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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.

kittynh · 24th September 2006, 04:00 PM

kittynh · 24th September 2006, 04:04 PM

the tools of the trade

kittynh · 24th September 2006, 04:06 PM

what is hard to seperate is culture from religion.

My Jewish neighbors are for the most part atheists. But they follow the Jewish religious beliefs as they feel it is a tie to their past, and a culture for their children.

So this is an issue, even without God, religions serve a purpose for some people.

kittynh · 24th September 2006, 04:17 PM

though most of my photos from the mosque end up in black and white...which is a pity considering the tiles.

Dave1001 · 24th September 2006, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by kittynh

what is hard to seperate is culture from religion.

My Jewish neighbors are for the most part atheists. But they follow the Jewish religious beliefs as they feel it is a tie to their past, and a culture for their children.

So this is an issue, even without God, religions serve a purpose for some people.

Eh, looks like nobody chomped.

But beautiful pics, and beautifully written thread.

davefoc · 27th September 2006, 09:12 AM

kittynh, thanks for the thread.

I too have enjoyed the architecture of churches. I am always a little uncomfortable visiting them given my atheist views but if the are clearly set up to allow tourism I will go in. I have never been in a mosque, although if I went to turkey I assume I'd see the hagia sophia.

24th September 2006, 03:33 PM	#1
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,726	Parisian Mosque rebuilt in record time for Europe 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.
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

24th September 2006, 04:00 PM	#2
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,726
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

24th September 2006, 04:04 PM	#3
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,726	the tools of the trade
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

24th September 2006, 04:06 PM	#4
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,726	what is hard to seperate is culture from religion. My Jewish neighbors are for the most part atheists. But they follow the Jewish religious beliefs as they feel it is a tie to their past, and a culture for their children. So this is an issue, even without God, religions serve a purpose for some people.
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

24th September 2006, 04:17 PM	#5
kittynh The Hupsu Detective auctioneer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: If I told the aliens could find me, and you know they read this forum Posts: 22,726	though most of my photos from the mosque end up in black and white...which is a pity considering the tiles.
	__________________ WWW.BADALIEN.ORG - not all the buttons work yet, and the science content is coming...but it's ALIVE!

24th September 2006, 04:59 PM	#6
Dave1001 Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,717	Originally Posted by kittynh what is hard to seperate is culture from religion. My Jewish neighbors are for the most part atheists. But they follow the Jewish religious beliefs as they feel it is a tie to their past, and a culture for their children. So this is an issue, even without God, religions serve a purpose for some people. Eh, looks like nobody chomped. But beautiful pics, and beautifully written thread.
Dave1001 Illuminator Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,717	__________________ I'm here to discuss ideas, not to get personal. I won't criticize you personally, please don't criticize me personally. I won't direct ad hominems at you, please don't direct ad hominems at me. I won't attack you or put you down, please don't attack me or put me down. Thanks.

27th September 2006, 09:12 AM	#7
davefoc Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: orange country, california Posts: 7,333	kittynh, thanks for the thread. I too have enjoyed the architecture of churches. I am always a little uncomfortable visiting them given my atheist views but if the are clearly set up to allow tourism I will go in. I have never been in a mosque, although if I went to turkey I assume I'd see the hagia sophia.