Muslim immigration to France was high following WWII because the French workforce was inadequate for reconstruction efforts. The immigrants came primarily from Algeria and other North African colonies. After these colonies achieved independence in the 1960s, guest workers were brought over by the French government from these former colonies. Today there are about 4 million Muslims living in France. The city of Marseille in the south has a Muslim population of 25% and in Paris the figure is about 10%. However, Islam has an older history in France since the Great Mosque of Paris was built between the years of 1920 and 1926. It was founded as a sign of recognition from the French Republic to the 100,000 Muslim soldiers who died fighting for France in WWI.
This walk will discuss the French colonial history and representation in the Maghreb, and will introduce Islamic culture, art & architecture in Paris by vsiting the Great Mosque (La Grande Mosquée de Paris) as well as the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe: IMA), both of which are located in the 5th arrondissement.
Paris' Mosque is an "extraordinarily accomplished pastiche, in which one really does feel transported to another land." Its layout was influenced by Mosques in Fez (Morocco), and its decor is an eclectic mix of Hispano-Moorish influences. The Mosque comprises a marble-floored courtyard (inspired by the Alhambra in Granada/Andalusia) that leads to the prayer hall, a garden (symbolizes paradise), and a 33-m-high minaret. In addition to the mosque proper, the complex includes the institut musulman, a hammam, a shop, and a tea room.
The Arab World Institute (1981-7) was founded by the French government and 19 Arab countries in order to further understanding of Arab culture & civilization in France. The building consists of a museum, a library, an auditorium, offices and meeting rooms assembled within two wings separated by a courtyard opening out toward the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The Institute was designed by the architect Jean Nouvel, who had been struck by the use of light in Islamic architecture, and he made this a central element of the design.
Yumna Masarwa received her Ph.D. in Islamic Art & Archaeology from Princeton University in June 2006, and she is currently conducting research in Paris as an associate member at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Islam Medieval.
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