrio ar sut y gallai astudio drwy’r Ganolfan fod o fudd i mi yn y dyfodol, rwy’n teimlo ymdeimlad cynyddol o fraint a chyfrifoldeb. Mae cael fy amgylchynu gan arbenigedd a mentora o’r fath yn gyfle amhrisiadwy – nid yn unig o ran arweiniad academaidd, ond hefyd wrth lunio sut rwy’n meddwl am foeseg ymchwil, cynrychiolaeth ac effaith. Mae fy ngwaith doethuriaeth yn archwilio arferion ysbrydolrwydd Islamaidd ac ymdopi \u00e2 phryder cronig ymhlith Mwslimiaid Prydain, ac mae bod yn rhan o Ganolfan sy’n hyrwyddo ymchwil ryngddisgyblaethol, sydd \u00e2 gwreiddiau cymunedol, yn caniat\u00e1u i mi deimlo fy mod yn cael fy nghefnogi i ofyn cwestiynau sensitif ond angenrheidiol.<\/p>\n

Os oedd rhaid i mi grynhoi’r hyn a ddysgais o’r digwyddiad, dyna nad yw etifeddiaeth yn statig. Mae ugain mlynedd diwethaf y Ganolfan wedi bod yn nodedig, ond mae ei chryfder mwyaf yn gorwedd yn ei gallu i esblygu – i wrando, ymateb, a thyfu ochr yn ochr \u00e2’r cymunedau y mae’n eu hastudio. Wrth i mi edrych ymlaen, rwy’n gobeithio y bydd yr ugain mlynedd nesaf yn parhau yn yr ysbryd hwnnw o ymatebolrwydd a dewrder. Ac, fel rhywun nad yw’n Gymro, roeddwn i’n teimlo bod gorffen y diwrnod gyda chacennau cri yn gyffyrddiad meddylgar a barddonol – atgof bach ond ystyrlon o’r gwreiddiau lleol a’r ysbryd cymunedol sy’n parhau i lunio hunaniaeth y Ganolfan.<\/p>\n

Gadawodd y Dathliad Pen-blwydd yn 20 oed fi ag ymdeimlad newydd o bwrpas. Roedd yn ddathliad o’r gorffennol, ond hefyd yn alwad i’r dyfodol – i barhau i adeiladu ar y sylfeini a osodwyd gan y rhai o’n blaenau, ac i sicrhau bod y Ganolfan yn parhau i fod yn lle lle mae ffydd, deallusrwydd, a dynoliaeth yn cwrdd. Roedd gweld yr etifeddiaeth honno yn bersonol yn sail ac yn ysgogol, ac rwy’n ddiolchgar iawn i fod yn rhan fach o’i stori barhaus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Scroll down for Welsh \/ Sgroliwch i lawr am y Gymraeg \"Reflections on the Centre\u2019s 20th Anniversary Celebration\" by Nancy Kamal On the 18th of September 2025, we celebrated the […]","protected":false},"author":1844,"featured_media":5254,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,6,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5233","post","type-post","status-publish","format-video","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-events","category-news","post_format-post-format-video"],"meta_box":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1844"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5233"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5268,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5233\/revisions\/5268"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5254"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5233"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5233"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.cardiff.ac.uk\/islamukcentre\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5233"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}