Gezicht op de Syud Alum-moskee in Ahmedabad before 1866

This photograph captures the Syud Alum-moskee in Ahmedabad. The mosque, with its arches and dome, embodies a visual language deeply rooted in Islamic architectural traditions. The dome, a symbol of the heavens, connects the earthly and divine realms. The arches, recurring motifs, evoke a sense of rhythm and spiritual passage. We see similar arches in Roman aqueducts, conveying power, or in Renaissance cathedrals, framing sacred spaces. The dome can be traced back to ancient Roman architecture, like the Pantheon, where it symbolized cosmic unity and imperial power. Here, in the mosque, it signifies the universe and the omnipresence of God. It’s a powerful motif that resurfaces throughout history, each time carrying the weight of cultural memory and evolving in meaning. This image reminds us that symbols transcend time, engaging our subconscious and connecting us to a collective human experience.