Students explored Islamic architecture at a Montreal mosque during Muslim Awareness Week, fostering understanding and connection.
Montreal: Muslim Awareness Week is all about getting to know each other better. This year marks eight years since the tragic Quebec City mosque attack, which left a deep impact on the community.
Jawad Kanani, a board member of the event, shared that the week aims to build bridges between different communities. It’s a chance to showcase the contributions of Muslims in Quebec.
As part of the week, architecture students visited the Lebanese Islamic Center in Montreal. They got to learn about Islamic architecture and its significance, which is pretty cool.
Nikki Apostolidis, a McGill architecture student, mentioned how important it is to experience the culture firsthand. She found it eye-opening to see how many mosques are in the city, often hidden from view.
Oscar Lallier, another student, emphasized the need to connect different cultures through architecture. He believes that understanding these spaces is crucial for future designs.
Lucas Azar added that this experience helped them learn about the unique needs of the Muslim community, which is often overlooked in architecture school.
Kanani pointed out that Muslims are active members of society and need spaces that reflect their cultural and religious needs. He hopes this experience will help future architects design better buildings for the community.
Ali Shibli, who helps manage the center, expressed the positive nature of the Muslim community, emphasizing love and brotherhood among all people.
Kanani also highlighted the importance of dialogue and understanding to combat ignorance and fear. He encourages mosques to open their doors to the wider community to foster inclusivity.
Muslim Awareness Week runs until January 31, featuring various activities to bring people together, from food experiences to art. It’s a reminder that everyone in Quebec shares similar struggles, regardless of their background.
