GlaswegAsians

GlaswegAsians is a unique display located within Scotland Street School Museum and developed in partnership with Colourful Heritage, an organisation devoted to gathering and sharing experiences of South Asian immigration in Scotland. 

The display contains a fascinating timeline dating from 1855 and amazing artefacts such as a pedlar licence, 250-year-old Quran, medal awarded in 1904 to an Indian Muslim soldier serving in World War 1 and an election poster from 1970 when Britain’s first Muslim was elected to public office.

It is Scotland’s first dedicated display that promotes the contributions of the South Asian community to Scotland. Explore how the ‘Punjabi peddlers’ evolved into ‘exceptional entrepreneurs’ and ‘pioneering political figures’. Learn about how they arrived and settled in Scotland. Discover the many social, economical and political ‘firsts’ achieved by this small yet very organised community that had a visionary outlook and learn about the early pioneers and the qualities they possessed that helped make this possible. Find out why Scotland produced not only the first Muslim Councillor but also the first Muslim MP in the UK.

Five specific themes covered at the exhibition are Entrepreneurship, Schools, Civic & Political engagement, Family and Social Life and Contributions to WW1 and WW2.

There are also a number of community events throughout the year that will explore the lives and stories of South East Asian communities in and around Glasgow and to help inspire future generations with their amazing journeys. Find out more about our events here.

Find out more about Colourful Heritage.