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March 04, 2005
Some thoughts and views
The city of Doha and the whole country of Qatar are an interesting mix of contrasts, not least the architecture and the influence of the culture. Mosques, rather like Christian Churches, have a basic layout, but they, like churches, also reflect the wealth and status of the congregation in many ways. They range from the truly tiny, and frequently very basic, to the truly magnificent.
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The mosque around the corner from the office, relatively new and beautifully decorated with geometric patterns.
The one I have chosen to show here is relatively new and beautifully decorated. The Arabic passion for geometric designs runs to an exquisite freize around the parapet of the principle part and to the detailing of the minaret itself. Another feature of all mosques, no matter how small, is the large and powerful speakers mounted on the minaret. When the Muezzins begin their calls to prayer, the din is something else; some are musically inventive and pleasant and some shouldn't attempt to sing anything!
The first call of the day is at sunrise - around 0515 at this time, and it's impossible to sleep beyond that! No wonder so many Qataris start workl at 0600 and stop at 1300 - then come back for a couple of hours in the evening!
Posted by The Gray Monk at March 4, 2005 09:43 AM
Comments
It is funny you mention the wake-up call. Muslims here in Holland are integrating and they build mosques. These are very ugly buildings in my opinion, but they are quiet.
Not to say Islam is without tolerance.
Furthermore, I stranded on this Blog when i read your year-old essay on the crusades, which you title a belated response. I'm sorry to disappoint you but that is unprovable or non-existant. There simply was no learned consciousness of the crusades as a Response. Not on the christian side and not on the muslim-side. Pilgrims have been visiting Jerusalem freely and peacefully.
Posted by: Jonathan Even-Zohar at March 9, 2005 12:51 PM