Study Notes on Essay Writing: The Mosque as a Multi-Sensory Worship Space

Overview of the Assignment - Focus: Essay on "The Mosque as a Place of Multi-Sensory Worship". - Sources provided for writing: - Smart History overview on mosques. - Article by Nina Irvin about soundscapes and acoustical history. - The Quran as a primary source. ## Insight into Assigned Sources - Smart History: Provides a general introduction to mosques. - Nina Irvin's Article: - Discusses soundscapes as a new scholarly focus - Highlights its significance in understanding acoustics in historical religious sites. ## Importance of the Quran - The Quran consists of chapters called Surahs. - Examples relevant for research: - Surah 36: "Sun in the Morning" - Surah 3: "Sun in the Afternoon" - Surah 67: "Sun in the Evening" - Access to audio and text in Arabic and English provided. - Concept of intoned speech: - Between speaking and singing, vital for Muslims historically and in modern times. - Sound is an integral part of engagement with the Quran and worship. ## Anthology of Primary Sources - A collection of texts about the architectural aspects of the Friday Mosque of Sultan Suleyman Khan: - Constructed by architect Sinan, a master of Ottoman classical architecture. This mosque stands as a crowning achievement, often considered an architectural artwork due to its innovative structural design and harmonious aesthetics. - Its design emphasizes a vast, unified interior space, achieved through intricate dome systems and strategic use of natural light, contributing to a profound sensory experience. - Notable poetic expressions from contemporaries: - Example lines display admiration for Sinan's architectural prowess and the mosque's beauty, often praising elements like its soaring domes, slender minarets, and the intricate decorative arts (such as calligraphy and tilework) that adorn its interiors, all contributing to its multi-sensory appeal. - The integration of these artistic and architectural elements creates an environment intended to elevate worship. ## Research and Argumentation - Sources provided will assist students in focusing on: - Purpose of the essay: developing an argument and supporting it. - Explaining the mosque both as an architectural and acoustical space for worship. - Writing as a learning tool: - First draft for individual understanding of material. - Second draft to teach the reader about the developed idea. ## Hierarchy of Sources in Academia - Preference for works by established scholars and primary sources for higher weight in argumentation. - Understanding the significance of well-researched articles over less credible sources. ## Structure and Publication of Scholarly Articles - Example of the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians: - Articles undergo rigorous peer review before publication. - Timeline: Authors may take years to write, submit to editors, and await feedback (5-10% acceptance rate). - Importance of high standards in writing: - Clarity and solid evidence are essential for publication. - Formulaic nature of scholarly articles: - Designed primarily for architectural historians but becoming more accessible for broader audiences, including undergraduates. ## Reading Academic Articles - Strategies for reading articles: - Pre-reading: Familiarize with content and structure before diving deeper. - Markup: Annotate key sections and titles to grasp the article's framework. - Word Search: Identify keywords that signal new findings or gaps in the literature. - Recommended workflow for speed and comprehension during article examination: - Read introduction first, then the conclusion for context. - Analyze diagrams or images to support understanding. ## Significance of Scholarly Engagement - Acknowledging existing scholarship: - Identify gaps where new research can contribute to academic discourse. - Use strategic keywords to understand the contributions of the article to current knowledge in the field. - Aim for authors to carve a unique niche in scholarly discussions by identifying unaddressed problems in current literature.