Photo: The Crescent, on Saturday 1 March evening, sighted from the Sydney Observatory. (Photo by Najia Khalil)
An attendee peers through the telescope, searching for the crescent on the second night of Ramadan.
Sydney Observatory in collaboration with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy (ISRA) and artist Shireen Taweel, presented an evening of insights into Islamic astronomy and its connection to cultural narratives, navigation and cosmology on Saturday 1 March 2025.
Located on Gadigal land, a national place of connection and scientific research, Sydney Observatory is a symbol of time and history since 1858 having evolved over the years from steering ships to mapping stars, housing some of Australia’s first weather maps to its role now as a public educational space and museum.
The unique event was curated by the Powerhouse Museum being its first event for Ramadan as part of its efforts to cultivate its connection with the Muslim communities around Sydney in anticipation for the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta in 2026.
The program started with storytelling, hosted by writer Annie McCann at 6 pm where Artists, musicians, academics, and writers presenting works, inspired by Ramadan and the sighting of the new crescent moon, featuring performances by Three Rivers Ensemble and Harley Goodman and talks by Shireen Taweel and Professor Mehmet Ozalp.
There was a parallel program for children Kid’s Crescent including activities for young people facilitated by writer Farah Elsaket and members of the ISRA Children’s Library.
At sunset at 7.30 pm sighting the new crescent moon ceremony was held from the western side of Observatory Hill followed by Maghreb prayer in congregation.
The visitors enjoyed the Stripped Gaza Street Food and finally Isha was performed at 9 pm after twilight disappeared in congregation followed by Taraveeh prayers.
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