The Mosques of Britain

This book is concerned with the expression of Muslim identity in the mosque architecture of Britain. Thus the situation of British Muslims will be discussed - as an active minority - to understand their background and structure. Accordingly their social and cultural problems, aspirations and ways of expression are important background material. A number of mosques in different cities of Britain will be analyzed, as examples of how British Muslims use the mosque as a way of expressing their identity and presence. The extent to which British mosques have succeeded in fulfilling their functions and in expressing the character of Islamic architecture remains little studied, as does their integration within the urban fabric, and their role in what can be called "Contemporary Mosque Architecture". The situation of the Muslim community in Britain could be used as an indicator of other similar situations in the West.