Book dossier

Mosque manifesto

by Azra Aksamija

Mosque Manifesto offers a repertoire of ways in which creative forms of Islamic representation may generate empathy across cultures and counter polarization of our global society. The monograph brings together a range of unique and multidisciplinary projects created by the artist and architectural historian Dr. Azra Akšamija, who explores the theoretical, historical, socio-political and architectural dimensions of the mosque. The book presents a new theory of the mosque in form of a manifesto, exemplified through the lens of ten projects by Akšamija. Redefined through a set of conceptual generative principles, the mosque is not to be understood as a specific building type, as Akšamija claims and makes evident through her generic and personal, wearable and portable mosque designs. The mosque can also be thought of as an ephemeral, educational and performative space that can facilitate both religious and secular programs. As such, it can express spiritual, socio-cultural, and emotional needs of its community and postulate a space for a dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. Overall, the book questions the notion of agency in art and architecture in providing a critical response to societal polarization around Islam.