Muslims and mosques in Germany: Let photographs do the talking

60 photos showing mosque interiors and Friday prayers go on display.

ISLAMABAD: In order to promote religious harmony, “Mosques in Germany”, a photographic exhibition by Wilfried Dechau, was organised at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts on Friday. His photo reportage shows a collection of impressions on the theme of “Muslims and their houses of prayer in Germany.”

Rare glimpses of Islamic architecture in Germany were exhibited. Dechau visited Hamburg, Imam Ali Mosque, Karlsruhe An Nur Mosque, Aachen, Bilal Mosque, and Stuttgart Islamic Union to capture these images in the urban context. His photographs have caught the spirit of the holy places with stunning illustrations of mosque interiors, the atmosphere at Friday prayers, and imams giving sermons. The photographs were taken in March and April 2008.

The exhibition was organised by the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in collaboration with (PNCA).

German Ambassador Dr Michael Koch said that four million Muslims living in Germany have complete freedom of practising their religion, and this exhibition reflects this fact.

Another official representing German Embassy said that the exhibition was already showcased in India, Bangladesh, and Tajikistan and would be held in Malaysia by the end of the year. A large number of visitors including some foreign dignitaries were present at the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th,  2011.