Islamic Architecture PDF

Islam “The religious faith of Muslims…”  “…based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, the central themes of which are belief in the one God, Allah, the existence of Heaven and Hell, and the universal Judgment Day to come…”  “...

Islam “The religious faith of Muslims…”  “…based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, the central themes of which are belief in the one God, Allah, the existence of Heaven and Hell, and the universal Judgment Day to come…”  “… Also, the civilization built on Islamic faith…” “… Also called Muhammadanism.” Muhammad or Mohammed or Mohammad or Muhammad or Muhammed The Arab prophet and founder of Islam, AD 570 – 632.  Muslims The followers of Islam.  Five Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad Pillars of Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening) Islam Zakat: to give to those in need Sawm: to fast during Ramadan Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able Denominations of Muslim 1. Sunnis – they accept that the first 4 caliphs were the true successors of Muhammad 2. Shiite – they believe that the only caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad. Therefore, they deny the legitimacy of the first three caliphs Wahabbi – This Sunni sect was founded in the 18th century. Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab Alawite – The Shiite form of Islam prevalent in Syria. Followers hold similar beliefs about the caliph Ali but also observe some Christian and Zoroastrian holidays. Nation of Islam - This mostly African-American, Sunni sect was founded in the 1930s in Detroit, Michigan. Kharijites – This sect broke from the Shiites after disagreeing over how to select a new leader. They are known for radical fundamentalism, and today are called Ibadis.  Sharia Law It is Islam’s legal system which is faith- based code of conduct directing Muslims on how they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives. Islamic Architecture Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE The architecture of the Muslim peoples from the 7th century on, developing in the wake of Muhammadan conquests of diverse territories from Spain in the west to India in the East and absorbing elements of art and architecture from each region. Architectural Character: Warrior like Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey Masculine Demanding submission Reflects missionary and militaristic devotion to god Others expressed subtle and tranquil structure Mosque near Midoun, Tunisia Architectural Elements: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Rich surface decorations incorporating calligraphy and floral motifs in a geometric framework because of the ban on human and animal representations (aniconism). Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Hagia Sofia, Istanbul, Turkey Adaptation of the styles of the Byzantines, Sassanians, etc. Kharagan Twin Towers, Qazvin Province, Iran Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Jama Masjid, Delhi, India Development of the mosque as a distinct building type Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Israel Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey The masonry dome of the Blue Mosque Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Tunnel (barrel) vaults of Qasr Kharana, Amman, Jordan Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Round arch Horseshoe arch Masonry domes and tunnel vaults, round and horseshoe arches Multi-foil arch trefoil arch Islamic arches Rich surface decorations incorporating calligraphy and floral motifs in a geometric framework  Building Typology Mosque Madrassah Palace Hammam  Building Typology Mausoleum  Building Typology Caravanserai/Caravansary Kasbah Building Typology Mosque Caravanserai A Muslim building or place of An inn in the Near East for public worship. Also called the overnight masjid or musjid accommodation of caravans, usually having a large Madrassah courtyard enclosed by a A Muslim theological school solid wall and entered arranged around a courtyard throughan imposing or attached to a mosque. gateway Also called, madrasa. Kasbah Hammam A place for the local leader to A communal bathhouse, live and a defense when a usually with separate baths city was under attack. for men and women. A kasbah has high walls, usually without windows. Building Mosque Typology Building Typology Mosque Common Plan Types: Hypostyle Mosque 4-Iwan Mosque Centrally Planned Mosque Building Typology Mosque: Parts and Features Color – an important part of decoration Sahn – courtyard Fawwara – ablution fountain located at the center of sahn for ritual washing and spiritual purification before prayer (wudu) Minaret – a ofty, slender tower attached to a mosque, having stairs leading up to one or more projecting balconies from which the muezzin calls the Muslim people to prayer. Building Typology Mosque: Parts and Features  Muqarna – stalactite work; a system of decoration in Islamic architecture, formed by intricate corbeling of brackets, squinches, and inverted pyramid; sometimes wrought in stone but more often in plaster.  Maqsurah – an enclosure, a box or wooden screen near the mihrab or the center of the qibla wall, which was originally designed to shield a worshipping ruler from assassins.  Dikka – a tribune raised upon columns from which the Quran is recited and prayers are intoned by the imam of a mosque Building Typology Palace: Parts and Features Complexity is traced from Muslim ritual and belief Buildings were meant to represent paradise on earth for the privileged and the powerful Magnificent water gardens (a reference to oasis) Like a small townships More joyous design, some daylight, more daylight, gardens in a play of water feature Building Typology Palace: Parts and Features Separation of sexes are required living quarters for men and women; Harem – room for wives, concubines and female servants Dar – men’s apartment Selamuk – men’s guest quarter