Central Mosque ‘Met Podjeva’
Location
Podujeve
Status
Ongoing
Services
Architecture
Project Type
Year
2023
Size
3,284.1m²
The “Met Podjeva” mosque was built in 1970 in very difficult circumstances created by the communist regime of that time, especially in relation to religion and belief in God. This mosque was built on the initiative of a group of Llapian believers also with personal help from charitable people even though they were threatened by the communist elements of that period. In spite of many difficulties, the construction of the mosque was carried out in a hurry and with different materials, without considering their quality, only to complete the construction as quickly as possible. This haste was necessary to avoid the risk of ruining it by the leading structures of that time, where the then Mayor of the municipality of Podujeva did not execute a decision that had been issued to stop the construction works, signaling that the works could continue until completion, and consequently the Mosque was opened in 1970.
The last war damaged the mosque to a certain extent, forcing intervention with some additional works, both in repairing the damage and in expanding the space for prayer, strengthening the internal pillars and renovating the roof. This mosque, as well as other surrounding buildings, have served as an administrative center for many activities during the occupation period, in function of the movement for liberation from the classic occupation of the Serbian regime.
The desire, the needs, and the main goal of the Council of Islamic Community in Podujeva, together with the Imam of the exciting Mosque and the worshippers and citizens in general, is the development of a dignified mosque for the city and the community because the current mosque no longer manages to meet the needs and the expectation for a multi-valent complex which aims to create unity through facilities for prayer, education, and community development.
The project is characterized by a unique architecture as a new identification for the area and the city of Podujeva itself, always based on the culture of the country and the centuries-old integration of the values of the Islamic faith with the everyday life of the people of this region and Kosovo in general.
The conceptualization of the mosque is rooted in Islamic art, respectively from Islamic calligraphy to the constituent elements of the mosque. The minaret of the mosque is formed through cubes that ascend towards the sky, serving as a reference point to the city. The principles of architectural design rely on the use of dynamics and fluidity as powerful points in Islamic art, analyzing the flow and utilizing modularity, thereby creating a strong expressive silhouette for the mosque.
The silhouette of the Mosque is based on the reinterpretation and reminiscence of Arabic calligraphy, where fluidity creates powerful motifs that are emphasized and clearly read both within and outside the enclosure.
Summary – three main reasons for building the new mosque:
1. The current mosque, referring to the circumstances of its construction, in recent years has been deteriorated and damaged to a great extent, including its auxiliary facilities and infrastructure.
2. It does not meet the needs for accommodation of the number of the worshippers for performing Friday prayers and Eid prayers. Currently, more than half of the worshippers prays outside the mosque premises in unsuitable conditions of road spaces, pavements and extreme weather conditions. Also, the current mosque does not offer accommodation for women prayer spaces, and with a lack of adequate spaces for education and other community activities.
3. The city of Podujeva, with the expansion and densification of the urban area, needs and deserves a central mosque with a contemporary and innovative architecture to be a symbol of the city as well as an attraction for local and foreign tourists visiting the city.
Zahir Pajaziti Square
Urban Design
Ibrahim Rugova Square
Urban Design
Bear Sanctuary Prishtina
Urban Design
The Oasis
Mixed Use Retail
University Campus Epitech
Health & Education
ZOD War Museum Complex
Culture