The Lagos Central Mosque
Religious buildings throughout the ages have always challenged the reach of architectural creativity and engineering innovations. This building typology which transcends the physical in its symbolic attributes has produced some of the most dynamic and beautiful structures ever built around the world. It appeals not only to the physical or spiritual but also to the consciousness and subconsciousness of adherents and society at large.
This mosque at the heart of Lagos Island appealed to me as a child and still fascinates me today. My background in architecture and writing has aided this textual articulation of an edifice I admire.
Amidst a busy and chaotic urbanscape lies a most unlikely building typology that stands out and blends simultaneously with its environment. In the middle of one of the most visited commercial centres in West Africa is this iconic mosque on Lagos Island. In a city such as Lagos with a vast collection of religious buildings—churches and mosques alike, this one stands out in its sheer grandiosity and overall symbolism. The view of its minarets and golden-plated dome rising up to the sky can be seen as far away as the Third Mainland Bridge, one of the major access to the island. It has become a landmark in this commercial centre.
The present day Lagos Central Mosque has an interesting architectural history. Its current site on the former Victoria Street (now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) has witnessed multiple rebuilding and expansions since it was acquired in 1864.[2] Its first structure, built in the same year was constructed with mud and bamboo — common building materials of the time. It was rebuilt a decade after and displayed a significant advancement in its building materials of burnt brick and corrugated iron sheets for roofing.[3], [4]
The need for a bigger mosque to house the growing Muslim population in Lagos gave rise to the proposal of a new mosque in 1905. It took more than 10 years to complete and was finally opened in 1913.[4] The Baroque style building designed by Joao Baptist da Costa was said to be an outstanding architectural feat during its day. [5] However, more than half a century after, the demand for a new edifice emerged.
The present-day Lagos Central Mosque officially opened on May 28, 1988.[4] The new mosque was to serve as a bigger edifice befitting its status as the central mosque for a growing Muslim population and a rapidly urbanizing city. The construction, which lasted for about fifteen years resulted in the expansion of the old site to what we see today.[4]
This structure along Nnamdi Azikiwe Street encompasses an area of about 1 acre. Its exterior features include four ottoman-style minarets arranged symmetrically—two above the entrance area and two recessed to the east and west sides of the building.[6] Although its historical purpose may have become obsolete, these features give this building its identity as they soar through the sky and can be seen miles away.
As one enters the premises, an array of steps meets the eye. This experience is not much of a confrontation as it is a warm invitation. Rising up these welcoming feature creates a new experience as you leave the noise and batter on the street into a higher and spiritual realm.
The entry into the mosque is through large doorways that are ornamented with recessing stepped frames. The three doorways that lead into the riwaq (arcade) just before the prayer area serve as a transition between the outdoor and indoor.[6] It is a closed space covered by roof trusses and a see-through roofing membrane that allows a flood of sunlight through during the day.
The double volume prayer area just after the riwaq is demarcated by iron screen walls with geometric decorations. This geometric rhythm is continued on the horse shoe shaped openings on all sides of the space. It also houses the beautiful art of calligraphy, which are positioned on the walls and the dome above. This space cannot be completely described without this remarkable dome hovering over it. The 15 metres diameter wide architectural element is at the centre of 16 smaller domes arranged in a grid of fives. The main dome is perforated with thirty-six openings that are shaped as a combination of horseshoe arches and rectangles. These openings are accentuated by the blue tile band and calligraphy below it. As light penetrates through these openings, it brings the interior to life giving depth to this space with profound spiritual attributes. Emerging from the dome are the pendentives that extend as tapering capitals for the columns that reach for the ground.
The whole structure is supported by an array of columns. The columns, aligned on a grid that originates from the pendentives are decorated with mosaic tiles. Their arrangements form horseshoe arches as they travel away from the eyes. The arches are most prominently seen in the hallway which overlooks the courtyards flanking the prayer area on both sides. This hallway leads to the madrasa and office blocks at the rear of the building. The blend of coloured arches and mosaic-tiled columns exhibits the beauty of repetition in an architectural style that has lasted for many centuries.
The ceiling on the first floor covers the prayer area that overlooks the dome. It clearly depicts the spaces carved out by the domes—big and small—that grace its cover. The recessing stepped decorative element on the doorway openings is also evident on the ceiling, which is arranged into modules as a result of the column composition.
A striking feature that cannot be overlooked as one circulates this building is the detailing of geometric shapes. The octagonal star is significant in the mosque and is represented on almost all surfaces: the metal ornamentation of the openings; the tiles on the base of the dome; the balusters overlooking the void of the prayer area; the floor finishes; and even the doors. It holds a great symbolical attribute to this building as it is well articulated on almost all architectural elements.
Finally, the minarets provide access to one of the awestriking views of Lagos from the building. This view lies on the rooftop of the mosque. The only access to this space is the narrow spiral staircase enclosed in the minaret. But as you reach the landing, it makes the journey worth it. The gleaming gold-plated dome can be seen up close and the minarets become more intimate to the gaze. The once distant noise of the market below reaches the foreground, and you are greeted with a view of the immediate horizon. It is at this spot that I truly appreciate the significance of this iconic landmark.
It shows how architecture can document the life of a city so well as it transforms through the ages. The Lagos Central Mosque transcends the spiritual purpose. For me, it is an example of what architecture strives to be. A structure that has become a part of the story of Lagos and still stands tall for decades. By serving an array of purposes for worshippers and visitors, it has become a symbolic example of architecture that has blended with the integral fabric of society. It is one that invites me and welcomes me warmly every single time.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] Razaq A. 2019 Available from https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/Above-the-world-Nigeria-Through-the-Drone-s-Eye/td-p/1531515 (Accessed on 5 August 2020)
[2] Raifu IO. Intrigues and Twist in the Imamate Crisis of Lagos Central Mosque (Jama’atul Muslimeen Council), 1841 to 1947. AFRREV IJAH: An International Journal of Arts and Humanities. 2016;5(4):36–48.
[3] Balogun MA. Syncretic beliefs and practices amongst Muslims in Lagos state Nigeria; with special reference to the Yoruba speaking people of Epe (Doctoral dissertation, University of Birmingham).
[4] Lagos Central Mosque Jamaatul Muslimeen Council. Our History. Available from http://www.lagoscentralmosque.org/history.html (Accessed on 6 May 2020)
[5] Behrens-Abouseif D, Vernoit S, editors. Islamic art in the 19th century: tradition, innovation, and eclecticism. Brill; 2006.
[6] Petersen A. Dictionary of Islamic architecture. Psychology Press; 1996.
[7] Obu CT. 2016 Available from http://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lagos_Central_Mosque.jpg (Accessed on 5 August 2020)
[8] Ayeni O. 2017. Available from https://www.instagram.com/p/BYDab3dFhSQ/?igshid=1f9xbnh8yu5y8 (Accessed on 6 May 2020)
[9] Rubys Polaroid, 2017. Available from https://rubyspolaroid.wordpress.com/tag/mosque/#jp-carousel-4176 (Accessed on 5 August 2020)
[10] Author,2018
