icma user – 540 - International Conference on Mosque Architecture

Welcome to your account

Researcher Details

Scientific Papers Abstract Submission

Theme

1st Track

Role/Contribution

Author

Research paper Title

Evaluating Contemporary Mosque Functions through John Urry’s Concept of the Tourist Gaze

Personal Biography

Esma Güven Turhan Faculty of Theology, Necmettin Erbakan University / Institute of Social Sciences / Graduate Student in Sociology of Religion, Konya, Turkey Email: esmaguven613@gmail.com, Tel: +90 555 860 45 79 I am Esma Güven Turhan, 25 years old, and I was born in Konya, Turkey. I am a graduate student in the Sociology of Religion at the Institute of Social Sciences, Faculty of Theology, Necmettin Erbakan University. My research focuses on the historical functions of mosques and their contemporary roles. I am actively involved in social projects and work as a book reviewer for an online platform.

Paper Abstract

This study examines the functions that mosques have historically served and assesses their current role through John Urry's concept of the ‘tourist gaze’. Since the early periods of Islam, mosques have not only served as places of worship but have also fulfilled various functions such as education, social assistance, guesthouses, and health services. However, in modern and postmodern times, mosques have increasingly been viewed as tourist commodities, which has led to a loss of their traditional functions. John Urry’s concept of the ‘tourist gaze’ refers to the evaluation of tourist sites based on their aesthetic and visual appeal, with these sites subjected to constant maintenance and adjustments. This perspective has shifted the focus of mosques from addressing the needs of the local community to emphasizing their tourist attractions. Consequently, mosques have drifted away from meeting the social and cultural needs of local populations. The research was conducted using qualitative methods, with data collected through interviews and observations. The study group consisted of individuals aged 25-35 who use mosques. The interviews and observations highlighted several key issues, including the limited daily use of mosques, the need for additional functions, the inadequacy of mosques being open only during prayer times, and the necessity for increased accommodation options in mosques. Participants suggested adding various functions to mosques. Recommendations included expanding areas designated for women, creating child-friendly spaces, providing social support services such as soup kitchens, and establishing social activity areas around mosques. Additionally, it was noted that keeping mosques open only during prayer times is insufficient and that 24-hour access to mosques could better address both social and individual needs. In conclusion, it was emphasized that mosques should not be viewed merely as tourist commodities but should be transformed into dynamic, multifunctional centers that address societal needs. This study aims to generate data for redesigning mosques according to local demands, thereby strengthening social ties and restoring their historical functions. Keywords: Tourist Gaze, Social Functions, Additional Functions, 24-Hour Access, Redesigning Mosques, Restoring Historical Functions

Paper Abstract file

Photo Submission

Works Documentation

Full Paper Title

TOURIST VIEW IN POST-MODERN ARCHITECTURE AND MOSQUES AS AN EXAMPLE OF RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE

Full paper

https://icmamosques.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/TOURIST-VIEW-IN-POST-MODERN-ARCHITECTURE-AND-MOSQUES-AS-AN-EXAMPLE-OF-RELIGIOUS-ARCHITECTURE.docx

Reference

REFERENCES
AKIN, Ahmet. "An Essay on Mosque and Its Functions in the Historical Process". Journal of Divinity Faculty of Hitit University 15, sy 29 (June 15, 2016): 177-209.
AYTAÇ, Ömer. "Deconstruction of the Tourist Gaze: Tourist Experiences and the Problem of Authenticity". Sosyologca 2, sy 4 (August 29, 2024).
DERELI, Mustafa Derviş. "Religious Buildings Abandoned to the Tourist Gaze in Modern and Postmodern Urban Fiction". Bilimname, sy 45 (October 31, 2021): 185-218.
DİKER, Melisa and ÇOLPAN ERKAN, Nilgün. "Worship Buildings in City Identity: Antakya Case". Journal of Planning, 2017, 180-92.
DOĞAN, Aslı. "Authentic Places as Tourism Metaphors". Journal of Current Debates in Social Science, sy 5 (2022): 133-42.
DÜK, Bihter. "Comparative Sociological Analysis of Domestic and Foreign Tourists in Cultural Tourism: The Case of Bursa". Master's Thesis, Izmir Bakırçay University, 2024.
EKİCİ, Remziye. "Analysis of the Reflections of Tourism Experiences on Photographs According to Tourist Gaze Typologies". Doctoral Dissertation, Akdeniz University, 2018.
KAPLAN, Yusuf. "Archeology of the Tourist Gaze: A Socio-Cultural or Filmographic Pilgrimage Essay". Umran Dergisi, sy 84 (August 2001): 45-52.
KOÇER, Gülsemin. "Exploring the History of Tourism: The Birth of Modern Tourism and the Lure of the East". Near East Hıstorıcal Revıew 10/3, sy 10/3 (2020): 327-44.
ÖZCAN, Hüseyin. "Islamic Education History in Mescid and Mosque Functions". Master's Thesis, Marmara University, 1994.
ÖZGÜREL, Gizem. "A Study on the Interaction between Resident Foreigners and Local People in Tourism Destinations", 2020.
POLAT, Semra Aktaş. "A Research on Temporary Behavioral Changes (Liminoid) Exhibited by Tourists during Vacation Periods", 2013.
TOKER, Arzu. "Tourist Perspective". Journal of Eurasian Tourism Research 2, sy 2 (December 31, 2021): 92-101.
YAZGAN, Çağdaş Ümit. "A Classic in Tourism Sociology: The Tourist View". Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University SBE Journal 10, sy 1 (June 22, 2020): 74-77.
YAZICI, Nesimi. "The Place and Importance of the Mosque in terms of Religious Services". AÜIFD, sy 2 (2007): 1-10.
YILMAZ YILDIRIM, Demet and YETİ̇M, Şeyma. "An Evaluation on the Relationship between Religious Buildings and Urban Identity: Trabzon Example". IDEALKENT 11, sy 31 (December 31, 2020): 1856-81.
ZUBIRI, Daniel Carmona. "The Tourist Gaze 3.0 (La mirada del turista 3.0): John Urry y Jonas Larsen. Sage Publications (2011)". PASOS Revista de turismo y patrimonio cultural 13, sy 1 (2015): 261-64.

Welcome to your account

Researcher Details

Scientific Papers Abstract Submission

Theme

Role/Contribution

Research paper Title

Personal Biography

Paper Abstract

Paper Abstract file

Photo Submission

Works Documentation

Full Paper Title

Full paper

Reference

Conference Participation

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | ABDULLATIF ALFOZAN AWARD FOR MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE© 2025

SUBMIT A PAPER

inspiration for mosque ARCHITECTURE

inspiration for mosque AROUND the world.

The Office

The Office Al Fozan Headquarters, Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Street, Corniche Road, P.O.Box 38, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABDULLATIF ALFOZAN AWARD FOR MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE© 2025

NAVIGATION

Phone

Mail

Head Office

The Office Al Fozan Headquarters, Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Street, Corniche Road, P.O.Box 38, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

NAVIGATION

Phone

Mail

Head Office

The Office Al Fozan Headquarters, Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Street, Corniche Road, P.O.Box 38, Al Khobar 31952, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

You’re leaving us?

inspiration
for mosque ARCHITECTURE