Since 1982, in the course of regular travel to Anatolia, I have occupied myself intensively with the multi-faceted, milleniums old history of the region. As an architect I follow the developments in the architecture of mosques with great interest.
Please feel free to contact me at any time for more information about these plans for a Friday Mosque.
In presenting this concept for the construction of a mosque, it has been important to me to make a contribution to the architecture of mosques in the 21st century. An interesting challenge for me as an architect has been to follow the strict lines of tradition and at the same time to pose the question of whether the mosque with all its complementary aspects meets the demands made upon it today, these demands having certainly changed since Mohammed‘s day.
The adequate and appropriate use of modern building materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, and glass, to mention only a few, was for me a clear and unquestioned choice. Although for thousands of years arch and vault constructions were the only way to create large unobstructed interiors without supporting columns, I consider them to be obsolete today.
I have done my utmost to approach the complex task of planning an Islamic house of worship with the necessary respect as well as with the greatest esteem for the believers.
009.108 YUSUFALI
„... There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure.“
PICKTHAL
„... A place of worship which was found upon duty (to Allah) from the first day is more worthy that thou shouldst stand (to pray) therein, wherein are men who love to purify themselves. Allah loveth the purifiers.“
SHAKIR
„... certainly a masjid founded on piety from the very first day is more deserving that you should stand in it; in it are men who love that they should be purified; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.“
(Koran 9:108)
(*The mosque at Kufa, around 2 miles from Medina. - The first public house of worship in Islam)
