The Prayer Hall of the Al Hijra Mosque on Ter Haarplein in Leiden. (Photo: Femke Lockefeer)
Leiden, April 29, 2024 at 1:39 PM by the editors
Islamic Center Al Hijra Leiden joins the ‘Largest Museum in the Netherlands’. This is a national project in which churches and synagogues are opened to the public. Since 2023, more and more mosques, temples and international churches have also participated. The first new ‘museum hall’ to be added this year is the Al Hijra Mosque in Leiden.
Since the opening of the Largest Museum in the Netherlands in 2017, millions of people have visited the affiliated churches and synagogues and became acquainted with the special history, architecture and works of art that this heritage has to offer. With the participation of mosques, temples and international churches, initiator Museum Catharijneconvent is taking the next step in making national religious heritage accessible.
Architect Hamid Oppier made a postmodern design for the Al Hijra Mosque. Various examples from Islamic architecture are brought together. The typical Moroccan square minaret, for example, is based on the minaret of an ancient mosque in Marrakesh.
Wood carving art
Not only the exterior, but also the interior of the mosque is impressive. A striking feature of the house of worship is the wood carving, which immediately catches the eye. When the sun shines into the prayer hall through the large windows, the space is filled with the glow of the brown wood. As a tribute to Moroccan woodcarving, artist Mustapha Boumaiz has integrated various typically Moroccan, symmetrical shapes into his work. The wood carving art can be admired throughout the prayer hall.
On holiday abroad we find it very normal to visit synagogues, cathedrals, temple complexes or mosques. Yet many people in the Netherlands pass by it unnoticed. And while houses of worship can be found all over the country and are breathtakingly beautiful.
Beauty
From a Turkish village mosque with an enchanting interior to a Moluccan church designed by Aldo and Hannie van Eyck and from a Tibetan Buddhist stupa to a Greek Orthodox church painted from top to bottom, the range of special places of worship in the Netherlands is much greater. than we think. That is why Museum Catharijneconvent broadens the spectrum with houses of worship from various traditions and times. The hidden beauty of the churches, synagogues, temples and mosques is made accessible to everyone. Because this unique heritage can also be found and viewed in the Netherlands.
A festive opening event is planned on Friday to mark the Al Hijra Mosque’s accession to the Largest Museum in the Netherlands. Leiden mayor Peter van der Velden, among others, will speak. Researcher and writer Eric Roose gives a presentation about the history of the mosque.
Leiden Society
