Islamic Architecture and Cultural Identity: A Study of Mosques as Heritage Sites in Lanao Del Sur

Abstract

Mosques in Lanao del Sur are living sacred spaces that embody Islamic faith, Maranao cultural identity, collective memory, and community continuity. This study examined the architectural character and heritage significance of three selected mosques: the King Faisal Center Mosque, Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie, and Dansalan Bato Mosque. A qualitative descriptive-comparative design was employed. Data were gathered through field observation, photo documentation, semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected key informants, and document analysis. Thematic analysis and a comparative matrix were used to identify architectural patterns, cultural meanings, and preservation concerns across the sites. Findings revealed a continuum of mosque architecture: an academic-institutional hybrid that integrates okir ornamentation, a monumental urban mosque shaped by international Islamic forms and post-conflict reconstruction, and a historic vernacular site marked by material loss and contested restoration. Across the cases, architecture functioned as an expression of identity, resilience, and belonging. The study concludes that conserving heritage mosques requires more than structural repair. It calls for culturally grounded conservation standards, community participation, institutional co-governance, documentation, and context-sensitive reconstruction policies that protect both material authenticity and living heritage.