A new monument was temporarily installed in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, with many people walking past it without realising its significance to many Australians.
Located at the eastern end of Martin Place near Macquarie Street, the monument is a replica of the Holy Kaaba, an important symbol in Islam that plays a central role in Muslim worship.
The replica, which has since been removed, has passages of the Qur’an inscribed on it in golden lettering and was protected by a metal fence.
The Kaaba, also known as al-Ka’ba al-Musharrafa, is considered the holiest site in Islam. It is a stone structure located at the centre of the Great Mosque, the Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Each year, millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage to the Kaaba during Hajj, a week-long event that takes place in the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
Muslims also turn toward the Kaaba in Mecca whenever they pray.
A spokesperson for the City of Sydney Council told Daily Mail Australia it was the third year the replica had been installed as part of a cultural celebration.
‘Sydney is a global, multicultural city that celebrates our diverse communities,’ a City of Sydney spokesperson said.
‘This is the third year we have approved the installation of this temporary religious monument in Martin Place.’
‘This event is a cultural celebration put on by a registered charity and involved a musical performance attended by families.’
The City of Sydney explained Martin Place has hosted a range of religious events including Christmas in the City, the Walk with Christ annual Eucharistic Procession and Chanukkah in the City.
Many Aussies praised council for including the monument in Martin Place as it demonstrated Australia was a multicultural country with freedom of expression.
‘I’m not a fan of pandering to any religion,’ one person wrote. ‘That being said, I’m a fan of freedom and anything that can bring people together.
‘As a society, showing others within our society that what they believe and practice (within the laws and framework of our agreed and accepted constitution) is ok and encouraged.’
A second person added: ‘I know Australia is a Christian society and is governed by Christian laws but we also value the right for others to celebrate their religion in peace.’
However, some opposed the monument.
Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Mark Latham urged the City of Sydney Council to ‘maintain a separation between church and state’.
