The Islamic architecture of Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

In recent years political instability in parts of the Middle East and the increasing ease of world travel have resulted in the growth of strong Moslem communities in many Western countries. In their determination to maintain their faith, these communities regard a local mosque as especially important, a place in which to gather for prayers and instruct their children, but also a symbol of Islam in a non-moslem world. Such buildings are influenced by a number of factors by the traditions of the local area as well as those of Islam, and by the needs and desires of the community. This report sets out to examine mosques in New Zealand and Australia, and to place them in context by identifying the main features and styles in Islamic architectural traditions, and looking at current trends in the interaction between the Islamic World and the West.