Jun Liu

Oush Grab Mosque compound
Oush Grab, Bayt Sahur, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine

The mosque carries Islamic culture since the 7th century. It is a holy place for Muslims holding big and fabulous religious ceremonies. And Muslims spirituality can be built and nurtured through ritual prayer.

This thesis is looking at Islamic culture and mosque design, located at Oush Grab in Palestine. The site changes from a former military base into a mosque compound. The mosque is situated in the southeast part of the compound, consisted of several symbolic Islamic bodies, including dome, courtyard, minaret, etc. Everything has changed over times, except local communities and their spirits.

The compound has 2 axes. West-to-east axis and Qibla axis. West-to-east axis defines site entrance and exit, while more importantly, Qibla axis defines the prayer orientation the Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. Muslims usually come from the town from the west, and around the compound is a pedestrian path for them roaming around.

Series images below are showing key scenarios during Ramadan, which is a time of introspection, self-improvement and heightened devotion and worship. The scenarios include Wudhu (Cleanliness ritual) before Salah, Salah (Prayer ritual) in the compound, and fast-breaking, etc. Muslims has dedicated their worship exclusively to God, they are faithful and pious.  Oush Grab Mosque compound is the place believed to be able to establish the value of their spirituality by providing local Muslims unique and atmospheric spaces.