The name of our project is ‘Jusour’ which means ‘a bridge’.
The Arabic term ‘Jusour’ is chosen to express the connection between scholars in Australia and Tunisia. The project team aims to learn more about the place of Islam in multicultural countries.
Both Australia and Tunisia are characterised by rich and complex historical layers shaped by different cultures, languages and faiths. The goal of this project, is to bring scholars and practitioners together to reflect on the place of Islam in multicultural contexts and to explore how this is expressed through architecture.
Australia.
A history unfolds. Exciting contemporary architecture. Vibrant and multicultural beginnings. Deep connections with Muslim faith. Heritage mosques in the outback and the city. Surprising Muslim pioneers.
Australia is widely-recognised as a multicultural nation. However, what often surprises people is that Islam has a long and continuous history in Australia. The earliest mosques were purpose-built in the late 19th century by Muslim men working as cameleers, merchants or hawkers. These men played a crucial role in the exploration, discovery and settlement of Australia’s vast desert interior.
Tunisia.
A story in time. Architecture is the source of inspiring insights into culture and faith where the life of the community unfolds in tangible and intangible ways.
What can we learn? Architecture is the testimony of different civilisations. The rich Islamic history of Tunisia is reflected in the mosque, the medina and the city. This project specifically focuses on the Medina of Tunis, the Medina of Kairouan, and the island of Djerba.
Australia… Tunisia.
Through dialogue and exchange, a successful launch at Expo 2020 Dubai, a scholarly symposium and insightful documentaries, this project explores architecture as a creative site of innovation, experimentation and opportunity.
It is crucial, today, to build bridges and foster connections to enhance intercultural engagement. Jusour seeks to create bridges between scholars, communities, and leaders within those communities to generate positive dialogue, collaboration and engagement about architecture and Islam in the context of multiculturalism.
Jusour. Building bridges between Australian and Tunisian scholars through art and architecture.
Watch our documentaries
The project is funded by the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which seeks to enhance Australia’s economic, cultural and social relations with the Arab region with a view to greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
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