QUILLIAM’S UNBUILT VISION

LIVERPOOL CATHEDRAL MOSQUE (1990s)

Buoyed by the rising success of the Liverpool Muslim Institute as well as the rising numbers of reverts to Islam during the late 19th century, Quilliam arranged plans for a purpose-built ‘cathedral mosque’ to be built in the city. This proposed mosque would have space to accommodate 1,500 worshippers at any given time, including a private space for women as well as printing works to publish journals (Geaves, R. 2010). The 1890s elevation drawing of the then proposed mosque shows a three-storey building drawing inspiration from the traditional North African architectural style, through its dome, short minaret, and stepped battlements (fig 19). It was evident that Abdullah Quilliam’s design and architectural style behind the visionary purpose-built mosque were acquired from his travels in Morocco. This proposal is a good example of cultural architectural influence on the design of mosques not only in Britain but rather all around the globe.

Every geographical location and time period have their distinctive architectural styles, not necessarily in mosque architecture, but in general use and design application - Whether it be the type of materials that may be common to a geographical region, or the application of those materials, to the ornamental detail and aesthetical appearance of the exterior and interior spaces. The 1890s proposed purpose-built cathedral mosque was an early indication of the Islamic as well as the cultural architectural influence on mosque architecture that has been established within the mosques in Britain. It was also a great example of how migration and movement

of people within different geographical locations has an impact on architectural styles. This effect of globalization allows for the application of cultural aesthetics as well as creating homogenous architecture under the umbrella of religion, Islam.

Figure 19: Quilliams unbuilt proposed Cathedral Mosque, Liverpool Records