I.

OVERVIEW OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

A. Definition and Scope
- Islamic architecture refers to the
architectural traditions of the
HISTORY OF
Islamic world, which spans from
ARCHITECTURE 3
the 7th century to the present day.
- Encompasses a wide range of
styles, reflecting diverse cultural,
historical, and regional influences.

B. Key Characteristics
1. Emphasis on geometric and • C. Cultural and Historical Context
floral patterns. 1. The rise of Islam and its impact
2. Avoidance of representational on artistic expression.
art (aniconism). 2. Islamic architecture as a
3. Strategic use of light and
manifestation of cultural values
shadow.
and religious beliefs.
4. Integration of decorative
elements with functional 3. Connection to trade, commerce,
design. and intellectual pursuits.
•
 II. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

A. Early Islamic Architecture (7th to 10th

centuries)
1. The Mosque of Medina
- Simple layout with an open courtyard.
- Early use of the hypostyle prayer hall.

2. Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

- Iconic dome and octagonal plan.
- Rich mosaic decorations.
3. Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia
- Early example of the
horseshoe arch.
- Strong geometric patterns in the minaret.
B. Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries)

1. Alhambra in Spain

- Intricate stucco work and

muqarnas (A form of decorative vaulting in Islamic
architecture. In muqarnas, the surface of a vault or
dome is subdivided into niche-like cells that have no load-
bearing function. Also know as stalactite vaulting or
honeycomb vaulting.)
- Courtyards with reflective pools.
 2. Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain

- Hypostyle hall with horseshoe arches.

- Ornate mihrab – (is a niche in the wall of
a mosque that indicates the quibla ) and
domed maqsura.- (is an enclosure)

• Qibla – is the direction towards the

Kaaba in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca
3. The Mausoleum of Sultan Qalawun in
Cairo

- Mamluk architecture with intricate stone

carving. (heavy ornamentation)
- Courtyard with a central ablution fountain
C. Persian and Central Asian Influences

1. Isfahan's Imam Mosque, Iran

- Splendid Persian domes and blue

tilework.
- Four iwans around a central courtyard.
(Iwan – is a rectangular hall or space,
usually vaulted )
2. Samarkand's Registan Square,
Uzbekistan

- Timurid architecture with grand

arches.
- Tile mosaic panels and calligraphic
inscriptions.
(Timurid architecture drew on aspects of
Seljuk architecture. Turquoise and blue tiles
forming intricate linear and geometric
patterns decorated the facades of
buildings).
3. The Great Mosque of Herat,
Afhganistan

- Complex geometric patterns in tilework.

- Minarets with elaborate
brickwork
Minaret - a tall slender tower, typically part of
a mosque, with a balcony from which a
Muezzin calls Muslims to prayer.
 III. Architectural Elements and Design
Principles

A. Mosques

1. Prayer Hall (Sahn, Mihrab, Minbar)

- Arrangement for congregational prayers.

- Ornate mihrab indicating the qibla direction.
- Elevated minbar for sermons.

A mihrab is a niche in the

wall of a mosque or
religious school (madrasa)
that indicates the direction
Sahn – is a courtyard of Mecca (qibla), which
in Islamic rchitecture. Muslims face when
praying.
 2. Dome and Minaret

- Symbolism of the dome as a

Minbar - a pulpit in a celestial representation.
mosque where the imam - Minarets for the call to prayer.
(leader of prayers) stands
- Diversity in minaret designs.
to deliver sermons

B. Palaces and Residences

3. Courtyards and Gardens 1. Courtyards and Halls

- Courtyards as communal spaces. - Central courtyards for ventilation and

- Inclusion of gardens for spiritual natural light.
reflection. - Halls with intricate tilework and
- Water features for purification calligraphy – (a visual art related to
rituals. writing. It is the design and execution
of lettering with a pen or other writing
instrument.)
 C. Urban Planning
2. Decorative Tiles and Calligraphy
1. Traditional Islamic Cities
- Extensive use of colorful tiles in
geometric patterns.
- Organized around the mosque.
- Calligraphic inscriptions as
- Bazaars and commercial areas.
decorative elements.

IV. Decorative Arts and Ornamentation

2. Street Layout and Bazaars A.Calligraphy and Arabesque

- Narrow winding streets for shade. - Quranic verses as decorative elements.

- Covered bazaars with arched - Arabesque patterns symbolizing infinity
entrances. and unity.
- Skillful integration of calligraphy into
architecture.
 Arabesque Patterns
Quranic Verses

B. Geometric Patterns

- Repeated geometric shapes as a

symbol of divine order.
- Mathematical precision in
tilework and mosaics.
- Use of symmetry and tessellation. Geometric Patterns

Tessellation Art
C. Use of Tiles and Mosaics

- Vibrant colored tiles in blue, green,

and white.
- Intricate mosaic work in religious
and secular buildings.
- Technological advancements in tile
production.