IUST holds book release on ‘Architectural Ornamentation in Shrines and Mosques’

SRINAGAR – Islamic University of Science and Technology Awantipora organised a book release function of ‘Architectural Ornamentation in Shrines and Mosques in Kashmir’ in collaboration with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Kashmir at the Institute of Hotel Management Wednesday.  The book has been penned by Dr. Fozia S Qazi, Dr. Hakeem Samir Hamdani, Qamoos Bukhari and Dr. Mehran Qureshi.

Vice-Chancellor of IUST Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, who was the Chief Guest highlighted the important issue of preservation and protection of Shrines while he talked about the vulnerability of these structures due to earthquakes and other natural disasters. In his presidential remarks, Prof Romshoo emphasised the need to protect these important  architectural sites so that Kashmir’s culture and heritage could be preserved and that IUST has been taking numerous steps toward encouraging of Kashmiri language and culture by creating new Centres for Spiritual Studies and the Kashmir language.

Noted Islamic Scholar and eminent religious figure, Prof Tayyab Kamili, eminent doctor Dr. G.Q. Allaqaband, Industrialist Shakeel Qalandar, reputed artist Masood Hussain were also part of the book release function, who congratulated the authors for creating an awareness about the significance of these shrines and writing about steps to preserve Kashmiri architecture. They highlighted the legacy and role of these Shrines in the lives of Kashmiri people and how they represent a symbol of rich identity for the community.

A panel discussion was held with all the contributors of this book which was moderated by Former Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Siddiq Wahid, which was followed by an interactive session. The initial remarks were presented by Convener and Head of INTACH J&K M. Saleem Beg who said the book was of immense value for understanding Kashmir and its architecture. A visual presentation was shared by the editor of the book Qamoos Bukhari on this occasion, who described how Kashmiri culture and heritage could be seen through these shrines and mosques. He gave a detailed illustration of some of the shrines and mosques like Khanqah-e-Moula.