Medinanet

Who we are?

Since the turn of the last century to nowadays, the theme of "Islamic architecture/City" has been subject of a  growing interest of scholars and professionals. It is however becoming  a matter of controversy among the deniers  and the defenders. On the one hand, there is no evidence that  the doctrine of Islam comprises, dictates or recommends a certain type of architecture or a model of city. On the other hand, one cannot deny its effect on the formation of arts and architecture, and the  foundation of cities.

Another aspect of this debate regards the time span of this theme. While some scholars consider "Islamic Architecture/city" as past and thus, a matter of history, others believe that the omnipresence of Islam in the current  scenes of our life, within which and at least culture, must have its shades on the various disciplines of the built environment.

The paradigm of the website  therefore revolves around the following question(s): Is there any Impact of Islam, as a religion, a way of life and a civilization on the Built Environment? If so, to what extend it dictates, shapes or influences the built environment.

Medinanet, is a platform that aims at initiating,  enlarging and nurturing   the  debate around this paradigm through the analysis of the Impact of Islam on the Sciences of the City such as Arts, Architecture, Urbanism, Landscape and  Engineering.

The site  is non-governmental, non-profit, non-ethnic  and international, with programmes dedicated to the contribution to, and  advancement of human knowledge and sciences.

Medinanet  is developed as a forum for architects, urban planners, designers and artists that are interested in Muslim Architecture, traditional Muslim Cities, built heritage  in the Muslim world, the Present and the Future of cities and architecture in the light of Islamic thought. It is not intended to be exclusively  for Muslims and  is open to all scholars that are interested in the paradigm of the site.

Through the advancement in Internet technologies, Medinanet  has the facility to allow global access to a new database, including source materials and an online community of scholars and contributors. It helps also contributors  to interact,  exchange and share ideas, experiences and material in the different domains of the built environment.

Suggestions for the improvement of this site are most welcome.