Form and Function in the Congregational Mosque

Michael H Mitias,Abdullah Al Jasmi

doi:10.33134/eeja.169

Abstract

A large number of scholars have argued that a) Islamic architecture is hidden, in the sense that its interior is not articulated on the basis of its exterior; b) the form of Islamic buildings neither expresses nor embodies its function; and c) Islamic architecture is not tectonic or structural, but iconic in character. In this paper, we use Ernst Grube’s analysis of these three claims and focus our attention on the design of the congregational mosques. This paper presents informed arguments against these claims. We begin the discussion with a clarification of the meaning of ‘form follows function’. A clear understanding of the relationship between these two concepts is indispensable for evaluating the claims that Grube makes in his analyses. Then we argue that the form of the congregational mosque embodies its function in a significant manner. Finally, the paper explains in some detail how the function of a mosque is the basis on which its formal structure is designed. The proposition that we defend in this paper is that Islamic architecture exists and expresses the spirit of Islamic culture.

Highlights

Some of the prominent writers on the question of the identity of Islamic architecture, whose views remain influential in contemporary discourse on this question, have argued that, firstly, Islamic architecture is hidden, in the sense that its interior is not articulated on the basis of its exterior; and the exterior of the building does not reveal its interior or identity;1 and that, secondly, the form of the Islamic building does not express or embody its function; that is, there is no causal relation between its form and function
We identify an Islamic building not by its formal structure, but by a multiplicity of symbols, representations, mosaics, colourful configurations, Qur’anic inscriptions, and other iconic devices
We argue against that view, and the architectural type we select for analysis is the congregational mosque

Summary

Introduction

Some of the prominent writers on the question of the identity of Islamic architecture, whose views remain influential in contemporary discourse on this question, have argued that, firstly, Islamic architecture is hidden, in the sense that its interior is not articulated on the basis of its exterior; and the exterior of the building does not reveal its interior or identity;1 and that, secondly, the form of the Islamic building does not express or embody its function; that is, there is no causal relation between its form and function.2 In the words of one critic, there is a total absence of Islamic architecture.

Results

Conclusion