His interest in Islamic art and design led him to collect artworks and photographs.[21] Later his photographs were used to illustrate books on Islamic architecture such as Arab Architecture: Past and Present published by the Centre for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, University of Durham, 1983. He also supported the arts in practical ways. In the absence of art galleries in 1940s' Baghdad, Makiya opened his private home to host the first contemporary art exhibition featuring works by artist, Jawad Saleem.[22]