By Goya Dmytryshchak
Misconceptions about Islam will be challenged when the Australian Islamic Centre at Newport welcomes the public for Victorian Mosque Open Day.
Designed by world-renowned Sydney architect Glenn Murcutt in collaboration with local architect Hakan Elevli, the prayer centre in Blenheim Road has attracted world acclaim.
Part of the reason for international interest is the involvement of Mr Murcutt, the only Australian to have won the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the ‘Nobel Prize’ for architecture.
The centre’s Imam Mohamed Aljibaly said the open day would introduce people to Islam and the Muslim community in a friendly, calm atmosphere inside an iconic building.
“Islam sometimes is presented in media as a religion of violence and terrorism, also as the religion in which women are considered second category, and in which freedom of speech is prohibited,” he said.
“During the open day, our tour guides explain how the design of Australian Islamic Centre reflects every single opposite to the above claims.
“AIC is a community centre for everyone, that includes one of the largest mosques in Australia.
“Also, the transparent doors and windows reflect transparency and invitation for participation.
“We have nothing to hide.”
The Australian Muslim community hails from about 63 cultural backgrounds and 200,000 Muslims call Victoria home.
The Australian Islamic Centre, 23/31 Blenheim Road, Newport, will be open on Sunday, March 17 between 10am and 4pm.
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