God in the city: the religious buildings in the spatial configuration of organic Tetovo

Abstract

This paper is about the relations between spatial configuration and activities in the city. By using Space Syntax theory and methodology, it ivestigates the pattern of religious establishments and their spatial location and distribution in the organic configuration of Tetovo, which was developed from the XIVth century until the World War II.Tetovo, has always been a multiconfessional city, with the majority of Orthodox Christian and Muslim citizens. Both religious groups have had their distinct socio-cultural characteristics that shaped the city. But, whatever their differences, they all had one thing in common: the House of God. Muslims during the history of the city built their mosques and Christians their churches.The research shows that regardless of the religion, Islamic or Christian, the religious establishments tend to occupy central locations and belong to the main arteries of the city. In these locations the number of people who move across the scales is at its peak. The religious authorities take advantage of the spatial configuration and occupy the most integrated spaces, in order to express their authority and influence the wider community.