Usually representing spirits, ancestors or the primordial couple, these figures were placed in shrines and treated with great respect. Through a wide range of style, scale, belief and function the couples depicted share a timeless, serene equality necessary to the continuity of their societies.

Old is-Gold Throwback: Photographic Chronology through the Mosques of Africa

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- 27 March 2015
- Edwin Seda
Religious Centres , Weekly Round Up: Architecture in Africa , Articles Books & Magazines , Architecture , Urban Architecture ,

Religion has been a major driver of architectural language in any civilization through the world histories. Religious buildings have been known to make a mark and stamp authority within the societies in which they are planted. Islam is one scope of the society that has been at the forefront of good architecture, in all aspects urban and rural and the mosques throughout Africa that have resulted through the exaltation and pursuit of higher moral and spiritual authority is evident.

While the tenets of Islam in architecture, culture and art seems to echo in pattern, rhythm and principles, the resulting architectural birth are so diverse, they throw one into a deeper reflection of style and the man before God.

Here is the journey through African Mosques with one word describing them…

Morocco, Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech | Rich

Morocco, Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech | Rich

Tunisia, Okba Mosque in Kairuan | Deep Rooted

Tunisia, Okba Mosque in Kairuan | Deep Rooted

Mauritanie, Nouakchott Mosquee | Stone

Mauritanie, Nouakchott Mosquee | Stone

Malawi Mosque in Chiunda | Traditional

Malawi Mosque in Chiunda | Traditional

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Morocco | Contented

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Morocco | Contented

Guinea, Conakry Mosque | Lofty

Guinea, Conakry Mosque | Lofty

Ghana_Larabanga_Mosque | Strewn

Ghana_Larabanga_Mosque | Strewn

Cairo’s Ibn Tulun Mosque | Robust

Cairo’s Ibn Tulun Mosque | Robust

Djenne, the Great Mosque | Prudent

Djenne, the Great Mosque | Prudent

Burkina Faso Mosque in Bobo Dioulasso | Earthen

Burkina Faso Mosque in Bobo Dioulasso | Earthen

Porto Novo Mosque in Benin | Unruffled

Porto Novo Mosque in Benin | Unruffled

South Africa Mosque in Gauteng | Contemporary

South Africa Mosque in Gauteng | Contemporary

Senegal, Great Mosque in Touba | Blue

Senegal, Great Mosque in Touba | Blue

Nigeria, National Mosque in Abuja | Pedestal

Nigeria, National Mosque in Abuja | Pedestal

Niger, Mosque in Niamey | Adorned

Niger, Mosque in Niamey | Adorned

Mosque in Salaye Liberia | Voluminous

Mosque in Salaye Liberia | Voluminous

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