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Research paper Title

Examining Mosque Design Principles from the Perspective of Women and Children Sensitivity: The Case of Konya

Personal Biography

My name is Merve Ay. I am 24 years old. I live in Konya. I graduated from high school in 2019 and began my university education in the Department of Art History at Necmettin Erbakan University the same year. In 2023, I graduated from university and started my master's degree in the field of Art History. While continuing my master's studies, I am also working as an Assistant Specialist at the Social Innovation Agency, which was established in partnership with Konya Metropolitan Municipality and Necmettin Erbakan University. My name is Emine Güney, I am 25 years old. I live in Konya. I graduated from KTO Karatay University, Department of History in 2020. In the same year, I graduated from KTO Karatay University, Institute of Graduate Education - Department of History - Master's Degree. I am currently working as an Assistant Specialist in the R&D and Project Unit at the Social Innovation Agency in Konya.

Paper Abstract

ABSTRACT This research examines the issue of restricted access to certain sections of contemporary mosques for women and children. The aim is to identify elements related to the experience of women and children users in mosques. The research consists of two methodological phases: reviewing graduate theses, articles, and reports written in this field and conducting fieldwork as part of the research. The methodology used in this study includes field research conducted in mosques to determine the current state of mosque use by female users. In the fieldwork, data will be collected through photography, content analysis, and video recording at 10 mosques located in the center of Konya. Additionally, surveys will be conducted with female and child congregants of these mosques. The findings from these surveys will be analyzed and reported. A total of 150 surveys will be administered to women and children attending the selected mosques. The survey results will be analyzed under two main categories: (1) spatial functions of mosques (prayer hall, wet areas, educational spaces, access-transportation areas, etc.) and (2) spatial experience quality (physical environment features such as space quality, dimensions, light, sound, and odor). The findings of the study indicate that the sections designated for women in mosques are inadequate, access to wet areas is challenging, and there are no suitable areas for children. Additionally, it has been observed that in some mosques, women's prayer areas are located independently within the courtyard of the mosque. These observations highlight the need for mosques to evolve from being spaces solely dedicated to men and religious worship to "living spaces" that provide high-quality social and educational services, showing sensitivity to the needs of women and children. Keywords: Mosque Architecture, Inclusivity, Women-Friendly Mosques, User Experience, Spatial Quality, Konya, Turkey.

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EXAMINATION OF MOSQUES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S AWARENESS PRINCIPLES: THE CASE OF KONYA

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https://icmamosques.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EXAMINATION-OF-MOSQUES-FROM-THE-PERSPECTIVE-OF-WOMENS-AND-CHILDRENS-AWARENESS-PRINCIPLES_THE-1.docx

Reference

SOURCE
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