From Fantasy to Faith Islamic Architectural Influences in Britain

Abstract

Islamic architectural influences in Britain from India and Andalusia go back to the 18th century. Inspiration from the Middle East appears in private houses, synagogues and mosques from the 19th century. Since the immigration and growth of a British Muslim community in the last fifty years, purpose-built mosques have been constructed and have absorbed an older 'orientalist tradition'. Other mosques have been converted cinemas, private houses, churches and factories, often with some decoration intended to Islamize the building.