Integrating Islamic Cultural Identity Preservation in the Urban Fabric of the United States

Abstract

The post-displacement phase of Islamic migrants in the urban fabric of the United States as a democratic country creates a bicultural identity. Muslims have been concerned about their identity preservation in the United States and integrating in the surrounding host community. This paper concentrates on what type of solution I can contribute, as an architect, to help in integrating Muslim population specially migrants at the post-displacement phase in the urban fabric of the United States. How can an architect help Muslim religious commonality connect in the larger United States Context? How do religious cultural buildings preserve and integrate an Islamic cultural Identity in the general cultural context of the United States? In addition, how do public spaces located in urban fabrics serve the integration process of Islamic culture with the surrounding cultural norms in order to be identified and well accepted by the community? In order to understand displaced minorities needs and concerns interviews are conducted. A brief explanation and analysis of the main Islamic lifestyle and ancient cities planning is also an important methodology in order to understand the effectiveness of Islamic cultural buildings at the United States in the identity preservation process. Inspired by my own personal experience I will explore and compare three case studies: Saudi Arabia – a strict Islamic country, Sudan – a moderate Islamic country, and Columbus, Ohio – a western urban society in the United States that is a non-Islamic democratic country. An empirical study will compare these three case studies through the lens of democracy, diversity and religion to explore how the Islamic Culture has been reformed and how religious minorities are preserving their own identities. My proposed methodology in order to find a solution, as an architect, is to create a loose public space where all different cultures connect and engage.