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Islamic Architecture (7th Century to Present Day)

Overview of Regions Influenced by Islam

• Predominantly flourished in Southern Asia and Northern Africa.

Geographic Spread of Islam

• Regions Governed by Islamic Rulers:

  • Africa

    • North of Sahara (7th century onwards)

      • Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt

    • Sahara and Eastern Africa (9th century onwards)

      • Spanish Sahara, Mauretania, Mali, Northern Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Somalia

  • Asia and Asia Minor (7th Century Onwards)

    • Arabian Peninsula, Syria, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran

    • Afghanistan (9th century onwards), South Russia, part of Mongolia (11th century onwards), and Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia - 14th century onwards)

Geological Factors

• Early expansion of Islam coincided with regions rich in building traditions:

  • Techniques already established in brick making, stone working, and ceramics.

  • Building stones and materials differed across the Islamic world, influencing architectural styles.

Climatic Considerations

• Fertility primarily achieved through irrigation rather than rainfall.

• Most areas exhibit continental climates with temperature extremes, prompting architectural adaptations:

  • Wide eaves and sheltering arcades to reduce heat.

  • Minimization of window openings for rain protection.

  • Heavy walls and high rooms to promote cooling.

Social Structure Influencing Architecture

• Predominantly tribal Arab groups:

  • Public life reserved for men; women confined to household roles, largely in the Harem.

  • Women protected in public through anonymity.

  • Government typically direct under a despotic ruler, influenced by Islamic law.

Religious Context

• Core Belief: "There is only one God; Mohammed is His prophet."

• Key texts:

  • Koran (revelation through Mohammed)

  • Hadith (sayings of Mohammed)

  • Law derived from the Prophet’s teachings.

Architectural Characteristics of Islamic Buildings

• Islamic architecture combines influences from diverse cultures as a result of rapid territorial conquests:

  • Buildings oriented around the "Kibla" (axis towards Mecca).

  • Use of key elements:

    • Arcades, dome spaces, large portals including the "Iwan."

    • Functionality: mosques, tombs, and public dwellings.

• Interior Design:

  • Early mosques featured columned forests under low roofs; later examples include elaborately decorated interiors.

  • Emphasis on inward contemplation rather than grand ostentation.

Structural Elements

• Prayers spaces kept almost unfurnished to maintain focus on worship.

• Mosque Attributes:

  • Central courtyard: an essential feature.

  • Minaret: a tall tower for calling to prayer.

  • Architectural Styles:

    • The use of domes, barrel vaulting, and extensive use of columns.

Key Building Components and Definitions

• Masjid: Principal mosque (Jami) in Persia/India.

• Madrassah: Religious college and mosque.

• Minaret: Tower for prayer calls.

• Harem: Women’s quarters in a household or palace.

Notable Islamic Structures

1. Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem:

   • Important Islamic structure with a rich mosaic interior, historically significant site.

2. Great Mosque, Damascus:

   • Architectural marvel showcasing Roman and Byzantine influences adapted for Islamic worship.

3. Taj Mahal, Agra:

   • A pinnacle of Mughal architecture symbolizing the zenith of Islamic art and construction.

Conclusion

• Islamic architecture displays rich cultural fusion and adapts to ecological, social, and religious settings, emphasizing functional beauty and spiritual ideals.