Tag Archives: Muslim Architects of India

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh: The visionary behind India’s finest Mosques

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Pune, MAHARASHTRA :

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh and some of the mosques he designed.

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh, a visionary based in Pune, Maharashtra, exemplifies the transformative power of architecture. With a passion for blending modern design with cultural heritage, Imran has developed a diverse portfolio ranging from innovative urban projects to iconic cultural landmarks. Renowned for his distinctive approach, he has redefined architectural design, particularly in the creation of mosques. His designs for these sacred spaces often include facilities like hospitals, museums, libraries, and community kitchens, showcasing his dedication to empowering the community. Through his work, Imran Abbas Shaikh has set a new standard for integrating functionality with tradition, earning widespread acclaim for his contributions to architecture.

Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh.

The Early Years

Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, has traversed an extraordinary journey from his roots to emerge as one of the most prominent architects of our time.

His architectural firm, Cubix Architects, situated in his hometown, reflects his deep-rooted connection to the place that nurtured his talents. Growing up, Imran was distinguished by his unique approach and a penchant for creative thinking, qualities that would later define his illustrious career as a visionary architect. However, it was the unwavering support and belief of his father that truly ignited Imran’s passion. His father instilled in him the notion that architecture was not merely about envisioning structures, but about crafting an unwavering future that could bring about positive change. This paternal guidance became the driving force behind Mr. Mohammad Imran Abbas Shaikh’s relentless pursuit of architectural excellence.

Islamic School and Institutional Campus, Phaltan, Maharashtra.

Educational Background 

Imran Shaikh’s educational journey was marked by a pursuit of excellence from the outset. Beginning with his early schooling split between SSPM and Children’s Academy in Shivaji Nagar, Pune, he demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and innovation. His high school years at Poona College laid the groundwork for his academic prowess, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.

Imran’s passion for architecture led him to Bharati Vidyapeeth, where he honed his skills and emerged as a consistent topper throughout his degree. Even after completing his formal education, Imran’s dedication to his field remained unwavering. He continues to share his expertise and insights by delivering lectures and guiding Ph.D. aspirants, leaving an indelible mark as an inspirational figure for aspiring architects and youngsters alike. His contributions as a guest lecturer have not only enriched the minds of his students but have also sparked a newfound enthusiasm for architecture among many.

Islamic Spiritual Centre of Maulana Sajjad Nomani – Neral, Maharashtra

Inspiration Behind Choosing Architecture as Career 

Imran Shaikh always had a keen interest in travelling, exploring, and various forms of art. After high school, he decided to pursue architecture as a career, a field that had always intrigued him. Imran often spoke about how his father was his biggest motivator, playing a significant role in his journey to becoming a successful architect. During Imran’s college years, his father would proudly share his accomplishments with everyone. Imran’s fondness for art and his unique, abstract perspective on things have been evident throughout his career. Each of his projects bears a distinctive touch, showcasing his artistic vision and innovative approach.

“Modern technologies have made the youth increasingly dependent, resulting in a lack of motivation and original ideas. To foster change, it is essential to reduce dependency on readymade materials and encourage wholehearted engagement in learning, exploration, and hands-on activities. As long as a person is away from mental pollution, they can do wonders”

How Does Imran Shaikh See Architecture 

Imran Shaikh states that architecture is a profession that has existed since the dawn of mankind, tracing its origins back to Adam (AS). Since the beginning, people have sought shelter, making architecture an integral part of human existence. This concept is not limited to humans; some of the best architectural forms can be seen in birds and animals. According to him, architecture starts with a dot, which evolves into a line, then a triangle, and gradually forms complex shapes and designs. The journey beginning with a simple dot encapsulates the essence of architecture.

His favourite works

The ‘Muhammad Bin Abdullah Mosque’ in Dhannipur, Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh, is under construction and spans 4,500 square metres.

Dar e Arqam

This mosque will include various facilities such as a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research centre.

Remarkably, it will be the first mosque in India to feature five minarets, symbolising the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith (shahada), prayer (namaz), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (roza), and pilgrimage (hajj). The mosque will be pentagon-shaped, further reflecting the significance of the five pillars. Additionally, it will boast a water and light show and house the world’s largest Quran, measuring 21 feet in height and 36 feet in width.

Architect Imran Abbas Shaikh

Some of architect Imran’s finest works include:

1-KAUSAR BAUGH MASJID – PUNE, MAHARASHTRA

2-ISLAMIC SPIRITUAL CENTRE OF MAULANA SAJJAD NOMANI – NERAL, MAHARASHTRA

3-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – PHALTAN, MAHARASHTRA

4-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – NEPAL

5-MASJID MUHAMMAD BIN ABDULLAH INDO ISLAMIC CULTURAL – BABRI MASJID, UP AYODHYA

5-ISLAMIC SCHOOL AND INSTITUTIONAL CAMPUS – BANGLADESH

Building a Better Society

Apart from his architectural achievements, Imran Shaikh is actively involved in education through his nonprofit ‘Human Embrace Foundation’, based in Pune. This foundation is dedicated to educating children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities. Imran’s commitment to this cause has made a significant impact, inspiring many young people. His dedication and success serve as a powerful role model for youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a positive difference in their communities. Through both his architectural work and his educational initiatives, Imran Shaikh exemplifies the values of innovation, compassion, and community empowerment.

source: http://www.muslimmirror.com / Muslim Mirror / Home> Indian Muslim> Positive Story / by Fiza Memon / May 25th, 2024

Ishrat Nowshehri: Kashmir’s first female architect

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Srinagar, JAMMU & KASHMIR :

“A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks thrown at her,” says Ar. Ishrat Nowshehri who has chosen architecture as her career and has been in the profession for the past two decades.

Talking to Rising Kashmir, Ishrat shared her vast experience of a 23 years career, when architecture as a career for a woman in Kashmir was unheard of. 

Hailing from Soura area of Srinagar, Ishrat says that everything is possible if there is a true commitment behind that.  She is a qualified architect by the Council of Architecture, New Delhi (COA). 

Ishrat was awarded in 2005 by the J&K government for her architecture designed for the famous handicraft market “Kashmir Haat” which is located in the heart of Srinagar.

“When I started my schooling, I had an inclination towards designing, drawing and my parents were expecting that I may become an engineer,” she said.

After completing 12th class examinations from Presentation Convent School in Srinagar, it was not difficult to pursue her studies in architecture as her mind and heart were already ready for that.

Her father was Civil Engineer and she feared that he may force her to pursue studies in the same field. It was totally different when her parents supported her dream, she said.

They realized that it was in architecture and design that her heart lay; they backed her unconditionally, and later Ishrat became the first female architect of the Valley.

After that, Ishrat got enrolled in a five-year course for a bachelor’s in Architecture at Karnataka University in 1999, because in J&K there was no such college at that time providing such a course.

“I topped in my final year design jury among the three colleges of architecture in University,” she said while recalling her college days.

 Ishrat said she got a couple of partnership offers in architectural firms in Dubai, UAE way back in the year 2008 but I opted to stay back in Kashmir and serve my own people.

“I believe that to be successful one needs to be committed, hardworking, and dedicated towards their profession,” she said.

Despite facing many difficulties Ishrat did not look back and continued her journey. After that, she was awarded nationally and internationally and has taken up projects like residential, commercial, interiors, renovations, landscaping, and turnkey projects too,” she said.

In 1999 she did her practical training with senior architects of India including “Ar. Munir Khan” for six months and then started her own architecture consultancy “Ishrat Nowshehri Associates” in the city.

She was awarded in 2005 by the Jammu and Kashmir government for her architecture design for the famous handicraft market, Kashmir Haat, located in the heart of Srinagar.

After that she got job offers to work in other places across India but love towards her motherland forced Ishrat to work in Kashmir and serve her own people.

She worked with many famed architects of Kashmir and under their guidance, she got an opportunity to work on projects in Srinagar city.

Apart from tradition, she also had an interest in contemporary Islamic architecture.

“I feel proud that I have designed architect work for both Masjids and Shrines in Kashmir. From my designs, I want to promote every local thing that is made here.

It may include wood carving, to promote Kashmiri designs and heritage rather than using imported things,” Ishrat says.

She believes that local architects know in depth the weather conditions; culture and house style of Kashmir and can serve them in a better way.

“Now people have become aware and they consult us before going for any construction because architects use the space which a normal mason cannot do,” Ishrat said.

She believes that there is a good scope in this field because people have become aware and they are coming forward.

Apart from Kashmir, she is also getting orders from outside states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand for special designs for houses, hotels situated at hill stations.

Ishrat works both on traditional and contemporary designs. Over the years, she has worked on various large projects including government buildings, hotels and residential houses.

Some of her architect master designs include Kashmir Haat at MG Road, Sheikh-Ul-Alam (RA) Chair at the University of Kashmir, Hotel Village Walk at Sonamarg, Jehlum automobiles at Awantipora, and many more private works across Kashmir.

As Kashmir witnesses moderate to heavy snowfall during winters every year, due to which scores of rooftops in the Valley collapse, Ishrat suggests that people should consult qualified architects and structural engineers for designing before going for any construction.

She believes that it is not fear that people are not consulting architects but there is a lack of awareness and information.

Ishrat believes that parents should not force their choices on their children because everyone has their own interests and taste.

Working in the male dominated sector is a challenge itself but she says that during the span of 23 years she had not faced anywhere gender bias.

This year in April, she was awarded by Brand Opus India for Outstanding Excellence in Architecture & Designing in Srinagar. Ishrat Nowshehri Associates and Innovative Architecture & Interior Design was adjudged as the Firm of the year 2021 by Architecture & Interior Design Excellence Awards & Conference 2021 Bengaluru.

She has also been awarded under various titles like “Finest architect in Srinagar”, “Bespoke residential architects and designers in Srinagar”, and awardee for “Women entrepreneur (architect) in Srinagar J&K”.

Apart from these awards, she was also nominated and awarded under the category of “finest architect in Srinagar” in India’s most prominent architect and design awards-2020 in New Delhi and “Best residential architects and designers in Srinagar” in “design Icon Awards-2020”.

She also bagged women entrepreneurs (architect) “The Real SuperWoman Award 2020”- at New Delhi. Global Icon Award of the year, Asia’s Creative Architect of the year award” from “RULA International Award” – at Malaysia, Global Shanti Samman & World Peace conference 2021 – at SKICC Srinagar, and other awards.

About her message to aspiring architects, Ishrat said there is always scope when one works with patience, dedication, and commitment.

“I always advise aspiring architects not to be forced into this field. Get in only, if they have patience and a good imagination for design with that one has to be hardworking, dedicated and committed towards their work,” she said.

source:http://www.risingkashmir.com / Rising Kashmir / Home / by Irfan Yattoo / November 07th, 2021