Islamic Architecture Research Articles

Analysis of Islamic Cultural Architecture in Xinjiang: Historical Evolution, Artistic Features, and Influence on Modern Architectural Design

Analysis of Islamic Cultural Architecture in Xinjiang: Historical Evolution, Artistic Features, and Influence on Modern Architectural Design

Evolution of Maghrebi-Andalusian Muqarnas Design: Analytical Study of Muqarnas in North Africa and Spain

Muqarnas is one of the most important architectural elements of traditional Islamic architecture, although with great structural and geometrical differences across Islamic geography, leading to the emergence of many muqarnas styles. This paper looks at changes occurring in Maghrebi-Andalusian muqarnas from its beginnings to the form it takes today. This is done by using traditional muqarnas design techniques to draw and analyze models from different periods and settings in North Africa and Andalusia, Spain. We observe changes occurring at unit and plan-design level, seeking a general understanding of these developments.

KALIGRAFI SEBAGAI SENI BUDAYA ISLAM DAN ARSITEKTUR

The art of calligraphy has become an integral part of Islamic art and architecture, reflecting the richness of cultural and spiritual values in Islamic society. This research aims to explore the influence and role of calligraphy in shaping Islamic cultural identity through art and architectural design. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on calligraphy as an Islamic cultural art and architecture. The results show that calligraphy is not only a decorative element, but also a means to convey religious and philosophical messages to Muslims. The use of calligraphy in Islamic architecture creates a spiritual atmosphere and distinctive visual beauty. Calligraphy also plays a role in strengthening Islamic cultural identity and enriching the heritage of Islamic fine arts. It is hoped that this research can be a valuable reference source for researchers, artists, and architects in understanding and appreciating the richness of calligraphic art in the context of Islamic culture and architecture.

Analysis of The Architecture and Decoration of Isfahan Masjid-E Jameh in Syntactic Dimension

In this research, the general architectural features and decorations of the Friday Mosque of İsfahan, Iran, which belongs to the 11th century Great Seljuk State period, one of the most important works of Islamic architecture, are examined. This mosque, which is also called Atiq Mosque, Masjid-e Jameh and Great Mosque today, is among the most important structures that have witnessed hundreds of years of history. This study on the expressibility of the semantic dimension of the structure in the syntactic dimension is important in terms of its contribution to the literature. For this purpose, information about the Great Seljuk mosque architecture and the historical development process of Friday Mosque in terms of architecture is given and the subject and purpose of the researches on this mosque are stated. Then, the method to be used in expressing the architectural structure and decorations in the syntactic dimension is explained. In order to obtain the data about the mosque, on-site visual-observation and examination technique and photography technique were used. Basic design principles were used in the analysis of the data. As a result, the architectural features and ornamental motifs used in this mosque, which is an important mosque of the Great Seljuk period, have been revealed with this method. The findings obtained about the structure and ornaments can be used in religious buildings as well as other architectural structures, ornaments, clothing, furniture and decoration

Karakteristik Fisik Arsitektur Islam pada Bangunan Masjid di Kecamatan Curup Tengah Kabupaten Rejang Lebong

This study explores the characteristics of Islamic architecture in Curup Tengah, an area with geographic, cultural, and traditional contexts distinct from the origins of Islamic architecture in Arabia. This study focuses on the adaptation of Islamic architecture to local contexts and community needs, as well as its influence on the appication of Islamic architectural elements in mosques. This study aimed to analyze and describe the characteristics and implementation of Islamic architectural elements, including domes, minarets, calligraphy, geometry, floral motifs, prayer halls, mihrabs, pulpits, porticos, ablution areas, study spaces, ventilation and natural lighting. The methodology employed is qualitative research with a descriptive comparative approach, utilizing data collection through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and relevant literature reviews. The finding indicate that mosques in Curup Tengah generally lack minarets and instead optimize doors and windows for natural ventilation, avoiding the use of artificial cooling systems. The application of Islamic architectural elements in these mosques remains limited, with only eight to twelve of the total thirteen elements being implemented. This research enhances the understanding of how Islamic architectural elements are applied and offers valuable insights for future mosque design in Curup.

Revisiting the Samanid Mausoleum in Bukhara: A New Perspective on New Materials

Abstract This article revisits the Samanid mausoleum in Bukhara (circa tenth century, Uzbekistan) to shed new light on the historical context of this canonical monument of Islamic architecture. First, it documents the architectural properties of the Samanid mausoleum and integrates available archaeological and textual data, such as the site plan of the building, inscriptions, endowment deeds (waqf), and the recently discovered Khuttalon votive as a new prototype. These new sources allow one to sketch a more nuanced historical context that helps to better understand the mausoleum’s broader societal function, the tenth-century Bukharan patron’s intention in supporting this building’s construction, and his choice of style. It is argued that the building reflects the transitional nature of the period, before the “Persian Renaissance” under Nasr b. Ahmad (r. 914–43). Stylistic discussion suggests that it is simplistic to attribute this building to the influence of any single tradition. The Khuttalon votive challenges the Persian- and Sogdian-centered views that have dominated the study of the monument, pointing to the limitations of these perspectives.

Seni Kaligrafi: Peran dan Kontribusinya Terhadap Pengembangan Peradaban Islam

The art of calligraphy has played an essential role in the history and development of Islamic civilization. The aim of this research is to review the contribution of calligraphy art to the development of culture, religion and science in Islamic civilization. Calligraphy is a form of visual art that is highly valued in the Islamic tradition. Calligraphy not only functions in the field of decoration, but it is also an intermediary in conveying religious messages and moral values. In this research method using historical and textual analysis, researchers found that the art of calligraphy enlarges the intellectual and spiritual life of Muslims, and also becomes an important tool in spreading Islamic teachings. Calligraphy participated in the development of Islamic art and architecture, publishing monumental works that combined aesthetic beauty and depth of religious meaning. This research shows that the art of calligraphy is not only a cultural heritage that must be preserved, but calligraphy also has a sustainable connection in the modern context.

The Tripartite Qibla Wall as a Visual Form of Embodied Belief: From Al-Andalus to Mudejar and Morisco Mosques in Exile—Memory and Identity

The maqṣūrah commissioned by Caliph al-Hakam II in the 10th-century Mosque of Córdoba epitomizes the blend of sacred grandeur and political symbolism in Islamic architecture. This structure enhances aesthetic experiences, allowing worshippers to connect with divinity during Friday prayers. A distinctive feature is its qibla wall, divided into three parts, with a central empty miḥrāb symbolizing sacred force. This spatial organization, reminiscent of Late Antique basilicas in the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean, persisted in peninsular mosques even after the Christian conquest of al-Andalus. Mudejar Islamic communities replicated this design in smaller mosques, perhaps to preserve al-Andalus’s memory amidst growing repression. Following the 17th-century expulsion of the Moriscos, similar architectural elements appeared in Testour, Tunisia, built by Morisco exiles. These visual codes, shared among Hispanic Islamic communities, reflect the enduring memory of the exile.

SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS IN MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE: FROM THE BEGINNINGS TO THE PRESENT

The pioneers of sustainable architecture began to question the international style of modernity with regard to its ecological qualities in the 1970s. In the decades that followed, the environmental issue was treated as a crisis. Today there is no doubt about understanding our time as a major turning point in climate change. Since half of the energy used by humans worldwide is consumed in buildings, the topic of green architecture is essential. In the history of architecture we find numerous examples that can be inspiring for solutions to today's problems. This work intends to investigate sustainability aspects in mosque architecture from its beginnings to the present day. In the introduction, the development of Islamic architecture in relation to environmental awareness is discussed. This is followed by supraregional aspects of sustainable Islamic architecture, which are analyzed under the following focal points: multifunctionality, natural materials, natural lighting and ventilation, sustainable design strategies, cultural sustainability and, finally, environmentally friendly and energy-conscious design in modern times.

UNDERGROUND MOSQUES OF MANGISTAU: CONTINUITY OF SUFI PATH OF ISLAM

Mosques, as places of worship in Islam, are places where Muslims fulfill their religious duties and unite. Muslims coming together in a place of worship ensures that the theoretical principles of religion combine with folk culture and are reflected concretely in life. Dervish lodges, where the Sufi interpretation of Islam is kept alive, also integrate folklore and Islam. Throughout the historical process, Muslims have had to build underground mosques for various reasons. These mosques have functions similar to dergahs, inns and caravanserais, other elements of Islamic architecture. Mangistau, one of the regions where Sufi Islam is most vital in Kazakhstan, is rich in underground mosques and khanakas, which are the reflection of Sufi culture in architecture. This region is considered a unique cultural landscape, where the most significant part of the country’s monuments and holy places is concentrated. The underground mosques in Mangistau and Ustirt are unique in terms of historical and spiritual value. Excavation of shelters, places of worship, or “mortal abodes” by digging caves out of the common ground or mountain gorges has been a practice since very early times. Some of their samples are kept in Spain, Turkey, Jordan, and Crimea. The article analyzes the similarities and peculiarities of underground mosques with Sufi khanakas in the Middle Ages and their history and current use

Islamic Architecture: A World History

Islamic Architecture: A World History

Analysis of the Masjids of the Great Seljukid Caravanserais: Case Study of Ribati Sherif

“Ribat”, an Arabic word, means “keeping watch along the border to prevent enemy attacks”. In the history of Islamic architecture, it was used for the structures where soldiers tied their horses and kept watch along the borders. In addition to military training, worship and scientific activities were also important in ribats. Volunteer soldiers, called Muraabituun, would spend their time outside of military training with Qur’an reading, worship and dhikr, and prepare themselves for jihad. Therefore, the military function and the spiritual dimension were intertwined from the beginning. The masjids of the ribats are of great importance when evaluated in this context. The first ribats were built in Central Asia from the VIII century onwards. The Great Seljuks built ribats following the Samanids and Ghaznavids. Ribati Sherif, which is the subject of the research, is one of the most mature examples of the Great Seljukid ribats. Kâtib Ali al-Mansûr Asad b. Muhammed es-Sarahsî was the architect of the caravanserai, which is thought to have been built by the governor Şerefü’d-Dîn Ebû Tâhir b. Sa’d b. Ali b. İsa al-Kûmmî, in 1114-1115 and later became the vizier of Sultan Sanjar. Within the scope of this study, the architectural features and decorations of the two masjids of Ribati Sherif were analysed and evaluated within the architectural heritage of the Great Seljuks. As a result of the research in which literature review and field research methods were used as data collection methods, it is seen that the details of the Great Seljuk plan scheme, building technique, and ornamentation art can be called standardised spread over a large area.

Placement Principles of Islamic Calligraphy in Architecture: Insights from the Al-Hambra and Al-Azem Palaces

This paper addresses a critical gap in the study of Islamic architecture by exploring the interconnected relationship between Arabic calligraphy and architectural design. Specifically, it examines the principles guiding the placement of Islamic calligraphy within the interior and exterior spaces of Islamic public buildings through a qualitative analysis of two notable case studies, the Al-Hambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and the Al-Azem Palace in Hama, Syria. This research elucidates fundamental principles that underpin the integration of calligraphy in Islamic architectural contexts. To enhance the robustness of the findings, interviews were conducted with three expert master calligraphers, providing skillful insights that enrich the understanding of calligraphy placement. This study reveals significant implications for the decoration of walls and ceilings in Islamic buildings. However, the findings are limited by the scope of the case studies and the subjective interpretations of the interviewed experts. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field, informing contemporary architectural practices and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Structural Solutions with Aesthetic Values in Islamic Architecture

Structural Solutions with Aesthetic Values in Islamic Architecture

Identification of the Abderrahmane Bouchama's Architectural Approach Assessed by the Semiotic Model in the Algerian Post-Independence Architecture

Islamic architecture is among the most significant architectural trends favored by Algerian authorities since theindependence of the country in 1962. Numerous official buildings in the capital Algiers illustrate authentic“Algerian architecture”, derived from the pre-colonial Heritage. Our study aims to produce a matrix for theIslamic referents, showcased in the façades designed by Abderrahmane Bouchama, a leading figure of this trend.To achieve this goal, we resorted to a semiotic investigation of the facades of two of Bouchama’s notoriousbuildings: the headquarters of the Birkhadem National Archives, and the Caroubier University of Islamic Sciences(Algiers). By applying the Levy-Spigai Analysis framework to our case studies, we were able to determine thearchitectural Islamic components used in Bouchama’s architecture. The main purpose of our study is to edit aset of architectural and aesthetic rules as a guidance, providing a normative design guide to Algerian architects.

Sacred Buildings of Kramatorshchyna in the Conditions of Russian Aggression of 2022–2024: Losses and Ways of Recovery

The state of the sacred buildings in the Kramatorsk district of Donetsk region, on the eve and during the full-scale Russian military aggression of 2022–2024 is investigated in the article. The main aspects of the history of temples’ building in Kramatorshchyna during the late 20th – early 21st centuries are described. In particular, it is emphasized that during the specified period, the active revival of the Holy Mountains Lavra of the Holy Dormition has taken place; its churches of St. Nicholas, St. Dormition, and St. Pokrovsky, etc. have been restored. At the same time, the famous Lavra sketes are renewed: in the villages of Adamivka, Bohorodychne, Dolyna, Tetianivka and the city of Sviatohirsk. The active process of building churches has continued in the other villages and towns of the district. It is noted that, on the eve of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022 into Ukraine, the sacred architecture of Kramatorshchyna has been related primarily to the Holy Mountains Lavra. It has been the core of its cultural and touristic potential. The data on damaged and destroyed churches for the period of 2022–2024 is collected and systematized in the article. It is found out, in particular, that 43 religious objects have been damaged during this time. Most of them belong to the Orthodox-Christian jurisdiction, although we also have destruction of Protestant and Islamic religious architecture, etc. It is ascertained that the main part of the shrines damaged in the spring of 2022, mainly in May, is situated on the territory of Sviatohirsk and Lyman communities. It is emphasized that this phenomenon is connected with active hostilities for the localities of Lyman, Sviatohirsk and the Siverskyi Donets river. It should be mentioned, that not only sacred buildings of Sviatohirshchyna and Lymanshchyna are affected, but also of Kostiantynivska, Kramatorska, Slovianska, Mykolaivska, Oleksandrivska and Druzhkivska communities. In general, it is stated that the full-scale war has caused irreparable losses to the religious buildings of the Kramatorsk district. It is noted also in the article, that the restoration of destroyed churches depends entirely on the further nature and development of hostilities. On the other hand, measures aimed at eliminating their consequences have already been carried out in the vast majority of temples those received light and are medium damaged. Finally, the issue of taking into account objects of sacred architecture that have historical and cultural value is raised. It is emphasized that the local authorities of Donetsk region and other oblasts of Ukraine now face the urgent task of identifying and registering objects of cultural heritage. The identified problem has prospects for further research on materials from other raions of Donechchyna and the regions of Ukraine.

Overlooking the Visibility of Mosques: From a Norm to a Harm on Developed Urbanism in Nablus City

Addressing issues of existing Islamic cities is paramount to the establishment of possible modern imprints of Islamicarchitecture. The visibility of mosques has been identified as a dilemma in the context of Nablus City, wheretopography raises the urban impacts of vertical growth on space perception. This paper aims to investigate thetransition of visibility from historic mosques in the old city and aims to measure the visibility of contemporary mosquesin existing urbanism. Computational tools like DecodingSpaces and Ladybug plugins are used to operate Isovist andView Percentage analysis of the context of investigated mosques. Findings showed that the horizontal distances, thelengths and heights of buildings’ façade, and the topography, altered the values of mosques visibility. The results ofthe study bring insights and suggest recommendations to the practice of urban planners, designers, and contributorsto the planning of contemporary Islamic architecture.

KAJIAN PELESTARIAN BANGUNAN CAGAR BUDAYA MASJID HUNTO SULTAN AMAY GORONTALO

Abstract: Study on the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage Building Hunto Sultan Amay Mosque in Gorontalo. This research aims to examine and identify the significance of Islamic architecture, including architectural elements that form the building's character and Islamic architectural elements, and to analyze and determine the direction of preservation for the Hunto Sultan Amay Mosque. The methods used in this research include three approaches: descriptive analysis method, evaluative method (weighting), and development method. The identification results of the significance of Islamic architecture in the Hunto Sultan Amay Mosque are based on the original plan, which measures 12 x 12 m², including elements such as the dome, mihrab, and Islamic architectural ornaments such as calligraphy, floral, and geometric patterns that form aesthetics and characteristics similar to the Nabawi Mosque in the Middle East. The preservation directions for the Hunto Sultan Amay Mosque building are classified based on low, medium, and high potential levels. Based on the potential level determination, conservation directions for the building elements are then established according to their condition. There are seven high-potential elements and four medium-potential elements. The preservation directions for the Hunto Sultan Amay Mosque building are divided into preservation directions for four elements: columns, dome, mihrab, and arches; conservation directions for six elements: doors, walls, ornaments, ceiling, roof, and minaret; and restoration direction for one element: windows.

Muqarnas in Islamic Architecture: Development, Materials, and Techniques

Muqarnas was first created during the first millinium AD and became a defining feature of Islamic architecture during the second mellinium, specifically between the 11th and 16th centuries, both in religious and secular contexts. Although largely abandoned by the 17th century, the use of muqarnas decoration reached its peak during the above period. This study examines muqarnas, its three-dimensional architectural embellishment, as well as its development and influence on modern architecture. For this purpose, the descriptive analytical approach was employed. Architectural surveys were carried out at the local level, while textual analysis was done to analyze the historical development. The history of muqarnas was traced from Islamic religious buildings to modern architecture. It was found that digital technologies including Computer Aided Design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) have influenced muqarnas pattern design and rebirth in the 20th and 21st centuries. Both ancient and modern muqarnas use isometries and symmetry, although their design procedures are different. Parametric design and CAD tools allow the current muqarnas to be dynamic and flexible, unlike the traditional ones. The current research underlines that regionally available materials and pattern availability affect the design of muqarnas. Early manifestations of muqarnas were used to fragment squinches, which ultimately led to the creation of an aesthetically pleasing formal mechanism and a system of three-dimensional decoration. In the middle period, muqarnas was also used as decorative carvings on structural member. At present, lightweight materials such as fiberglass and pre-fabricated muqarnas are preferred in contemporary architecture, although the details of muqarnas are still maintained for their aesthetic value. The geometry used to calculate muqarnas has remained the same since its development, regardless of the materials used. This research stimulates the design of new muqarnas patterns for aesthetic purposes and building performance optimization. Modern architecture uses muqarnas compositions and digital technologies to reflect the traditional cultural and historical patterns, creating a developing trend.

Islamic Architecture: The Correlation Between Cultural Diversity and Mosque Roof Types in Palembang

Islamic Architecture: The Correlation Between Cultural Diversity and Mosque Roof Types in Palembang