THE EUROPEAN IDENTITY OF THE CONTEMPORARY MOSQUE

Abstract

The notion that hybrid identities are created by globalization is appealing, however, the architecture of mosques shows little evidence of resisting the replication of idealized forms and their dissemination. The gradual integration of Islamic communities into European cities and their consequent emergence as self-aware social constituents have given rise to the need for constructing new mosques that fulfill diverse functions, ranging from providing liturgical prayer spaces and communal services to serving as symbols of identity and self-representation. Despite its rapid growth and significant presence among migrants and new European converts, Islam is still considered a minority religion in Europe, with insufficient recognition of its spatial presence. Within the last century, European mosques have adopted a range of architectural approaches, including traditional, simulacrum, and hermeneutical, as the responsive endeavor to portray the notion of a mosque’s identity. As such, the aim of this study is to establish a comprehensive understanding of the European identity of contemporary mosques by the central methodology employed that draws upon Henri Lefebvre's approach to conduct an analysis of the concept of space, which is shaped by the production of space. The objective of this research is to investigate the viability of establishing a unified and comprehensive architectural language that encompasses mosques within the intricate and diverse European landscape, while simultaneously examining the concept of a cohesive European identity within the realm of contemporary mosque design.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Islamic Studies