Spirituality of Light in the Mosque by Exploring Iranian-Islamic Architectural Styles

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of light and its interpretation in different styles of Iranian-Islamic architecture. By distinguishing between the content and the physical evaluation of historical periods, one can find a way to properly use different patterns in contemporary mosques. The present study has been conducted using descriptive-analytical method and consists of three stages. First, the role of light in the mosque is investigated, then qualitative and quantitative data have been classified. For this purpose, the ergonomic lighting index questionnaire and its analyzer software (ELI-calculator) have been used. Finally, data have been examined and analyzed by SPSS software. The results of the research show that two criteria of "quality of vision" and "visual comfort" have been of great importance in all periods and styles of Iranian-Islamic mosques; but the architects of the historic mosques have paid more attention than contemporary mosque architects to the criteria of "prospect" and "vitality in the environment" and this difference is statistically significant. Therefore, how the shape of the openings and their location and the way light is applied affects the satisfaction level of the person during worship.