Taj Mahal. Photograph courtesy of blog.lib.umn.edu.
According to an article posted on 29 November 2009 on CNN.com, the Swiss voted to ban minaret. Minarets are a part of history. Look up mosques from around the world. I am sure that this would offend art historians, especially those who work to preserve these landmarks from deterioration and destruction.
construction in Switzerland. I read this article and I became confused. Apparently, to the Swiss, the minaret displays Islamism (incorrect term) as a political party. To me, I find this ridiculous because the minaret is more of a cultural object that adds an identity with Islamic architecture--almost like a lighthouse. If you want to compare it to something, try a bell tower from a church or cathedral. It is sort of the same concept--a call to prayer or a moment of reflection. Does anyone feel offended when a bell tolls or Christmas bells chime? No. If a spiral column is decorative, then let it be. Not a big deal.
Minarets in the Middle East are often used as a vocal platforms to announce the five time daily prayer throughout the city. However, in American culture, the minaret becomes more of an architectural element that does not contain any reliefs or balconies. It is simply a carved column with a moon at the top to represent the lunar calendar. What's next to go? The dome? Even a non-Islamic building has them, for example the Taj Mahal in India. Should we remove these minarets because of the connotation to Islamic cultural influences throughout history? The answer is of course, nope. Strange article but interesting debate.
construction in Switzerland. I read this article and I became confused. Apparently, to the Swiss, the minaret displays Islamism (incorrect term) as a political party. To me, I find this ridiculous because the minaret is more of a cultural object that adds an identity with Islamic architecture--almost like a lighthouse. If you want to compare it to something, try a bell tower from a church or cathedral. It is sort of the same concept--a call to prayer or a moment of reflection. Does anyone feel offended when a bell tolls or Christmas bells chime? No. If a spiral column is decorative, then let it be. Not a big deal.
Minarets in the Middle East are often used as a vocal platforms to announce the five time daily prayer throughout the city. However, in American culture, the minaret becomes more of an architectural element that does not contain any reliefs or balconies. It is simply a carved column with a moon at the top to represent the lunar calendar. What's next to go? The dome? Even a non-Islamic building has them, for example the Taj Mahal in India. Should we remove these minarets because of the connotation to Islamic cultural influences throughout history? The answer is of course, nope. Strange article but interesting debate.
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