Development of Inventory of Timber Heritage Mosques of Pakistan’s Mountainous Districts
Personal Biography
Dr. Fadzidah Abdullah has been working in IIUM since 1998. She was among those pioneers who worked hard into establishing the Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), International Islamic University Malaysia. She had the chance to experience teaching the first cohort of architecture students who enrolled in 1998. Prior to become an academician, Dr. Fadzidah had experienced working in private architectural firm for 3 years, and later in Public Work Department (JKR) for another 3 years.
Dr. Fadzidah has held some administrative posts such as Head of Department of Architecture, and Academic Advisor; for both programs of Bachelor of Architecture, and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies.
Dr. Fadzidah is actively involved in doing research in the area of architectural education, architectural heritage, inclusive design and computer aided design (CAD). She has interest on advancing architectural education using contemporary digital technology, by expanding the usage of virtual reality into exploring the potential of augmented reality in CAD. In term of consultancy, Dr. Fadzidah involved in the following projects: Master Plan of IIUM Campus (IIUM, 2013), Access Audit of Malaysian main Cities (KUDU, 2008), and Master Plan of Matriculation campus in Janda Baik, Pahang (IIUM, 2001).
On international scene, Dr. Fadzidah involved in Joint Summer School Program (JSSP), a collaborative project between IIUM and Faith Sultan Mehmet Waqf University (FSMWU). Formerly, she had worked collaboratively with academics in Asia-Pacific University of Bangladesh for research on Heritage Architecture, and with academics in University of Bung Hatta, Indonesia, for research on Minangkabau Architecture. She also involved in IIUM promotion and was sent to several countries for such purposes.
Paper Abstract
This research aims to systematically develop an inventory of timber heritage mosques of Pakistan’s mountainous districts, by documenting and analysing the rich architectural and cultural heritage represented by timber mosques in the mountainous regions of Pakistan. Heritage timber mosques, characterized by their distinctive construction techniques and historical significance, serve as tangible markers of cultural identity and religious tradition within these remote and often marginalized communities. However, despite their importance, many of these mosques remain undocumented and vulnerable to neglect, deterioration, and encroaching modernization. Through archival research, the project will identify, document, and analyse the architectural features, historical contexts, and cultural significance of these mosques. By employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates architectural and historical perspectives, the research will provide insights into the evolution of timber mosque construction techniques and the role of mosques as focal points of community identity and cohesion. The outcomes of this research will include a digital inventory and knowledge repository accessible to scholars, heritage practitioners, policymakers, and the public. By promoting awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of Pakistan's timber heritage mosques, the project seeks to contribute to the preservation, documentation, and sustainable management of this unique cultural heritage. Additionally, the research findings will inform future conservation efforts, heritage policies, and community development initiatives aimed at safeguarding timber mosques and supporting the cultural vitality of Pakistan's mountainous districts.
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