The Aziz Foundation Unveils Landmark Mural In Forthcoming West End Community Centre

Located in the iconic London Trocadero at Piccadilly Circus, this artwork celebrates a decade of impact, diversity and inclusion.

The Aziz Foundation is proud to unveil a new mural inside its forthcoming community centre in the basement of the Trocadero in London’s West End. Created to mark the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, the mural is a vibrant fusion of Arabic calligraphy and iconic London imagery, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to education, community empowerment and social cohesion.

Designed by Hammad Haider, a Foundation alumnus and architect at Foster + Partners, the mural is deeply symbolic. At its centre lies a large circular form representing rootedness, from which elements extend outward to signify growth, connection and aspiration. Rendered primarily in thuluth script, Arabic calligraphy fills the silhouettes of people, bridges and buildings. Words such as “Community”, “Education”, “Opportunity”, “Belonging” and “Unity” - reflecting both the Foundation’s mission and British values - are woven into the design.

The mural blends Islamic artistic motifs, including geometric patterns, calligraphic flourishes and stylised representations of the annual Ramadan Lights London initiative - organised and sponsored by The Aziz Foundation, and the first aerial Ramadan lights in Western Europe - with London landmarks. Featured buildings include the Criterion Building, the Trocadero, London Pavilion, the Houses of Parliament, the Gherkin, The Shard and the London Eye, celebrating London’s shared spaces and heritage. Symbols such as graduation caps, outlines of scholars and representations of professional fields highlight aspiration, achievement and contribution to society - core elements of civic pride in the UK.

Rahima Aziz BEM, Trustee at The Aziz Foundation, said:

"This mural represents the West End and beyond - a tapestry of London itself, reflecting the communities that make this city so vibrant. Our community centre will be a space for everyone, of all faiths and none, to feel welcomed, inspired, and connected. The imagery embodies hope, aspiration, and belonging - values central to British society and our work at The Aziz Foundation. We are proud to create a space that promotes interfaith understanding and diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone can contribute to and benefit from a fairer, stronger Britain."

The mural was unveiled last night at an event attended by stakeholders, university partners, current and former Aziz Scholars and community supporters. Speakers included Rahima Aziz BEM, Hammad Haider, Joe Dobson (Director, The Aziz Foundation) and Dr Ajmal Hussain (Associate Professor in Sociology, University of Warwick). To commemorate the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, a time capsule was also installed, containing the Foundation’s latest Social Impact Report, photographs from flagship initiatives and other mementos. The capsule serves as a reminder of the Foundation’s progress and the ongoing work to uplift British Muslims.

Hammad Haider commented:

"Through my art, I wanted to create a piece that speaks for itself - merging tradition with contemporary design, architecture with calligraphy, and people with their environment. It’s about illustrating positive narratives and inspiring the next generation to see themselves as part of something bigger. I am incredibly grateful to The Aziz Foundation for the opportunity to give back to the organisation that supported me with a scholarship during my Masters – this project has been a very personal way to celebrate and honour their impact."

The mural will be a permanent feature of the new community centre, opening next year. The centre is being designed as a welcoming, inclusive hub for cultural, educational, interfaith and civic engagement. There will be a dedicated prayer space for the currently underserved Muslim community, alongside an area open to people of all faiths and none, celebrating shared values and supporting local community groups and charities.