Investigating Female Accessibility and Prayer Space in Mosque Architecture: A Case Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Year 2023, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 101 - 116, 15.12.2023

Kashfia Alam Khan Hourakhsh Ahmad Nia

Abstract

The paper aims to highlight the lack of prayer space and accessibility for females in mosques in Bangladesh. The paper argues that it is fundamental to consider designing accessible prayer spaces for women while designing mosques. The study examines Islamic scriptures and proves that despite having instructions, women are unacceptable to enter mosques without separate prayer spaces merely as a social phenomenon. Six Sample mosques were selected for study within walkable distance from a central location point of Kafrul thana in Dhaka city. The data collection method includes Non-participant Complete Observation for the study of the cases. The research outcome shows that none of the community mosques allow or have prayer spaces for women as a result of a shortage of space. A mosque facilitated with female provision located at the nearby planned area was also featured in this paper to represent the status of female prayer space in a mosque where it is available in the city.

Keywords

Muslim Community, Community Mosque, Mosque Architecture, Female Prayer Space

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