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THE 3 MAIN MOSQUE TYPOLOGIES IN BRITAIN
from THE BRITISH MUSLIMS AND THE MOSQUES - An architectural, cultural and theological approach
by abmukadam
Before we progress into the first mosque in Britain, it is important to understand the three different mosque typologies: 1. House conversion mosques are former houses, generally terraced typology that has undergone some internal and occasionally exterior changes to create better use of space – removal of walls, doors, or even corridors. 2. Similarly, non-domestic conversions are mosques that have replaced former warehouses, halls, churches, and even pubs. The extent of building work and changes vary according to the previous use of the building. Some require minimal work, whereas other conversions may involve extensive changes to the floor plans. 3. The purpose-built mosque is one that has been designed and constructed from the ground up as a completely new building - a mosque.
As there is no official database nor a collective that accurately lists all of the mosques in Britain, “the best estimate is in the region of 1,500. Of which, approximately 200 are purpose-built, the rest being either converted houses or other non-residential conversions”. (Saleem, 2012-2018).
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According to the findings above from Shahed Saleems book, “The British Mosque, an architectural and social history”, it is suggested that from the estimated 1500 mosques in Britain, approximately 16% are purpose-built. Whereas the remainder are converted, of which more than half are house mosques.
The question that arises then is, ‘why are converted
mosques so popular in Britain till this day, even with a
rapidly growing Muslim population?’ In order to find a reasonable answer to the question, we must look at the history of mosques in Britain.
Opposite - Figure 9: Approx proportion of mosque typologies in Britain.
Figure 10: Abdullah Quilliam (1856 - 1932)
