New book on British Gujarati Muslim history in Blackburn

Author, poet, journalist and researcher, Imtiaz Patel Varediawala (Tankarvi), has announced the release of his sixth publication, 'British Indian Gujarati Muslim Communities: Early Settlers – History and Heritage'.

The 600-page book brings together more than five years of research and includes more than 91 interviews, many with women for the first time highlighting their impactful role in our society.

It also includes six academic articles, over 400 rare photographs, and more than 30 letters of commendation from critics, scholars, and institutions.

The book features pictures from across the UK  (Image: Imtiaz Patel)

Village Nabipur, Gujarat, India (Image: Imtiaz Patel) Focusing on the Bharuchi and Surti Vahora communities, the book examines nearly six decades of migration, identity formation, and the preservation of religious and cultural heritage in the UK.

It highlights the communities' contributions to British society and records the stories of early settlers with depth and accuracy.

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L: Poet Dawood Premi, one of the early settlers to Blackburn. R: Author Imtiaz Patel. (Image: Imtiaz Patel) Speaking about the project, Imtiaz Patel said: “This book is a tribute to the resilience, determination, vision, and identity of our elders who, despite numerous challenges, laid strong foundations in a new land.

"It seeks to honour and preserve the untold fascinating and inspiring stories of our ancestors’ migration, the formation of our communities, and the richness of our cultural and religious heritage—with dignity, accuracy, and historical integrity.”

One of the pictures from Imtiaz's book: Hafeji Desai, founder and former president of Bicknell Street Mosque, Blackburn with his friends and family. (Image: Imtiaz Patel) The book is intended not just as a historical account, but also as a cultural preservation initiative for future generations, aimed at safeguarding the identity, values, and legacy of British Indian Gujarati Muslim communities for future generations.

It weaves personal stories with academic research to offer a valuable resource for community members, scholars, and policymakers.

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Author Imtiaz Patel conducting an educational and community awareness outreach session led in collaboration with historians, educators, and community leaders at The World Bharuchi Vahora Federation, Bharuch, Gujarat, India. (Image: Imtiaz Patel)

Imtiaz toured India and the UK, where he engaged with a diverse range of scholars, community leaders, youth groups, and educational institutions.

He also conducted interactive sessions on the importance of documenting and preserving history, heritage, and identity, especially in diasporic contexts. 

The publication is the result of unpaid work by more than 26 volunteers.

Imtiaz added: "Their collective effort stands as a tribute to the community’s past, an archive of identity, and a legacy for younger generations to appreciate and learn from."