20 April '07

The early development of Islamic Architecture in cosmopolitan cities of Southeast Asia: transplantation, fusion, and peaceful coexistence
by Dr. Johannes Widodo

Islam entered Southeast Asia peacefully through trade links and cultural assimilation, first through the cosmopolitan port cities and coastal settlements, and then spread into the hinterland. Islamic layer was accepted and adopted by the local communities, manifested in rich fusion of Architectural forms and hybrid interweaving of urban fabric. The talk will delve into the uniqueness and richness of local Architectural and Urban heritages, with ample samples of visual images of mosques, urban patterns, and cultural artefacts taken from various cities in Southeast Asia.