Mosque compound design booklet by Jun LIU

ALL ABOUT PALESTINE

Palestinian holding their national flag (Source: drawn by author)

‫كل يشء عن فلسطني‬ Thesis studio 08/There is space for you right here Studio Leader/Marijke Davey Student name/Jun Liu Student number/1038743 Master of architecture/Melbourne School of Design

ALL ABOUT PALESTINE

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THESIS STATEMENT

The mosque carries Islamic culture since 7th century. It holds Islamic ceremonies, provides place for Muslims worship, and contains the history for more than a millennia. After 70 years conflict between Israel and Palestine, Oush Grab is transforming from a former Israeli military base to an abandoned public space. What are the possibilities of this leftover site? Based on the research on mosque and the affordances, this thesis will be looking at the mosque, designing Oush Grab Mosque Compound for local communities.

Brief sitting - One of prayer procedures (Source: drawn by author)

ALL ABOUT PALESTINE

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CONTENTS 1. Background 1.1 Where are we? 1.1.1 Map of MENA Region 1.1.2 Map of Palestine and occupied Palestine 1.2 What is life in Palestine 1.2.1 Wajib - The wedding invitation 1.2.2 The day of catastrophe in Palestine

2. What are we looking at?

2.1 Al Aqsa Compound - the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 2.2 Affordance theory 2.3 The affordances of Al Aqsa compound in the context of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

3. Research 3.1 Wudhu 3.2 Salah 3.3 Iftar 3.4 Overlaying map of rituals inside Al Aqsa Mosque 3.5 Mosques 3.5.1 Classical mosque layout 3.5.2 Modern mosque precedents 3.5.3 Spaces for muslims spiritual meanings 3.6 Qiblah

4. Sketch design

4.1 Site 4.2 Initial design thought 4.3 Design attempts after mid-semester discussion

5. Design approach Prayer hall (Source: drawn by author)

5.1 Architectural elements 5.2 The third Design attempt 5.3 Islamic patterns

6. Oush Grab Mosque design 7. Mmuseumm 8. References

1. BACKGROUND

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1. BACKGROUND

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1.1 WHERE ARE WE?

1. BACKGROUND

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‫الخريطة اإلقليمية للرشق األوسط وشامل إفريقيا‬

REGIONAL MAP OF THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTHERN AFRICA

Regional map of Middle East and Northern Africa (Mena Region)

9. 10. 8. 11. 12. 14. 13. 16. 17. 18. 15. ‫نانبل‬ ‫ندرألا ايروس‬ Türkiye ‫نيطسلف‬ ‫تيوكلا رطق ةدحتملا ةيبرعلا تارامإلا نامع قارعلا ةيدوعسلا‬ Turkey Palestine Lebanon Syria Jordan Saudi Arabia Iraq Oman United Arab Emirates Qatar ‎Kuwait

21. 20. 19. ‫نيرحبلا نَمَيلا ناریا‬ Iran Yemen Bahrain

MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES Black Sea

Caspian Sea

8 4 North Atlantic Ocean

Mediterranean Sea

10 11 9 12

19 14 13

１

18 Persian Gulf

Gulf of Oman

16 15

Red Sea

20 7

2. 3. 1. 4. ‫برغملا‬ ‫سنوت رئازجلا‬‎ ‫ةيبرغلا ءارحصلا‬ Morocco Algeria Tunisia Western Sahara

5. ‫ايبيل‬ Libya

6. ‫رصم‬ Egypt

Arabian Sea

Gulf of Aden

7. ‫نادوسلا‬ Sudan

NORTHERN AFRICA COUNTRIES

MENA region shares many similarities, Palestine is one of territories in MENA region. South Atlantic Ocean

Our site is in the junction of Middle East and Northern Africa, which is almost the centre of MENA region. MENA region has a long territory from Morroco in the west to Iran in the east. This term is often used in many academic and geographical areas. There are a bunch of similarities throughout the whole area, in terms of culture, economy and environment. MENA has no standardised definition; it can also include some additional countries. 1 ("MENA," 2020)

Indian Ocean

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500 250

1000 km

MENA map (Source: drawn by author)

1. MENA, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MENA

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‫خريطة فلسطني وأرايض فلسطني املحتلة‬

MAP OF PALESTINE AND OCCUPIED PALESTINE TERRITORIES

Map of Palestine and occupied Palestine

LEBANON

SYRIA

Sea of Galilee

Mediterranean Sea

WEST BANK

PALESTINE

Dead Sea

GAZA STRIP

JORDAN

OCCUPIED PALESTINE

EGYPT

Palestine is consisted of West Bank and Gaza Strip, and now the administrative department is in Ramallah. The terrotory of Palestine is occupied since 1948. The territory was first occupied by Egypt and Jordan, after Sixda War in 1967, occupied by Israel until now. Palestine has more than 5 million population right now. 1 ("State of Palestine, " 2020) Palestine is shattered due to the endless occupation by countries, it is so bitter for Palestinians living in this territory. Because they are being surveillience and threatened. And the infrastructure is not advanced at all. However, Palestine is still alive although it has been removed by Google Map.

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50 25

100 km

REMOVING PALESTINE FROM THE MAP DOESN’T MEAN IT CEASE TO EXIST. Palestine map (Source: drawn by author)

1. State of Palestine, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine

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‫ص‬ ٰ َ ‫ٱلْ َم ْسجِ د ْٱلَ ْق‬ Old City, East Jerusalem

People praying at Great Mosque of Mecca Source: instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ alaqsamosque/

Religious ceremony at Great Mosque of Mecca Source: instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CIiZFMVB8hz/

People group picture at Al Aqsa Compound Source: instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ alaqsamosque/

#AlaqsaMosque on Instagram History of Al Aqsa Mosque: The mosque was a small prayer room firstly built by Umar. After that, it was rebuilt and expanded by Walid in 705. In 746, it was totally damaged by a severe earthquake, and was restored by Abbasid. In 780, the mosque was reconstructed again. In 1033, earthquake damaged the Al Aqsa area again. 2 years after, Ali az-Zahir erected another mosque, and its figure is still maintaining in the skeleton. The mosaics can also be seen and go back to that era. After many times renovations, the leaders built another components, for example, dome, facade, minarets and interior structure. In 1099, when the Crusaders consititute Jeruselem, they considered the mosque as church. When in 1187, the functions was recaptured because the mosque was back again by Saldin. Now, the old city including mosue conpound was controlled by Israeli forces, but managed by Jordanian and Palestinian organisation. This mosque is very close to important historical sites of Judaism and Christianity. Consequently, this place becomes a really sensitive place, and a focal point of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 1 ("Al-Aqsa Mosque, " 2020)

Old City map (Source: drawn by author)

1. Al-Aqsa Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa_Mosque

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1.2 WHAT IS LIFE IN PALESTINE?

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‫واجب‬ Wajib - The wedding invitation

Movie review of WAJIB - The wedding invitation The nation is a large family, Chasing freedom or being locked, doesn't depends on individuals. The government doesn't have a good city plan, but the family could consist of a series of unpredictable wonderful moments. Everything could be compromised when it comes to family, no matter how far you go and what occupation you do. Family "Living here, when people ask questions, it's best to answer the same answers as others think, otherwise they will ask more." Said Abu Shadi. The son said, "Why don't you say I am a pilot?" The father said, "They don't let Arabs be pilots." "The government doesn't have a good city plan." "Don't use green tarp, it's ugly and has no sense of aethetics." Said Shadi.

Living is choosing how you want to live

This is a cappuccino?

The neighbor told Shadi how proud his father was to him. Abu Shadi usually praised his son when he met people. The father also felt that his son could live a free life much better than he was in Israel. The father who started to understand his son instantly went home to boil water and prepare coffee. Then the father walked in and found that immediately after boiling water, he took coffee, plates, cups, and had a knife to drink with his son on the balcony. The father said, "You are right, the green cloth is really ugly" "But my sister likes it, doesn't it?" Cigarettes, coffee, father and son understand each other and tolerate everything. It will be late, and tomorrow will be a brand new day. Society it covered most of the racial issues after the separation of Palestine and Israel, and all aspects of Arabs living in Israel. After hitting a dog, Abu Shadi said, "Go, hurry. If this place lets them know that we hit their dog, how about it?" What I understood was an Arab in Israel. An Arab person is even not as free as a pet living in Israel.

There's nothing like home. Line drawing collage from movie Wajib - A wedding invitation (Source: drawn by author)

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‫ يوم االستقالل يف ارسائيل‬/ ‫يوم الكارثة يف فلسطني‬ The day of catastrophe in Palestine /The day of independence in Israel Land Day March 30 Land day is a day to commoemorate Arab citizens and Palestinians in 1976. In 1976, Israeli government plan to expropiate a large number of land. Palestinian people organised a big strike and marches. During the conflicts, 6 Arab people were killed and approximantely 100 people were wounded, and hundreds of people were arrested. This is the first time when Israeli Arab people response to Israeli policied as Palestinian people. It is also an important anniversary in Palestinian political calendar. 1 ("Land Day," 2020)

Happy Independence Day!

Nakba Day "Day of the Catastrophe" 15 May It is also the day of Israeli Independence Day. But for palestinian people, it is a day of catastrophe. 2 Nakba Day is started since 1998 by Yasser Arafat. ("Nakba Day," 2020)

Surely we will return, Palestine!

Independence Day of Israel 15 May 1948 The day is commemorate the Israeli Declaration of Independence. The celebration usually start at night, and lasts one day. This day is also Nakba Day in Palestine. 3 ("Independence Day (Israel)," 2020) The line drawing collage on the right hand side shows the scenario shows a great comparison between Palestinian people and Israeli people on 15 May. The day is a day of catastrophe for Palestinians but happy independence day for Israeli. Palestinian children is holding a slogan saying "surely we will return", while Israeli hold their national flag. What a big difference! This collage shows Israeli-Palestinian conflicts from the perspective of their key date.

Collage showing Israeli-Palestinian conflict (Source: drawn by author)

1. Land Day (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Day 2. Nakba Day, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakba_Day 3. Independence Day (Israel), (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Israel)

2. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

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2. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

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‫ْص‬ ٰ َ ‫ٱلْ َم ْسجِد ْٱلَق‬ Al Aqsa Compound

- the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Al Aqsa compound, is one of the most contested religious sites. It's holy to both, for Muslims and Jews. It's Islam's 3rd holiest site, mentioned several times in the Noble Quran. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad lifted to heaven from Al Aqsa compound. And many Jews, want to rebuild Solomon's Temple on this site. Al Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They've been fighting over its control since the creation of Israel in 1948. In 1967, Israel seized East Jerusalem and raised its flag over Al Aqsa. The "Preservation of the Holy Places Law" was passed afterwards to give worshippers access to holy sites. The site is administered by an Islamic authority (Waqf), but Israeli soldiers determine who can enter. Al Aqsa has been the focal point of many bitter clashes. Al Aqsa compound is what I am looking at, because it is the central of the conflict. It's not like the collage, Al Aqsa compound seems a peaceful place for both Jews and Muslims, but it is actually controlled by Israeli forces.

OLD CITY, JERUSALEM Old City map (Source: drawn by author)

2. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

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‫املسجد األقىص‬ Al Aqsa Mosque and surrounding public spaces

This is the plan of Al Aqsa mosque, situated in the south of Al Aqsa compound, Old City, Jeruselem. The mosque controls the public spaces around it, and it is also the most important building in the area. Muslims can do worship here, and others can roaming around in the compound. The public space provide a bunch of void spaces for local communities. The plan on the right hand side is Al Aqsa mosque. From the plan, we can see a large interior area where people can do worship and other religious ceremonies. Around the mosque are public spaces, where people relaxed, gathered, and communicating with each other. It is a really good example to balance interior and exterior.

OLD CITY, JERUSALEM Plan of Al Aqsa Mosque (Source: drawn by author)

2. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT?

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‫وظائف مجمع األقىص يف سياق الرصاع اإلرسائييل الفلسطيني‬ The affordances of Al Aqsa compound in the context of Israeli-Palestinian conflict Definition of "affordance": "Affordance is what the environment offers the individual" - Gibson, 1966

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Worship

Pray

Relaxation /Social interactio

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Roam

Iftar

Pray

……

People behaviours and plan of Iftar (Source: drawn by author)

Plan of prayer in Al Aqsa compound (Source: drawn by author)

TEMPLE MOUNT

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AL AQSA MOSQUE

Muslims pray in the public square in Al Aqsa Compound in front of Al Aqsa Mosque. Plan of prayer in Al Aqsa compound (Source: drawn by author)

Al Aqsa compound map (Source: drawn by author)

1. Affordance (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordance

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3. RESEARCH

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‫الوضوء‬ Wudhu

"Cleanliness is half of faith" - Islamic prophet Muhammad ("Wudhu," 2020)

Series images of Muslim performing Wudhu (Source: illustrated by author)

Hands

Mouth, nose and face

Right arm and their left arm

Hair and Ear

Right foot and left foot

Firstly, muslims need to clean their hands. The Prophet said, "cleanliness is half of faith".

Muslims should clean their mouth three times by using water after they clean their hands.

After they clean their hands, mouth and face, they should clean their arms.

The fourth step is to clean their hair and ear by using water.

This is the last step of Wudhu ritual.

They have to clean and wear neatly when they are doing prayer. They firstly wash the right hand, then wash left hand.

They clean their right arm first, then left arm, both three times. This is the order of cleanliness that Muslims should obey.

Muslims should clean up to their ankles three times each foot. Some other rituals are also recommended to be done, for example, brushing their teeth.

Wudhu, (2020). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/wudhu/

3. Research

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‫ٱلص َلة‬‎ َّ Salah Salah is daily routine, which is a physical, mental, and spiritual act of worship which should be done 5 times one day in certain times.

Takbir

Qiyaam

Ruku

Before qiyaam

Sujud

First step of Salah is entering into the mood of prayer.

The second step of Salah is to firstly make compliments to their God, and stand.

The third step is bowing, while they also glory their god at the meantime.

The fourth step is to change position to upright position. They recite part of Quran, and also show compliment to God.

The 5th step is to prostrate. Parts of one's body should firmly touch the ground.

Brief sitting Then they change the position to sitting position

Sujud The 7th step is the same as the 5th step. They also says "God is Great".

Tashahhud The 8th step is to change back to the 6th position, sitting position.

Peace to the right Muslims turn the face to right, and show their glory to god.

Peace to the left Muslims doing the same thing as the 9th step, and they repeat the compliment to their God.

Muslims prayer movements, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/salah

Series images of Muslim performing Salah (Source: illustrated by author)

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‫ٱلص َلة‬‎ َّ Salah (Plan) Both image below shows the Salah ritual performed at Al-Aqsa Compound.

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Sujud

Plan of prayer in Al Aqsa compound (Source: drawn by author)

Sitting Position

Plan of prayer in Al Aqsa compound (Source: drawn by author)

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‫ٱلص َلة‬‎ َّ Salah (Plan) The image below shows what's happening in the interior Al Aqsa Compound. This is an overlay drawing, showing activities including Salah and Iftar.

Ceremonies holding in Al Aqsa mosque (Source: drawn by author)

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‫إفطار‬‎ Iftar

Muslims have to fast everyday during Ramadan. Iftar means the evening meal that Muslims have when they break their fast at sunset. This is the second meal each day during Ramadan. The fast starts right after the pre-dawn meal which is named Suhur, and ends with sunset meal which is Iftar. 1 (Iftar, 2020)

Ceremonies holding in Al Aqsa mosque (Source: drawn by author)

Iftar (Source: drawn by author)

Iftar, (2020). Retrieved from https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftar

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‫خريطة مرتاكبة للطقوس داخل املسجد األقىص‬ Overlaying map of rituals inside Al Aqsa Mosque

Plan of Al Aqsa Mosque (Source: drawn by author)

Ceremonies holding in Al Aqsa mosque (Source: drawn by author)

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3.5 MOSQUES

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‫تخطيط املسجد الكالسييك‬ 3.5.1 Classical mosque layout summary

1. Single dome layout

2. Earring layout

3. Multiple dome layout

Minaret. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/search/mosque+in+turkey/

fig. 1-6. Mustafa, F. A., & Hassan, A. S. (2013). Mosque layout design: An analytical study of mosque layouts in the early Ottoman period. Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2(4), 445-456.

4. Duplicate dome layout

5. Courtyard dome layout

6. Earring dome courtyard layout

Dome. (2020) Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/search/mosque+in+turkey/

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‫سوابق املساجد الحديثة‬ 3.5.2 Modern mosque precedents

1. Camlica Mosque by Tuncer Cakmakli Architects,

2. Contemporary mosque

Istanbul, Turkey

Copenhagen

5. King Abdullah Financial District Mosque FXFOWLE Architects

6. Masjid Permata Qolbu by MASS Jakarta, Indonesia

figure 1-8. 8 modern mosques. (2020). Retrieved from https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/8-modern-mosques/

3. Halide Edip Adivar Mosque Manco Architects Istanbul, Turkey

4. Islamic Cultural Center and Museum of Tolerance BIG Tirana, Albania

7. The Vanishing Mosque Rux Design U.A.E.

8. Wall Dome by Paolo Venturella Architects

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‫فضاءات للمعاين الروحية للمسلمني‬ 3.5.3 Spaces for muslims spiritual meanings

Spaces for muslims Spiritual Meanings: + Spirituality is vital in balance physical and psychological factors. + Muslims' spirituality can be set up through the built emnvironment. + Mosques can be one of the built environment to set up Muslims' spirituality + Muslims' spirituality can be nurtured when they are doing Salah or other forms of rituals.

Spaces is considered to have the reward in Islam: + the mosques and houses are considered to be the good spaces to conduct Salah. + It has higher rewards when doing Salah at dawn and evening. + The distance and way approaching the mosque play an important role of values. The longer way a Muslim go, the higher reward they will get.

Spiritual Theory: + It would be better to perform ritual worship in a cozy room ambience, it will make someone more relexed. + Sincere ritualities can be a vital factor influence one's feeling. + A great space can provide the users an aesthetic feeling when they do worships. (Jung, 2011) (Dewiyanti & Kusuma, 2012) Spirit of Islam. (2010). Retrieved from http://puspafun.blogspot.com/

Dewiyanti, D., & Kusuma, H. E. (2012). Spaces for Muslims spiritual meanings. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50, 969-978.

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‫فضاءات للمعاين الروحية للمسلمني‬ 3.5.3 Spaces for muslims spiritual meanings Disturbing things in prayer

Factors that influence the ambience of a mosque:

In mosque design, visual disturbances should be avoid, otherwise it will cause the congregation feeling bad.

+ The mosque figure People would feel astonished when they pray in a vast and nocolumn space. + Form and space People's positive feelings can be evoked by the ambience of the built environment. Aesthetic plays an important role in mosque design Clean and Neat. + Time Morning and evening prayers are considered to have the highest reward. + The prayer room should be silent and in a mild temperature. + One's heart + Materiality should be articulated

+ Interior ornaments - Color Red/Black/Green - Motive of Ornament Single colour carpet - Hijab Height preferrable half transparent - Calligraphy + hearing and smell - Noise Vehicles from outside Noise from other congregation - Odour The Prophet Muhammad suggests Muslims using perfumes before the way to mosque, and Muslims are banned to eat onions before prayer. Another source of unpleasant odour is wet carpet, toilet, and garbage smell from exterior building. These should be avoid.

Spirit of Islam. (2010). Retrieved from http://puspafun.blogspot.com/

Factors that supporting mosque ambience: + Spitial and visual experience factors Muslims feel astonished when they standing in a space without columns in front of a nomerous mosque. Uniqueness. Religious journey. Humans are not alone in this world.

+ Facing the nuances of almighty The main intend of praying at the mosque is to do worship with other people, because its reward is similar to the Hajj. Emotional factors: Contemplative atmosphere. The ambience of personal contemplation makes one shed tears, Muslims emotion can be aroused when they regrets, and fears. Also, they often make people stand out from enter the mosque. The comparison between small unbearable emotions. themselves and huge mosque figure would make them astonished. And they will feel they are being + Visual sensory and concentration watched. The interior ornament should be considered. Soft colours and a thick carpet are considered to give people a feeling of softness, thus helping people in a good emotion of prayer. (Dewiyanti & Kusuma, 2012)

Dewiyanti, D., & Kusuma, H. E. (2012). Spaces for Muslims spiritual meanings. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50, 969-978.

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‫فضاءات للمعاين الروحية للمسلمني‬ 3.5.3 Spaces for muslims spiritual meanings

Conclusion Key points in mosque design: + the mosque can build Muslims' spirituality and give them values + Mosque is considered to be the house of God, making people have a feeling of astonishing + Ornaments are not of prime important Ornament should be eliminated, otherwise the ornament will distract people when they doing prayer. Also, architectural aesthetics should be considered as well. + Design should focus on: (1) temperature (2) ventilation (3) view connection between interior and exterior (4) lighting quality + the increasing of spirituality: (1) Self-confidence (2) Harmony with nature (3) Harmony with others (4) Relationship with God

Dome. (2020) Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/search/mosque+in+turkey/

Dewiyanti, D., & Kusuma, H. E. (2012). Spaces for Muslims spiritual meanings. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50, 969-978.

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‫القبلة‬ 3.6 Qiblah

Qiblah, also spelled qibla or kiblah. Qiblah Qiblah is the direction of the sacred shrine of the Kaabah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims are facing Qiblah when they doing Salah, which means they changed their orientation five times a day during prayer. 1 ("Qiblah," 2020)

Oush Grab, Palestine

21.7°

Kaaba Sacred mosque & Muslim pilgrimage site, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Regional map. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@27.4605986,35.4701294,2922418m/data=!3m1!1e3

1. Qiblah, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/Qiblah

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4. SKETCH DESIGN

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4.1 SITE

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‫ فلسطني‬، ‫ بيت لحم‬، ‫ بيت ساحور‬، ‫أوش جراب‬ 4.1.1 Oush Grab, Bayt Sahur, Bethlehem, Palestine

Former military base

Oush Grab satellite map. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/@31.6972086,35.2398923,256m/data=!3m1!1e3

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‫سيناريوهات تحول أوش جراب‬ 4.1.2 Scenarios of transformation process of Oush Grab

Fenced israeli military base

Military activities

Abandoned

Abandoned Oush Grab

Oush Grab transformation diagram. Traced and refined by author

Hilal, S., Petti, A., & Werizman, E. (2009). Decolonizing Architecture Scenarios for the transformation of Israeli settlements. 80 ZARAR CHITECTURE, 35

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‫مذكرات‬ 4.1.3 Oush Grab Diary

Group work, credit to Yifei 67

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‫مذكرات‬ 4.1.3 Oush Grab Diary

Group work, credit to Yifei 69

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4.1.4 Site Plan

Oush Grab

Group work, credit to Jiawei 71

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4.1.5 Plan

50m

Activities in Oush Grab 1:200 @A0 drawn by author

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4.1.6 Section

Group work, credit to Yifei 75

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4.1.7 Digital model

Group work, credit to Naiji 77

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4.2 INITIAL DESIGN THOUGHT

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Design Brief for Oush Grab (Initial thought of design) - Jun Oush Grab is a historical place which was an Israeli military base, but now it seems being shattered and abandoned. My intention is to re-active Oush Grab by designing a Oush Grab community centre, where more people can be attracted and gathered. It might be multi-functional, but I will be paying more attention to providing a religious space for peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleanliness, prayer, fasting, etc. In another words, making the site to become a place which can hold every Islamic religious ceremony, for example, Iftar. Muslims can pray everywhere, and they need to pray five times a day. The highlight of the design supposes to be the religious space. It should be consisted with both an interior space and exterior space. For the interior, religious atmosphere is the key design point. The atmosphere can be created by trying different combination of materiality and Islamic architectural symbols, and the use of natural light is important as well. For the exterior, space sequences and space scale should be explicit. Besides, education, medical treatment and childcare also part of the concerns of local community. I hope this community centre also have functions like clinic, playground and public spaces. Oush Grab is located to the east of Bethlehem, which is the place of Jesus nativity, also a tourism city. A gallery/museum can also be built here to showcase the history of Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the occupation of Oush Grab. Small hills around the site is a good landscape advantages, making it looks like a fortress, which is one of the characteristics of the site. I think I will make full use of it. For the old buildings, I might choose to renovate one or two of them. I can expect many possibilities on this site to make the local community live a better life and inherit its precious history. In conclusion, my proposed design is Oush Grab community centre, which provides multi-functional buildings and public spaces for the community. The rooms include but not limited to cleanliness room, prayer room, clinic room, and gallery/museum. The outdoor spaces include prayer spaces, fast breaking spaces, playground, public spaces, car parking areasâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Visitors

Car parking area

Oush Grab Garden

Visitors Entrance Local community

Underground/Ritual/Atmosphere

Viewing deck for visitors

Oush Grab Mall

Information Centre

Museum

+ Outdoor Prayer + Fast breaking

Religious building (Cleanliness room+prayer room)

Religious Public space

Playground

Children playground

Muslims praying face to Mecca 82

Initial idea (Source: drawn by author)

4. Sketch Design

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Oush Grab Garden

Viewing deck for visitors

Religious Public space + Outdoor Prayer + Fast breaking

Children playground

Initial idea (Source: drawn by author)

4. Sketch Design

There is space for you right here

Oush Grab Garden Car parking area Visitors Entrance Underground/Ritual/Atmosphere

Information Centre

Viewing deck for visitors

Oush Grab Mall

+ Outdoor Prayer + Fast breaking

Religious building (Cleanliness room+prayer room)

Religious Public space

Playground

Museum

Local community

Children playground

Muslims praying face to Mecca 86

Initial idea (Source: drawn by author)

4. Sketch Design

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4.3 DESIGN ATTEMPTS AFTER MID-SEMESTER DISCUSSION

4. Sketch Design

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4.3.1 first attempt (week 10) Site Plan 1:1000 @A3

After mid-semester's guide, the initial thought of designing a Oush Grab Community Centre has been abandoned. My thesis is going to design a mosque, and its surrounding public spaces. This first attempt design considers the overall shape of the mosque, and attempt to use the encapsulated embankment as public space. However, it is missing consideration of circulation, scale,etc.

Preliminary design model (Source: drawn by author)

4. Sketch Design

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4.3.2 second attempt (week 10) Site Plan 1:2000 @A3

The 2nd attempt is considerably bias in terms of the scale. It is too large. The whole compound is approx. 300m by 200m large. Because the design is misled by the scale of Al Aqsa Compound. However, this attempt has considered the site entrance, exit, and axis including west-to-east axis and qibla axis.

Preliminary design model (Source: drawn by author)

5. Design approach

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5. DESIGN APPROACH

The mosque design composed with firstly figuring out the architectural elements needed and then ornamental strategies.

5. Design approach

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5.1 ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

Bing an islamic symbol, "Islamic Arch" carries islamic architecture style.

5. Design approach

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5.1.1 Al Aqsa compound architectural elements

Archtectural elements that Al Aqsa Mosque Compound have: Dome; Arch; Terrace; Greenland; Pedestrain zone; Wall; Trees; Pigeon; People; etc. Isometric Drawing of Al Aqsa compound. Retrieved from https://www.iai.it/en/eventi/israels-annexationplan-how-should-europe-react

5. Design approach

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5.1.2 Possibilities of architectural elements

What if these architectural elements can be simplified to one element? "Arch" has many possibilities because of its fluit shape and firm structure. Architectural elements. Source: drawn by author

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5. Design approach

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5.1.3 Simplify and mutate

Architectural elements. Source: drawn by author

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5. Design approach

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5.1.4 Moments created by elements

Entrance Prototype

moments created by architectural elements. Source: drawn by author

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5. Design approach

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5.1.5 Mosque prototype

The entrance and mosque prototype give an unique discipline in afterwards design.

mosque main hall prototype Source: drawn by author

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5. Design approach

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5.2 THE THIRD DESIGN ATTEMPT

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5. Design approach

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5.2.1 third attempt / Prorotype of the compound

This third attempt design outlines the situation of the mosque and entrance, qibla axis, and the overall architecture figure, but still missing details and public spaces. Oush Grab compound Preliminary design Source: drawn by author

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5. Design approach

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5.3 ISLAMIC PATTERNS

Islamic patterns can be found onthe surfaces of islamic architecture. And it is one of islamic architecture ornamental strategies.

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5. Design approach

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5.3 Islamic patterns

Islamic geometric pattern traced by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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6. OUSH GRAB MOSQUE COMPOUND DESIGN

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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Affordance 2

Site Plan

Friday Prayer

1:500 @A3

2:21 pm, Asr time 27 Rabi ul Awal, 1442 13 Nov, 2020

On the holiest hill summit

10 9

1. west site entrance 2. north site entrance 3. east site exit 4. spiritual arch journey 5. mosque entrance 6. mosque courtyard 7. mosque dome 8. mosque minaret 9. outdoor prayer space 10. terrace prayer space 11. roaming path 118

Panel 1 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-2 5

Worship

Ground Floor Plan

Iftar

1:200 @A3

8:21 pm, after Isha time 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

when muslims break their fast.

1. ablution room 2. mosque main hall 5. mosque entrance 6. mosque courtyard 9. outdoor prayer space 120

2m 0

10m Panel 2 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-3

Faith

site entrance

Fajr Salah

north elevation 1:1000 @A3

5:04 am, dawn 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

Praying to God and giving thanks soon after waking, gives muslins peace to better approach each day.

5m 0

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10m

25m

Panel 3 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-4

God & Muslims

mosque entrance

10 mins before Zuhr Salah

Elevation 1:50 @A3

12:30 pm, noon 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

The mosque vast dimensions gives the feeling of astonishing.

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Panel 4 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-5

Wudhu Ablution

ablution room

8 mins before Zuhr Salah

section 1:100 @A3

12:32 pm, noon 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

"Cleanliness is half of faith"

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10m Panel 5 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-6

Meditation

mosque courtyard

Zuhr Salah

plan 1:100 @A3

12:40 pm, noon 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

Spiritual threshold

1m 0

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10m Panel 6 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-7

Prayer

main hall

Asr Salah

section 1:200 @A3

4:15 pm, afternoon 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

Muslims spirituality can be built and its value can be lifted through prayer in the mosque.

1m 0

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5m Panel 7 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-8

Public space

compound

Maghrib Salah

plan 1:100 @A3

7:07 pm, sunset 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

the compound provides a public space for oush grab local communities.

1m 0

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10m Panel 8 drawn by author

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6. Oush Grab Mosque design

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006-9

Ending of a day

hill

Isha Salah

section 1:200 @A3

8:16 pm, evening 1 Ramadan, 1442 13th April, 2021

gift to god

1m 0

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5m Panel 9 drawn by author

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7. Mmuseum

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7. MMUSEUMM

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7. Mmuseum

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MMUSEUMM

‫بجاو‬

‫ىلص‬

‫!نكدساو دوعنب ديكأتلاب‬ Happy Independence Day!

Surely we will return, Palestine!

Where should I go? 191

Living is choosing how you want to live This is a cappuccino?

2020

ISRAEL ISRAEL

There's nothing like home.

WEEK 01

WEEK 02

WEEK 03

WEEK 04

The war causes the Palestinians lost most of their territory. It destroys, threads, and challenges. When will the war end? Until there's no lands for Palestinians? Israel's attack should be ceased right now.

The nation is a large family, Chasing freedom or being locked, doesn't depends on individuals.

It was Palestinian's land, and it will be Palestinian's land, both physically and psychologically.

The government doesn't have a good city plan, but the family could consist of a series of unpredictable wonderful moments. Everything could be compromised when it comes to family, no matter how far you go and what occupation you do.

Palestinian will never forget the day of catastrophe, during which time Israeli are celebrating their Independence Day.

Al Aqsa compound is one of the most contested religions sites. It is holy to both, for Muslims and Jews. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven from there. However, many Jews want to rebuilding Solomon's Temple on this site. Al Aqsa is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They have been fighting over its control since the creation of Israel in 1948.

Can MENA countries do some actions to save Palestine, since they share a number of cultural, economic and environmental similarities?

Weekly summary drawings weekly drawn by author

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7. Mmuseum

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MMUSEUMM

Plan of Al Aqsa Mosque

Iftar

‫ةصللَصلٱ‬

Former military base Oush Grab

‫دجقألا دجسملا‬

‫راطفإ‬

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WEEK 05

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WEEK 08

"Salah", is the prayer ritual in Islamic culture. They are faithful and believe to their god.

Al Aqsa Mosque, being a public space for Muslims, provides a collection of cultural, behavioural, and ritual functions.

Oush Grab is a former military base which had been occupied by Israeli army. However, at this moment, it has been abandoned. The military compound is surrounded by an embankment. Local communities are looking forward to having a place for children's education and entertainment. Also, communities' healthcare is taken into consideration as well. I can see many possibilities of renovating and re-activating Oush Grab into a community centre, providing a brand new compound to make the local community live a better life.

Salah has 10 steps, every step shows their genuine wishes to the god. In this picture, one Muslim is doing Sujud, which is a part of Salah.

Al Aqsa Mosque compound contains religious communities, it is surely a public space providing venues for different activities. Al Aqsa compound is a holy space, also a public space.

Weekly summary drawings weekly drawn by author

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7. Mmuseum

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MMUSEUMM

Minerat

Welcome arches

Islamic Arch Art

Oush Grab Mosque Compound

WEEK 09

WEEK 10

WEEK 11

WEEK 12

Spirituality is considered an important factor for balancing. Religious buildings can build one's spirituality.

Arch is one of the Islamic symbols in their architecture. It is also an art of space.

Islamic arch types can be summarized, or in another words, extracted and mutated as one simpler element which can compose and create unique building prototypes and atmospheres.

Oush Grab Mosque Compound, the holiest place for local communities to hold religious ceremonies and provide recreation public spaces for them.

The mosque figure, form & space, time, silence situation & temperature, one's heart, materiality can influence the ambience of a mosque. Creating an atmosphere of contemplation is the key point in mosque design. Also, it is necessary to avoid disturbances.

Arch can be a component of facade, corridor, etc. It can create various kinds of atmospheric moments by filtering natural light and give people a sense of silence and peace in some ways.

The image above is a atmospheric moment showing how people go through the entrance thoroughfare.

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8. References

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8. REFERENCES

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8. References

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1. Affordance (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordance 2. Al-Aqsa Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Aqsa_Mosque 3. An early Islamic mosque near Be'er Ora in the southern Negev: Possible evidence for an early eastern Qiblah, 2020. Retrieved from https://pascal-francis.inist.fr/vibad/index.php?action=getRecordDetail&idt=2881011 4. Beautufully Hasan Bey Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beautifully+Hasan+Bey+Mosque 5. Beyazit Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beyazit+Mosque 6. Beyond the mosque: Christians within Muslim community, 2020. Retrieved from https://ixtheo.de/Record/1096827603 7. Dewiyanti, D., & Kusuma, H. E. (2012). Spaces for Muslims spiritual meanings. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50, 969-978. 8. Emmett, C. F. (2009). The siting of Churches and Mosques as an indicator of Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Muslim relations. Islam and Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Muslim Relations, 20(4), 451-476. 9. Europe and the MENA Region Relations / Oppotunities / Different Perspectives: Ms Kristina Kausch, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMvQ2V5cXOU 10. Gibson, J. J. (1966). The senses considered as perceptual systems. 11. Grand Mosque of Bursa, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grand+Mosque+of+Bursa 12. Hatuniye Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/%C5%9Eemsi+Bitlis,+Hatuniye+K%C3%B Clliyesi,+13000+Bitlis+Merkez%2FBitlis,+Turkey 13. Hilal, S., Petti, A., & Werizman, E. (2009). Decolonizing Architecture Scenarios for the transformation of Israeli settlements. 80 ZARAR CHITECTURE, 35 14. Iftar, (2020). Retrieved from https://hr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftar 15. Independence Day (Israel), (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(Israel) 16. Inside al-Aqsa: A 360 tour of Jerusalem's holiest mosque, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ol2LGO7Nl6c 17. Land day Palestine, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=LAND+DAY+PALESTINE 18. MENA, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MENA 19. Murat Pasha Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/maps/place/Murat+Pasha+Mosque,+Aksaray 20. Muslims prayer movements, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/salah 21. Nakba Day Palestine, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=NAKBA+DAY+PALESTINE 22. Orhan Gazi Mosque, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/Orhan+Gazi+Mosque 23. Qiblah, (2020). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/Qiblah 24. Rana Barakat (2018) Writing/righting Palestine studies: settler colonialism, indigenous sovereignty and resisting the ghost(s) of history, Settler Colonial Studies, 8:3, 349-363, DOI: 10.1080/2201473X.2017.1300048 25. State of Palestine, (2020). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine 26. The Church in the Shadow of the Mosque: Christians and Muslims in the World of Islam, 2020. Retrieved from https://books. google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IwV2G-A-Oz0C&oi=fnd&pg=PP11&dq=mosque+palestine&ots=U0_rmgYIrU&sig=W9p 9HUCqIoaxQQuVzwoAubchlVc&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=mosque%20palestine&f=false 27. Wudhu, (2020). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/galleries/wudhu/

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