“First we shape our buildings, then they shape us.” — Winston Churchill
“First we shape our buildings, then they shape us, then we shape them again – ad infinitum.” — Stewart Brand
Since the XVI Century, the Isthmus of Panama has been considered the ideal place for commerce and for traveling from one ocean to the other. With the discovery of the Pacific Ocean by Vasco Nuñez de Balboa in 1513, Europe became aware that there was a whole new world beyond the Atlantic Ocean.
As a result of the construction of the first trans-isthmian railroad in 1855 and the building of the Panama Canal in 1914, the Isthmus of Panama became the most intense trading area in the hemisphere and for the world at large. This global commercial hub attracted people from every corner of the world.
Over the years, Panama has become a melting pot with almost every ethnic group having a representation in Panama. Amongst the international community are the Muslims which were attracted to the Colon Free Zone on the Atlantic Side , which is the largest free zone in the western hemisphere. There are approximately 10,000 Muslims living in Panama. They built two mosques in Panama City for their religious practice.
Yesterday I went and took several pictures of one of the two mosques, one of which is located in the neighborhood of Calidonia in Panama City, Panama. It was a clear cool Sunday morning with a smooth blue sky and sparse soft white floating clouds. The mosque was also white.
This is the white mosque which came out of the blue. Take a look.
Snapshot of the entrance of the mosque with a sign that reads, "Jama Mosque" in Spanish. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of a Muslim mosque in Panama City, Panama with its tall and slender minarets. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of the large dome of a Muslim mosque in Panama City, Panama in the neighborhood of Calidonia. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
A snapshot of a Muslim mosque with its two slender towers which have been edited with a special "Bronze Effect" using PhotoFlex. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
Snaphot of a Muslim mosque highlighting one of its tall minarets. The sun was just rising and the light was still soft. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of a Muslim mosque under a partly cloudy blue sky. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
I’ve saved more pictures of this beautiful Muslim building for tomorrow. If you’re interested in different architectural styles, you’re most welcome to return tomorrow for the rest of the image gallery. Good Day.
