Mosque Architecture and Design

Mosque Design

• Key features:
  • Mihrab (prayer niche) indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca
  • Minbar (pulpit) for the Imam to deliver sermons
  • Minaret (tower) for the call to prayer
  • Hypostyle halls with columns and arches
• Types of mosques:
  • Masjid (congregational mosque)
  • Masalla (prayer hall)
  • Jami Masjid (Friday mosque)

Arabesque Ornamentation

• Characterized by:
  • Intricate geometric patterns and arabesques
  • Floral motifs, foliage, and vines
  • Use of calligraphy and geometric shapes
• Techniques:
  • Glazed tilework (zellij)
  • Carved stucco and stone
  • Painted decoration
• Symbolism:
  • Geometric patterns represent the infinite and the divine
  • Floral motifs symbolize paradise and the garden of Eden

Architectural Evolution

• Early Islamic Period (7th-10th centuries):
  • Influence of Byzantine and Sassanian styles
  • Development of the hypostyle mosque
• Middle Islamic Period (11th-13th centuries):
  • Introduction of the four-iwan plan
  • Development of madrasas (Islamic schools)
• Late Islamic Period (14th-16th centuries):
  • Ottoman and Mughal styles emerge
  • Increased use of domes and half-domes

Influence of Islamic Art

• On architecture:
  • Use of arches, domes, and minarets
  • Incorporation of Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns
• On art and craft:
  • Development of ceramics, textiles, and metalwork
  • Influence on Western art and architecture (e.g., Gothic cathedrals)

Cultural Significance

• Representation of Islamic values and beliefs
• Symbol of community and unity among Muslims
• Expression of cultural and artistic excellence
• Preservation of Islamic heritage and tradition

Mosque Design

• A mosque's key features include: Mihrab (prayer niche) indicating the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, Minbar (pulpit) for the Imam to deliver sermons, Minaret (tower) for the call to prayer, and Hypostyle halls with columns and arches
• There are different types of mosques: Masjid (congregational mosque), Masalla (prayer hall), and Jami Masjid (Friday mosque)

Arabesque Ornamentation

• Arabesque ornamentation is characterized by intricate geometric patterns and arabesques, floral motifs, foliage, and vines, and the use of calligraphy and geometric shapes
• Techniques used in arabesque ornamentation include glazed tilework (zellij), carved stucco and stone, and painted decoration
• Geometric patterns represent the infinite and the divine, while floral motifs symbolize paradise and the garden of Eden

Architectural Evolution

• During the Early Islamic Period (7th-10th centuries), mosque architecture was influenced by Byzantine and Sassanian styles, and the hypostyle mosque developed
• In the Middle Islamic Period (11th-13th centuries), the four-iwan plan was introduced, and madrasas (Islamic schools) were developed
• During the Late Islamic Period (14th-16th centuries), Ottoman and Mughal styles emerged, and the use of domes and half-domes increased

Influence of Islamic Art

• Islamic art influenced architecture through the use of arches, domes, and minarets, and the incorporation of Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns
• Islamic art also influenced ceramics, textiles, and metalwork, and had an impact on Western art and architecture, such as in Gothic cathedrals

Cultural Significance

• Mosques represent Islamic values and beliefs, and symbolize community and unity among Muslims
• Mosques are an expression of cultural and artistic excellence, and preserve Islamic heritage and tradition

Explore the key features and types of mosques, including mihrab, minbar, minaret, and hypostyle halls. Learn about arabesque ornamentation and its characteristics.