kittynh
24th September 2006, 03:33 PM
Much to my happiness, the Paris Mosque rebuilding which had just started last year when I visited (in November) is almost fully complete. I view the building as a work of art, and a reflection of pride and culture for a group that is quite large in the area.
Now, when I went back to Brussels a "minor" rebuilding of the square where we used to live is now into its 4th year, and still looking a total mess. The open air market has not been able to take place for those 4 years, and the whole neighborhood is still unhappy, yet resigned.
I noticed the workmanship was wonderful, and judging by the tools, very traditional. I'm glad the artisans are still around that can do this work.
I have to say that there was some big deal going on the day I wished to take photographs. But everyone was very welcoming, and just asked me to please stay away from the official ceremony "if I could please". No searches, not even of my large backpack, and as with last year, they waived the "tour" fee because the mosque is still "incomplete". I noticed only one lone policeman, despite the presence of many Muslim leaders. SEveral of them noticed my photography and asked how I liked the work that had been done. I ofcourse praised it to the skies. They also noticed I was careful not to photograph people, and praised me for that (though I did get a few in the backgrounds).
I enjoy photographing at churches, cathedrals and such, but I always enjoy the Arabic hospitality at the mosque.
I thought if anything over the years they would start to resent an obvious outsider, but hasn't happened yet.
Now, when I went back to Brussels a "minor" rebuilding of the square where we used to live is now into its 4th year, and still looking a total mess. The open air market has not been able to take place for those 4 years, and the whole neighborhood is still unhappy, yet resigned.
I noticed the workmanship was wonderful, and judging by the tools, very traditional. I'm glad the artisans are still around that can do this work.
I have to say that there was some big deal going on the day I wished to take photographs. But everyone was very welcoming, and just asked me to please stay away from the official ceremony "if I could please". No searches, not even of my large backpack, and as with last year, they waived the "tour" fee because the mosque is still "incomplete". I noticed only one lone policeman, despite the presence of many Muslim leaders. SEveral of them noticed my photography and asked how I liked the work that had been done. I ofcourse praised it to the skies. They also noticed I was careful not to photograph people, and praised me for that (though I did get a few in the backgrounds).
I enjoy photographing at churches, cathedrals and such, but I always enjoy the Arabic hospitality at the mosque.
I thought if anything over the years they would start to resent an obvious outsider, but hasn't happened yet.