Kobe Mosque

Coordinates: 34°41′46″N 135°11′16″E / 34.69611°N 135.18778°E / 34.69611; 135.18778
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Kobe Mosque
神戸モスク
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Location
Location2-25-14 Nakayamate Dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Postal Code: 650-0004
Kobe Mosque is located in Hyōgo Prefecture
Kobe Mosque
Shown within Hyōgo Prefecture
Geographic coordinates34°41′46″N 135°11′16″E / 34.69611°N 135.18778°E / 34.69611; 135.18778
Architecture
Architect(s)Jan Josef Švagr
Typemosque
Completed1935
Monument(s)2

Kobe Mosque (神戸モスク, Kōbe Mosuku), also known as Kobe Muslim Masjid (神戸ムスリムモスク, Kōbe Musurimu Mosuku), was founded in October 1935 in Kobe and is Japan's first mosque.[1] It is situated in the Hyōgo Prefecture city of Kobe. Established in October 1935, it holds historical significance as a symbol of the early presence of Islam in Japan.[2] Its construction was funded by donations collected by the Islamic Committee of Kobe from 1928 until its opening in 1935.[3] The mosque was confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943, survived airaids in n 1945, and withstood the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995.[4] It is located in the Kitano-cho foreign district of Kobe, one of the city's best-known tourist areas which features many old western style buildings.

The mosque was built in traditional Indo-Islamic style by the Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr (1885–1969), the architect of a number of Western religious buildings throughout Japan.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, the mosque serves as a focal point for Japan's Muslim community. Over the years, it has become one of more than 113 mosques across Japan.[5]

History[edit]

The Kobe Mosque's construction, initiated by the Islamic Committee of Kobe in 1928, overcame financial and logistical hurdles. Confiscated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943 during World War II, its restoration efforts epitomized resilience amidst wartime adversities, highlighting the community's commitment to their faith. Surviving the 1945 air raids largely unscathed, the Kobe Mosque emerged as a symbol of hope amidst devastation, showcasing its cultural and historical significance.[6] Similarly, during the Great Hanshin earthquake of 1995, though damaged, the mosque stood as a pillar of strength, continuing to serve as a vital center for worship, community, and resilience for Kobe's Muslim community and beyond.[7] Its endurance through these trials has earned it the moniker of the "Miracle Mosque."[8]

An aerial view of Kobe Mosque taken in 1936, showcasing its early architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Architecture[edit]

Constructed in 1935 by the Takenaka Corporation,[9] the mosque has a reinforced concrete structure. Its architectural style is a fusion of traditional Asian-Turkish influences. Designed by renowned architect Jan Josef Švagr, the mosque features intricate patterns, domes, and minarets, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and the Islamic world.[10]

Located at 2 Nakayamate Douri, Chuo-Ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, the mosque spans three levels above ground and one underground level. Its roofing comprises a combination of flat roofs and domes with wooden structures and copper roofing. The walls are finished with exposed-aggregate, adding to the mosque's aesthetic appeal.[11]

The Prayer Hall of Kobe Mosque, offering a tranquil space for worship and reflection within the mosque premises.

Community impact[edit]

The Kobe Mosque stands as acenter for the local Muslim community in Kobe, Japan. Apart from being a place for worship, it participates in various outreach programs and cultural events, reaching out to engage with the broader community.[12] Through initiatives such as interfaith dialogues, language classes, and community service projects, it promotes understanding and collaboration among people of different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Moreover, the presence of the Kobe Mosque contributes significantly to the multicultural identity of Kobe. It serves as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity, bringing together individuals from various cultural and religious backgrounds.[13]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Penn, M. "Islam in Japan," Harvard Asia Quarterly Archived 2007-02-02 at the Wayback Machine Vol. 10, No. 1, Winter 2006., retrieved February 26, 2007
  2. ^ Ajar, Seno Budhi (2023-10-13). "The Impact of Historic Mosque Tourism Development on the Conservation of Historical Mosque Buildings in Japan and Indonesia". Migration Letters. 20 (7): 952–968. doi:10.59670/ml.v20i7.4612 (inactive 2024-04-23). ISSN 1741-8992.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of April 2024 (link)
  3. ^ Agakhan third was a major contributor and then East Pakistan Prime Minister met Emperor of Japan to discuss the building of a mosque and Emperor was gracious enough to offer a land for its construction.Kobe Mosque Official Website Archived 2007-01-20 at the Wayback Machine - "History", retrieved February 26, 2007
  4. ^ Gunardi, Yudhi; Barliana, M. Syaom (2021-06-29). "Disaster Response Mosque: A Mosque as a Center for the Rescue of the Ummah". Journal of Development and Integrated Engineering. 1 (1): 43–54. doi:10.17509/jodie.v1i1.35853. ISSN 2798-2165.
  5. ^ "Japan home to a growing Muslim presence as it embraces change | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis". The Asahi Shimbun. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  6. ^ "Retro Japan: Mosque in Kobe serves as spiritual center, symbol of multicultural coexistence". Mainichi Daily News. 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  7. ^ Kotani, Hitomu; Okai, Hirofumi; Tamura, Mari (2023-12-01). "Activities and roles of mosques in Japan after the recent major earthquakes: A comprehensive study". Progress in Disaster Science. 20: 100297. Bibcode:2023PrDS...2000297K. doi:10.1016/j.pdisas.2023.100297. hdl:2433/285721. ISSN 2590-0617.
  8. ^ Alfarra, Jehan Alfarra (November 28, 2020). "Discover Kobe Mosque, Japan".
  9. ^ "Islam in Japan: First Muslims and first mosque". AMUST. 2023-04-24. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  10. ^ Acri, Andrea; Ghani, Kashshaf; Jha, Murari K.; Mukherjee, Sraman (2019-10-23). Imagining Asia(s): Networks, Actors, Sites. ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. ISBN 978-981-4818-86-5.
  11. ^ "Al Fozan". mosqpedia.org. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
  12. ^ Yulita, Irma; Ong, Susy (2019-11-19). The Changing of Image of Islam in Japan: The Role of Civil Society in Disseminating Informations about Islam. doi:10.4108/eai.24-10-2018.2289662. ISBN 978-1-63190-205-5.
  13. ^ Kotani, Hitomu; Okai, Hirofumi; Tamura, Mari (2023-12-01). "Activities and roles of mosques in Japan after the recent major earthquakes: A comprehensive study". Progress in Disaster Science. 20: 100297. Bibcode:2023PrDS...2000297K. doi:10.1016/j.pdisas.2023.100297. hdl:2433/285721. ISSN 2590-0617.

External links[edit]

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