The first mosque designed by a woman has opened it doors for public last Friday. The Şakirini mosque is located in Üsküdar on the Asian side in Istanbul and has been designed under the leadership of Istanbul designer Zeynep Fadillioglu. The design is based on plans of the famous mosque architect Hüsrev Tayla and is combining classical and modern architecture. The Şakirini mosque is therefore unique because designer Zeynep Fadillioglu had a special focus on a equal space for woman. Although traditionally women pray in galleries, many imported religious rules have replaced the turkish moslem traditions. For this reason many muslim women in turkey, face difficult conditions for prayers. They have to sneak in from side doors, have to pray in separated rooms or behind men. But today’s muslima emancipate them self and they claim for their traditional rights and spaces. A separated gallery above men has been built only for women . Not only the gallery is remarkable, also the love for many design details is obvious. The windows have special texture, which cast a Koran sure cloud over the carpet. In the atrium, a water covered ball for the ritual washings, catches the visitors attention. The design of the dome is very outstanding and reminding of a women’s headscarf. The Şakirini mosque is not only a successful piece of architecture, sulry also positive signal for all turkish muslima and a directory for the strength of their emancipation.

by jinn.tv corespondent: al-jinn

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