Islamic Architectural Heritage Research Articles

The Mosque of the Blessed Tree in Safawi, Jordan

The Mosque of the Blessed Tree in Mafraq, Jordan represents a revival of Islamic architectural heritage. Situated near an ancient terebinth tree where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have rested, the mosque was erected according to traditional building techniques and Islamic principles. The design, led by MAS Design Office, involved careful integration of local materials along with load-bearing structures. Despite challenges, including limited time and budget constraints, the project was completed in six months. The mosque's design emphasizes simplicity and balance, with features such as a central dome, shallow domes in prayer halls, and pinnacles echoing traditional minarets. The project also involved training local craftsmen in complex stonemasonry techniques.

Analytical Evaluation of Midjourney Architectural Virtual Lab: Defining Major Current Limits in AI-Generated Representations of Islamic Architectural Heritage

In artificial intelligence (AI), generative systems, most notably Midjourney, have tremendous power to generate creative images of buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage through text-to-image generation based on the internet. The AI-generated representations have significant potential for architects, specialists, and everyday users. However, the system has considerable limitations when generating images for some buildings and sites where the representations appear too far from their original represented structures. Evaluating Midjourney as an architectural virtual lab, this research article attempts to define the major current limitations of using Midjourney’s AI system in producing images similar to the actual buildings and sites of Islamic architectural heritage. This research employs prompt engineering techniques based on historical sources as inputs to examine the accuracy of the output of the AI-generated images of selected examples of structures of the Islamic tradition. To validate the research results, it compares the Midjourney output with the original look by employing direct observation through critical analysis of human intelligence (HI) facilitated by the analysis of the latest version of 3M Visual Attention Software and an online survey. It concludes that while Midjourney can represent high-end AI-generated images inspired by the Islamic tradition, it currently falls short of presenting the actual appearance of some of its original structures. Furthermore, it categorizes these limitations into four groups: (1) limits of the prompt, (2) limits of fame, (3) limits of regionality and historical styles, and (4) limits of architectural elements and details. The significance of this research lies in providing timely evaluation factors to architectural heritage practitioners and software developers. This practical article is the second in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the first (theoretical) article introduces the concept of Artificial Intelligence Islamic Architecture (AIIA), answering the question: what is Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence Islamic Architecture (AIIA): What Is Islamic Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?

Revisiting the long-debated question: “What is Islamic architecture?”, this research article aims to explore the identity of “Islamic architecture (IA)” in the context of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as the novel opportunities and cultural challenges associated with applying AI techniques, such as the machine learning of Midjourney in the context of IA. It investigates the impact factors of AI technologies on the understanding and interpretation of traditional Islamic architectural principles, especially architectural design processes. This article employs a quantitative research methodology, including the observation of works of artists and architectural designers appearing in the mass media in light of a literature review and critical analysis of scholarly debates on Islamic architecture, spanning from historical perspectives to contemporary discussions. The article argues for the emergence of a continuous paradigm shift from what is commonly known as “postmodern Islamic architecture” (PMIA) into “artificial intelligence Islamic architecture” (AIIA), as coined by the authors of this article. It identifies the following impact factors of AI on IA: (1) particular requirements and sensitivities, inaccuracies, and biases, (2) human touch, unique craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of cultural issues, (3) regional variation, (4) translation, (5) biases in sources, (6) previously used terms and expressions, and (7) intangible values. The significance of this research in digital heritage lies in the fact that there are no pre-existing theoretical publications on the topic of “Islamic architecture in the age of artificial intelligence”, although an extensive set of publications interpreting the question of the definition of Islamic architecture, in general, is found. This article is pivotal in analyzing this heritage-inspired design approach in light of former criticism of the definition of “Islamic architecture”, which could benefit both theorists and practitioners. This theoretical article is the first in a series of two sequential articles in the Buildings journal; the second (practical) article is an analytical evaluation of the Midjourney architectural virtual lab, defining major current limits in AI-generated representations of Islamic architectural heritage.

Constructing national identity through World Heritage: the international and intranational politics of the built environment in Ahmadabad

ABSTRACT In 2017, amidst rising Hindu nationalist politics, the ‘Historic City of Ahmadabad’ was designated India’s first UNESCO World Heritage city for its Islamic architectural heritage. How should we understand the emergence of this seeming counter-narrative at a time of rising ethno-nationalism? Ahmadabad’s diverging international and intranational heritage narratives are instructive in understanding what motivates national identity constructions inside and outside a nation-state’s borders. Using evidence from semi-structured interviews and documents, this paper illustrates how Ahmadabad’s World Heritage narrative is manipulated for different objectives at each scale. Internationally, Ahmadabad’s heritage cooperation with the French government, and framing as ‘multicultural’ is intended to internationalise the city and appeal to a global audience. Internally, its framing suggests inclusivity but operates as a subtle form of control by presenting a carefully curated degree of Islamism. Ultimately, this narrative of inclusion excludes the Muslim and migrant populations most closely associated with this heritage. By unpacking the socio-political and economic forces at play in constructing Indian national identity internationally and internally, this paper highlights the uses and abuses of built heritage.

MAHABAT KHAN MOSQUE - AN ISLAMIC SYMBOL OF PEACE

It is ironical that the Mughals are remembered as warriors yet their breathtaking architecture offers an inspiration for regional peace. Separatist narratives may attempt to emphasise the ideological differences in the Indian subcontinent, but the centuries-old resonance of architectural magnificence of the Taj Mahal in India and the Shalimar Gardens in Pakistan simply mocks any divisions. It is within this perspective that the preservation and restoration of the Mahabat Khan Mosque in Peshawar deserves more attention than it has been accorded. Papers published so far have served well by detailing its history and features, but its significance as the western-most unifier for the sub-continent has been left unexplored. This article aims to highlight the link that its architectural features create with the Mughal buildings of the whole subcontinent. Photographs from unique angles are shared to highlight this commonality and thus serve as a counter narrative of regional unity based on a common Islamic architectural heritage. Also included is a fresh inventory of its state of disrepair, based on a survey conducted by students of City University in 2019, to revoke attention towards its restoration. Finally, recommendations are offered to address the delay in relocation of surrounding shops that is currently hindering its repair.

Follow-up and renewal in the employment of the Islamic architectural heritage (Ahmed Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo and Meikat Mosque in Medina as a case study)

The concept of employment for the Islamic architectural heritage takes great place and attention by architects or those who study and analyze the Islamic heritage in architecture. However, most of the architectural applications that appear on the ground focus on the physical aspect of that heritage as it represents the visual image of it and the most relevant aspect of the memory of Islamic societies in the Eastern and Western Islamic world. This causes the problem of the artisanal transport of the heritage of the Islamic architectural heritage without looking at this heritage objectively and understanding the social and cultural circumstances and causes that led to its emergence as it is. The research assumes that the Islamic architectural heritage possesses rich intellectual and material resources that can be utilized nowadays in contemporary projects if they are removed from imitation and direct form transport. The research focuses specifically on the architecture of the mosques and selects two old models, the Ahmad Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo and the Mashhad in the ninth century AD, and the Meikat Mosque in Medina and Mashad at the end of the 20th century. The research aims at shedding light on the concept of followers in the building of contemporary Islamic mosques as a mechanism for employing the Islamic architectural heritage and identifying the defects in the process of followings and the surrounding areas in the building of contemporary mosques.

Designing a Revolutionary Habitat: Tradition, Heritage and Housing in the Immediate Aftermath of the Iranian Revolution – Continuities and Disruptions

For the first decade after its victory, the Iranian revolution (1979) was dominated by an uncompromising Islamist ideology, invoking the Islamic and vernacular traditions. A logical arena through which Islamism could act upon people’s daily lives was public housing, the design and construction of which is controlled by the government, and its constituents are the masses who mostly adhere to Muslim traditions and espouse forms of Islamic identity in their daily life. Referring to a selection of projects from a series of government housing competitions held in 1986, we examine the relationship between the submitted designs and architectural precedents cited as constituting “Islamic architectural heritage.” Elaborating on the heritage processes involved in articulating the past in these designs, we trace the interrelationships between these designs and other, non-Islamic, architectural discourses and design procedures deriving from a Western context. We argue for rethinking the relationship between heritage and architectural design, such that the latter is seen as the process of refashioning fragments of past traditions into heritage, in this case, a purportedly Islamic form. Concurrently, we show the gap between ideological rhetoric and the praxis of design and remarkable continuities between the periods leading up to and following the revolution.

Mudéjar and the Alhambresque: Spanish Pavilions at the Universal Expositions and the Invention of a National Style

Spain’s complex relationship with its Islamic architectural heritage was brought into particular focus through the prism of its national pavilions that were built for the Universal Expositions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This article explores how Spain chose to represent itself in several key expositions of the 1860s and 1870s, using a combination of styles derived from its Islamic architectural heritage, from the mudéjar to the Alhambresque. Particular attention is paid to the critical reception of the national pavilions within Spain; to the influence of global architectural trends on Spanish architects and critics; to the variety among the different versions of Spain’s Islamic architecture that were promoted in the name of nationalism; and to the role of ephemeral architecture in the attempts to define a national architectural style.

Islamic Architectural Heritage Properties in Iraq

Islamic Architectural Heritage Properties in Iraq

Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Islamic Architectural Heritage in China: the example of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

<p>The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in Northwestern China, has the highest concentration of Hui Muslims in China: around 34% of the local population is Hui Muslim. Following the anti-religious campaigns of the communist regime and the wide destruction of the Cultural Revolution, Hui Muslims began gradually to reclaim their Muslim heritage in the late 70's. A major aspect of the rediscovery of their Islamic heritage was the Rehabilitation and reconstruction of Islamic Architectural buildings. As of today, Ningxia counts 4,500 mosques and other religious buildings. The present article seeks to introduce the architectural tendencies at play in this reconstruction, specifically the role of competing Arabic and Chinese influences.</p>

Towards the comprehensive and systematic assessment of the adaptive reuse of Islamic architectural heritage in Cairo

Purpose – Many of the heritage adaptive reuse projects in Islamic Cairo did not report success. Existing evaluations are usually drawn from a singular perspective – such as preservation and sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to generate a comprehensive assessment framework of adaptively reused heritage buildings that is specifically developed for the case of Islamic heritage of Cairo. Design/methodology/approach – This paper depends on an extensive literature review about primary goals of adapting heritage for reuse. Related to each goal, multiple criteria of assessment are derived from literature, and then explained to mention worldwide benchmarks in that field. Findings – A successful heritage adaptation project shall aim to achieve: building preservation, success of new function, and local community development. The framework is able to organize the adaptive reuse literature in general, and to specifically provide direct goals and guidelines in the case of Cairo. Research limitations/implications – In research and practice, priorities of heritage reuse vary from case-to case; however, this paper considers all assessment criteria to be of equal importance. Practical implications – In order to apply and technically develop this assessment framework, future research can describe methodologies for assessment and to set optimum quantitative and/or qualitative indicators’ thresholds for each criterion. Social implications – This paper highlights that new uses of heritage buildings should be assessed for having a role in the upgrading the socio-economic milieu of the people living. The new functions shall act as a stimulant for economic upraising and social reinforcement for the local business and small traditional industries. Originality/value – The framework can be used as a checklist in either the planning of adaptive reuse projects or the evaluation of already completed ones. The framework shall assist governmental institutions, developers, owners, community groups, practitioners, and others in bringing forward successful adaptation schemes in Cairo.

SINO-ARABIC SCRIPT AND ARCHITECTURAL INSCRIPTIONS IN XI’AN GREAT MOSQUE, CHINA

The Islamic art have played a significant role in the development of Muslim Chinese community in China, it was<br />developed through time in response to cultural needs of the minority Muslim groups in China. The Islamic<br />calligraphy was widely used in architecture, especially in interior and exterior decoration of mosques and<br />other religious buildings. The aim of this study is to interpret the Islamic art and architecture in China through<br />application of Sino-Arabic script on mosques and crafts produced by Muslim minority in China in relation to the<br />Islamic civilization and Chinese civilization, in order to suggest some guidelines for the preservation of this<br />forgotten Islamic heritage. To achieve the aim of this paper the Sino-Arabic inscriptions will be examined in<br />order to determine their characteristics and the nature of the effects to which they have been subjected. A<br />broad range of information was collected from various sources and through a field survey that was carried out<br />in Xi’an Great Mosque in China. The collected information from field work will be analyzed with particular<br />regard to the special character of Chinese Islamic art and architecture. This study is an attempt to address<br />the important topic of Islamic calligraphy and its application on architectural buildings in China as part of<br />issues of Islamic architectural heritage and its integration with local tradition that have been occurred in the<br />Muslim world and it is hoped that it is going to be a significant contribution to the subject of Islamic art and<br />architecture in China as well as revival and preservation of this forgotten heritage. Detailed conclusion will be<br />arrived at the end and specific suggestions are intended to assist in examining the topic in depth and helping in<br />developing guidelines for regional expansion and adaptation of Islamic art and architecture with local<br />environmental condition to contribute more for the future of Muslim heritage and civilization.

The Attributes of Architectural Form of Traditional House Internal Facades of Mosul's Traditional House as a Case-study

خصائص الشكل المعماري للمسكن التقليدي ا لو اج ه ات ا لد اخ لي ة ل لم س ك ن ا لت ق لي د ي ف ي م د ي ن ة ا لم و ص ل ا لق د ي م ة ن م و ذ ج ا طلعت إبراهيم محمد علي العاني الهندسة المعمارية / كلية الهندسة / جامعة الموصل Mobil : 00964 770 160 7447 E-mail : Talaat_aane@yahoo.com الخلاصة يمثل الشكل احد ركائز التكوين المعماري الأساسية و التي تشكل مع بعضها المظهر و المضمون الأساسي للتشكيل المعماري ككل ، سواء على مستوى الخصائص الشكلية أو مفرداتها التفصيلية . حيث مثلت هذه الورقة البحثية خطوة في طريق تحليل ما تبقى من الموروث المعماري الإسلامي في مدينة الموصل القديمة ، و بالذات المسكن التقليدي فيها و على مستوى الواجهات الداخلية لهذا المسكن ، وذلك لاستكشاف أهم ما استخدم من خصائص شكلية و آليات لتكوين منظومة متكاملة من المفردات الشكلية الأساسية و التي بدورها أعطت الهوية المتميزة لعمارة هذه المدينة. وقد اع ت م د ف ي ه ذ ه ا لو ر ق ة ا لب ح ث ي ة م ن ه ج ا تمثل بتأسيس قاعدة معلوماتية لطروحات معمارية تناولت الشكل و خصائصه ، ثم بلورة الخصائص بشكل دقيق و ارتباطاتها ، بعد ذلك تطبيق هذه الخصائص على نماذج منتخبة من المساكن التقليدية في مدينة الموصل القديمة ، وقد أظهرت النتائج إن الخصائص الشكلية للتكوين المعماري على مستوى الواجهة الداخلية للمسكن التقليدي أتسمت بالوحدة المنظمة ، ومثل هذا النظام مجموعة من الخصائص هي )التوازن ، التكرار ، التناسب ، والمقياس( كانت هذه الخصائص بمثابة الخطوط الأساسية المنظمة للشكل العام للواجهة الداخلية للمسكن التقليدي ، كما و أن كان لعنصر )الإيوان( بحجمه و شكله المميزين الدور الأكثر أهمية و ت أث ي ر ا في تنظيم الخصائص الشكلية و على مستوى تحقيق التناغم و الإيقاعية و الاستقرار الشكلي بالإضافة إلى التنوع المتماسك بالحجم و المقياس لهذه الواجهات. إن اختيار الأسلوب و توظيف الخصائص الشكلية و استخدام نظام الشكلي محكم يعد ضرورة مهمة لتشكيل عمارة تمتلك ب ع د ا ح ض ار ي ا و ه و ي ة له ا خ ص و ص ي ت ه ا ا لت ار ي خ ي ة ا لث اب ت ة . الكلمات الدالة : الخصائص الشكلية ، الشكل المعماري ، المسكن التقليدي ، الموصل القديمة . The Attributes of Architectural Form of Traditional House Internal Facades of Mosul's Traditional House as a Case-study Talaat I. M. Alaane Engineering Col. - Architecture Dept. - University of Mosul Mobil : 00964 770 160 7447 E-mail : Talaat_aane@yahoo.com Abstract The form represents one of the major components of the architectural composition, which all constitute the architectural work, both partially or as a whole. This paper tries to analyze some remains of the Islamic architectural heritage in old Mosul concentrating on traditional houses and their facades in particular in order to investigate the rules and mechanisms which produce an integrated system of attributes that gave Mosul its own architectural identity. This paper adopts a methodology represented by establishing a data-base from multi architectural essays which deal with from, then applying concluded from them on selected examples of traditional houses in Mosul. Findings show that formal features on façade level were characterized by organized unity with concepts like balance, repetition, proportion, and scale. Such concepts were basic guide-lines in organizing the internal façade. The (Iwan) was the most important element due to its size and form which affect in shaping these facades. This is so important in achieving a local architecture with distinctive identity. Key words: Formal attributes, architectural form, traditional house, old Mosul.

THE RESTORATION OF THE VILLA CāSDAGLī ('ALI 'ADBDALLATīF SCHOOL) IN CAIRO, EGYPT

ABSTRACT The restoration of the early twentieth-century Villa Cāsdaglī in the Garden City area of downtown Cairo near Tahrir Square is a comprehensive project begun by the Centre for the Conservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage under the direction of the author. The assessment and study of materials described in this article was a painstaking effort of more than three years and involved laboratory tests and examination of many different materials, including textiles, wooden furniture and woodwork, marble decoration, tiles, paintings, chandeliers, mirrors, and sculptures. This opulent structure in Simon Bolivar Square was earmarked to become the Institute of Museology to train curatorial staff in the care of collections. Sadly, in the first three months of 2013, the villa was looted and many of its beautiful decorations and furnishings were dismantled or destroyed. In spite of this, the Supreme Council for the Antiquities of Egypt, now the Ministry of State for Antiquities, recently made a commitment to restore the villa following the original plan.

Sonic Quality in the Living Environment Traditional and Recent Urban Structures: Learning from the Past

During the last 50 years, most Islamic countries have lost their urban and architectural heritage; they opted for a contemporary urban structure imported from Western countries; and, as a result, they lost their identity and missed the opportunity to preserve their valuable Islamic architectural heritage. Our cities are losing their historic styles and the impact of modernisation has led to a rupture of continuity between the inherited morphology and more recent urban structure. On the other hand, Western designers are impressed by Medinas and old cities; they are seeking and investigating established techniques and ways of construction which have proved their effectiveness and success. It seems that we have forgotten that traditional architecture proved its effectiveness in reducing heat, cold, noise, humidity, etc., inside buildings; that is an important message for modern designers. Our architectural heritage is a force that should link and connect past, present and future communities. This study investigates the acoustic comfort and design intentions of the traditional house; it compares techniques used for reducing noise in traditional local buildings and modern apartments and identifies how to integrate sonic quality to architectural design. This may provide an alternative approach for designers and developers who are able to create architecture that will be the heritage of tomorrow. Our research focuses on objective sound levels, in different indoor and outdoor spaces. In conjunction with these measures, we correlate the use patterns in different zones of the buildings and the effect of noise on the inhabitants. Our intention is to present a multidisciplinary study on sonic quality in housing and public spaces and to promote traditional ways of construction.

The Islamic Architectural Heritage of Pakistan, Funerary Memorial Architecture. By Shaikh Khurshid Hasan. pp. 209. Royal Book Company, Karachi, 2001.

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The Restoration and Conservation of Islamic Monuments in Egypt

This book is about the care of the Islamic architectural heritage inEgypt. The book's salient ideas amount to an argwnent for the necessity ofcare based on the implied quality of significance attached to monwnentsand urban districts as material testimonies to the country's history and culturethrough successive Islamic periods. The argument is supported by aseries of papers dealing with the causes of physical deterioration of thesetestimonies and the strategies and procedures for preserving them.That existing buildings endure deterioration in their structural andmaterial integrity over time poses no question. Familiar climatic elements,such as temperature and humidity, as well as normal use, dictate an incessantrate of deterioration. But eminent dangers, especially for historic buildings,stem from the oppressive acts of humans and nature. Widespreadindustry, population growth, land development, and wars all contribute tohwnan-generated building threat and deterioration; floods, hurricanes, andearthquakes, on the other hand, spearhead a gamut of natural forces ofbuilding deterioration.Relishing the value of architectural heritage and recognizing the needfor its protection have prompted many nations to develop plans and programsof protection. To clarify issues crucial to protection efforts, debateintensified, particularly in Western Europe and the United States, sincethe early years of the twentieth century. These issues revolved aroundsuch sweeping questions as why (rationale), what (scope), and how(means and methods) to protect historic buildings. The "why" debate resolutionsshaped the philosophy of preservation, and such a philosophyshaped, in tum and at least in principle, the answers for the "what" and"how" questions.Architectural heritage protection endeavors entered the internationalarena during the 1960s. Worldly conventions, charters, and organizationscame into existence in order to foster cooperation between world membersin the area of preservation. This situation presented opportunities, often forthe first time, for developing countries to initiate or strengthen preservationefforts at home. These opportunities were enhanced through programs ofinternational bodies, such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific,and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Council onMonuments and Sites (ICOMOS). However, opportunities to strengthen ...

Book Review: Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage

Book Review: Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage

Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage (Book Review)

Preservation of Islamic Architectural Heritage (Book Review)