This visually stunning three part series explores the connection of the religion of Islam with its art and architecture, revealing how artistic giants such as Sinian were led by Islamic movement to craft a glorious aesthetic heritage. Their faith is reflected in the related but distinct achievements throughout the centuries: the Umayyads of Damascus, in the 9th and 10th, the 12th century Shi'ite Fatimids and 14th century Sunni Mamlukes of Cairo, and the Ottomans of Istanbul in the 15th and 16th centuries. The combinations of unsurpassed beauty and compelling storytelling makes this subject readily accessible to a broad audience.

Our presenter, Akbar Ahmed, attempts to find trust and shared values between Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Professor Ahmed was the Pakistani High Commissioner in London and has taught at Cambridge and Princeton Universities. He has been at the forefront of efforts to reconcile the adherents of different religious faiths, working especially with the widow of Daniel Pearl, the American journalist murdered in Pakistan. He is currently finishing a major research project and book for the Brookings Institution. Akbar Ahmed is a regular contributor to the BBC, CBS, and NBC.