Islamic Architecture Research Articles

Maintaining Identity of the Built Environments of Religious Cities: Impact of Expansions at the Historic Karbala, Iraq

The architectural landscape of the city of Karbala is a rich heritage which has the possibility to be used in the development and shaping of the urban fabric of the city. It demonstrates the richness of Islamic architecture and the rhythmic movement of architectural styles. Its importance in creating a distinct personality in all social, cultural, architectural, and environmental aspects is uncontested However, recent developments have witnessed a loss of the local style which is a major issue to be resolved. Any development of this area requires good planning methods and policies that deal with the cultural heritage that represents the memory of the society that must be preserved and dealt with carefully and cautiously. This paper examines this issue to unravel the reasons that have led to the deterioration of the urban and cultural identity of the homogeneous fabric of the city. Modern developments have affected its homogeneity that have led to a loss of its unity of concept, resulting in an urban and architectural chaos. In fact, the contemporary scene represents the disintegration of the bonds that link the parts of the city to the civilized existence of the culturally and economically dependent community in addition to urban interdependence. The research employs a set of methods were used in the identity analysis of the traditional urban fabric through the use of a questionnaire form as a method to collect data and information from a specific group of individuals closely related to the study site, as well as to understand and analyze the set of questions posed, as well as observation and analysis of the site based on random demolitions of the urban fabric compared to the experts' opinions that it should be preserved. The findings confirm the view that each city has its character and personality based on the general concept that it has grown up on. Preserving them will give the city a balance in its urban expansion, without falling into urban disasters that may cost the city. It could destroy its cultural and economic treasury together and may destroy its historical cultural heritage in an irreplaceable manner.

Harmonizing Human Needs and Sustainability in Islamic Architecture: A Case Study of Zenab Khatoun House

Harmonizing Human Needs and Sustainability in Islamic Architecture: A Case Study of Zenab Khatoun House

Designing deformable Girehs based on historical authenticity

Girehs are an important esthetic tool in Islamic architecture. The introduction of deformable Girehs can be considered as a significant solution in the areas of flexibility and authenticity in contemporary architecture. By investigating the configurations of different Girehs based on their configurational authenticity, the present study presents a method to make the studied Girehs deformable. The presented methodology can be generalized for all types of Girehs. The deployment of Girehs in a constant perimeter and the generation of new authentic Gireh with deformable configuration are among the main features of the proposed method. The method is based on the PIC methodology, which uses the change in the angle of the Gireh elements in underlying generative tessellation based on the family of the Gireh (acute, median, obtuse). The fixed points of the deformable Girehs are positioned in the midpoints of the sides of the underlying polygons. Also, to address the issue of the increased lengths of the elements and integrated movement, telescope elements and scissor structure have been used.

The Architectural Style of Masjid Agung At-Taqwa, Kutacane, Southeast Aceh (2016-2023)

This article aims to discuss the architectural style of the At-Taqwa Great Mosque in Kutacane, Southeast Aceh, during the period of 2016 to 2023. The study follows a qualitative research design with a descriptive approach. The research method used in this study is historical research. Data collection was conducted through interviews and observations. The results indicate that Islamic architecture is a captivating style that exemplifies the beauty of each building. Each detail contains a symbolic element with a significant meaning. An architectural work takes the form of a building, commonly referred to as a cultural symbol and also considered a work of art. Likewise, the architectural works within the At-Taqwa Great Mosque building combine styles from various local and international influences, resulting in a stunning work of art.

Derived from the traditional principles of Islamic geometry, a methodology for generating non-periodic long-range sequences in one-dimension for 8-fold, 10-fold, and 12-fold rotational symmetries

This paper explores the use of traditional principles of Islamic geometry to generate the long-range order of different non-period sequences in one-dimension. The discovery of quasicrystals with forbidden long-range order has uncovered a range of puzzling non-periodic symmetries, triggering a variety of investigations into understanding their complicated structural logic. The discovery of historical patterns in Islamic architecture with similar quasi-periodic formations is providing new insights into understanding the mathematical properties of these complicated formations. This paper argues that the hierarchical self-similar logic underlying the construction process of the historical patterns can serve as the key ingredient for resolving the long-range order of the one-dimensional non-periodic sequences. A case study approach is employed to test the hypotheses. Three historical patterns with non-period symmetries were tested: 10-fold rotational symmetry, 8-fold rotational symmetry and 12-fold rotational symmetry. The results show that the methodology is successful in generating three different non-periodic sequences in one-dimension.

Tomb towers and minarets: analysis of symmetries and geometries of Iranian geometrical ornaments of the Seljuq era. Pictorial requiem for the Kharraqan towers

Ornamental adornment of the Kharraqan tomb towers, the most outstanding funeral monuments of the Seljuk era in NW Iran, and those of four best-preserved Seljuq brick minarets in northern Iran, documents the artistic canon of the pre-glaze stage of Iranian Islamic architecture. Despite some later interruptions, these monuments and their plain-brick ornaments, as well as the ‘virtually interlaced’ brick ornaments, stand at the beginnings of a rich development that led to the Safavid architecture of Iran. Besides documentation and study of the geometric character of early Islamic art, which was based on limited technical resources, this study offers insight into symmetry concepts developed at this stage of art and architecture development. This is the last and most complete study of the Kharraqan towers performed before their overwhelming destruction in the 2002 earthquake.

Design Flexibility in Islamic Architecture as a Methodology for Treating Design Deficiencies in Contemporary Governmental Housing Projects in Egypt

Design Flexibility in Islamic Architecture as a Methodology for Treating Design Deficiencies in Contemporary Governmental Housing Projects in Egypt

Indonesian Islam: History, Characteristics and Global Contribution

Abstract: Indonesia is the largest democracy in the world, as well as the country with the most followers of Islam. Orientalists consider Islam in Indonesia as Islam that departs from principles that are different from Islam in the Middle East. The persuasive style of Indonesian Islam is due to the process of Islamization that has been carried out. The process of Islamization in the archipelago merged with the local culture. In contrast to the process of Islamization in the Middle East which was dominated by military action. By analyzing various sources, this study concludes that Indonesian Islam is able to contribute to the global world. Indonesian Islam provides an example of the practice of religious pluralism and democracy that go hand in hand. This is because Indonesia made the legality of several religions. In the end, it gave birth to the term Islam Wasatiyah which is the result of the integration of Indonesian Islamic culture. This Islamic movement was initiated by a large Islamic organization in Indonesia. And continue to be introduced in the global realm as a contribution to world civilization.

Recasting the Religious Architecture of Islam

This most recent, and comprehensive compendium, on the subject of the architecture of Islam sheds light on the subject materials. New information on well-known historical examples, the inclusion of historical examples not usually (if ever covered) in such scholarship and an expansion of analysis with respect to modern and contemporary case studies of Islamic religious spaces all underscore the scholarly contribution of this two-volume set. By including such a range of buildings examined, by a large number of scholars from various backgrounds, the compendium effectively recasts the direction of scholarship in this field in a manner that is neither linear or hierarchical.This two-volume set includes 58 essays on a range of regionally-specific examples of architecture from the Islamic world. The first volume of The Religious Architecture of Islam focusses on Asia and Australia, and the second volume focusses on Africa, Europe and the Americas. The volumes are organized in a non-chronological manner, with essays grouped by geographical region covering materials directly related the understanding of religious architecture of Islam.In Volume I, there are four sections with a total of 32 essays written by 29 different scholars. The four sections are: Background themes, West and Central Asia, South and East Asia and Australia.In Volume II, there are four sections with a total of 26 essays written by 20 different scholars. The four sections are: Al-Andalus and the Maghrib, Africa and Sicily, Europe and the Americas.

Shifting the Paradigm: New Studies in Islamic Art and Architecture in Honor of Professor Gülru Necipoğlu, Conference, Boston College and Harvard University, Boston, September 8–9, 2022

Written of: Shifting the Paradigm: New Studies in Islamic Art and Architecture in Honor of Professor Gülru Necipoğlu, Conference, Boston College and Harvard University, Boston, September 8–9, 2022

The effect of religious values in the formation of spaces in Islamic architecture of Iran

In any society governed by religion, each activity performed in the society is closely associated with religious factors. In an Islamic society where Islam is the basis for the elements of the society, various arts including architecture are the most important manifestations of Islamic principles. After emergence of Islam in Iran and introducing the Islamic worldview to Iranians, it changed the Iranians' way of thinking and beliefs. This worldview affected Iranian architecture in constructing different buildings such as mosques, houses, tekye, caravanserai, and other buildings based on Islamic theoretical foundations. Different parts of these places, such as the dome, minaret, entrance, vestibule, and other parts, were built according to Islamic principles and foundations and formed an architectural style that is currently known as the Islamic architecture of Iran. This style, like other existing architectural styles, has been influenced by local and historical characteristics and is considered one of the most important and successful Islamic schools. The investigation of architectural principles in different Islamic buildings, including the meanings of dome, hijab, mihrab, and aesthetics in Islamic architecture of Iran was the purpose of the present study. The study sought to examine the principles formed based on religion in the Islamic architecture of Iran. The results indicated that the Islamic spaces of Iran were built based on Islamic religious values.

Traces of Islamic Architecture in the Design of the 'Gedung Sate' in Bandung

Gedung Sate was built to accommodate various architectural styles derived from local and foreign elements. The local elements have been widely studied, such as those relating to the architecture of the 'Candi' on the island of Java. Many external elements are associated with the Moorish European style and that of the Dutch. However, according to the elements, it also indicates the existence of Indian Islamic architecture, the Mughal style. This study of the Islamic elements of Mughal India has not been pursued or presented any further. This study aims to identify the traces of Islamic architecture in the Gedung Sate, especially those derived from the Mughal, Moorish and local styles. This research method used a qualitative approach by studying the morphology of Gedung Sate and Mughal or Moorish buildings to identify the relationship between their architectural elements. The results show that Gedung Sate does indeed show the use of Mughal architectural elements, especially in the outer layout and mass, processing of the figure section, and the ornamental exterior column, while the Moorish influence is more visible in the processing of curved elements and column heads and slender interior columns showing light elements. The idea of using Islamic architecture is carried out to represent the splendor in the typology of new buildings in the prospective capital city of the Netherlands Indies, namely Bandung. Indian architecture is used as a reference because it is considered to have a close relationship with Candi as an important resource in Java.

New Mosques Architectural Platform: Digitalised Inventory and Analysis for Mosques Referencing

This research tackles the architectural typology of mosques built by religious associations in Algeria, which is a timeless issue. Despite the specific legislation of the new mosques' architectural typology, random or fanciful architectures in the field are considered Islamic Architecture. Our research aims to analyze mosque architectural data and report all the architectural and architectonic elements identified in two Algerian wilayas as a case study. It is then to classify and define the authentic typologies of Maghrebi, Ottoman mosques, or any other developed by specialists in Islamic architecture and art, especially if the platform is linked with the general inventory of Islamic architecture accredited by UNESCO. The concept of creating the platform starts with an inventory of mosques, and it is then developed to list various criteria for classifying mosques. Thus, a flexible filtering system is implemented to help perform multi-criteria analysis and visualize results in a geographic interface. This platform can meet several objectives in many research fields and be adapted for buildings other than mosques. Furthermore, the platform will serve as a basis for researchers and students, the Directorates of Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to analyze the architectural data of mosques.

The Islamic Architectural Monuments in Kosovo During XVI – XVIII Centuries

This article aims to shed light on the construction of architectural monuments in Kosovo as early as the XVI-XVIII centuries, especially Islamic architecture. This style of construction, influenced by the eastern part of the continent, had its own construction features, which set it apart from other constructions built before Islam. Those features reached Albanian areas after the Ottoman Empire conquered them. This type of architecture expressed religious aspects in mosques and prayer facilities, but bridges, markets, shrines, and other objects were also constructed. The research results indicated that Ottoman architectural features were influenced by local traditional elements. A specific model was produced and used in all Albanian areas under Ottoman rule. Secondly, over time numerous objects were built following this model. As a result, cities and lives were changed. A comparative research methodology besides analysis and synthesis was followed to elaborate this paper, using relevant literature.

The Idea of Building A House of Maqashid Sharia Perspective

This study discusses the construction of residential houses in accordance with sharia principles, both in the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and residential houses, which is then called architectural fiqh. Residential construction in addition to paying attention to architecture must also pay attention to aspects of Islamic law. Attention of classical and contemporary scholars very few specifically talk about architecture from the point of view of jurisprudence. So far, studies on architecture have mostly studied Islamic architecture, but no one has studied architecture in a fiqh approach. So, through the fiqh approach, a new study was initiated, namely architectural fiqh. This research is a literature study with a focus on fiqh studies in building sharia residential houses using a conceptual approach and an architectural fiqh approach which is analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The findings of this study indicate that the construction of residential houses so far only pays attention to architectural aspects, so there is a need for a fiqh and architectural approach (architectural fiqh), namely building houses according to sharia signs such as aspects of worship, muamalah, neighborly etiquette and ‘urf or adat. That occurs in society. Through the architectural fiqh approach, it directs to build and maintain sharia residential homes in accordance with sharia maqashid, namely maintaining religion, soul, mind, lineage, and property.

Examining Mashrabiya’s Impact on Energy Efficiency and Cultural Aspects in Saudi Arabia

The traditional and indigenous architecture in Saudi Arabia is being replaced by modern, Western-style buildings, resulting from the growing influence of Western culture. This change is evident in architectural elements such as Mashrabiya, which was once a symbol of the country’s Islamic architecture. The research paper aims to analyse the impact of modernization and the resurgence of Mashrabiya on a building’s energy efficiency, as well as the cultural and religious integrity of its historical counterpart in the context of Saudi Arabia. The study employed mixed research methods, including an online survey with Saudi Arabian households to study the public perception of Mashrabiya, case studies of residences with traditional and modern Mashrabiya, and a range of dynamic thermal simulations on a residence with traditional Mashrabiya to study its impact on energy consumption. The survey revealed that the public is aware of the changing face of Mashrabiya and its impact on the cultural and religious identity of the region, mainly privacy, but it is largely uninformed about ways to preserve its true essence. The simulations demonstrated a significant improvement in thermal comfort, i.e., an approximate 14% reduction in operative temperature and a 77.8% reduction in peak solar gain; an improvement in energy efficiency, i.e., a 5.7% reduction in monthly cooling load and a 35.5% improvement in daylight factor. Based on the findings, the research provides several recommendations to preserve the identity of traditional Mashrabiya while enhancing their energy efficiency, such as the incorporation of traditional design elements into the plans of the Saudi Arabian government.

Innovative Textile Desiging for Ladies Apparels from Architectural Motifs of Sethi House

This study describes the uniqueness of traditional architectural motifs of the Sethi house situated in city of Khyber Pukhtun Khawa, Pakistan with respect to the revival of these motifs by digital printing on ladies apparel. Textile designs from historical motifs have initiated to be used frequently in various textiles industries. Goods designed in today’s fashion world play a significant role in the conservation of historical and cultural ideas. The combination of contemporary styles with timeworn designs and motifs safeguards the existence of these motifs for looming products. The Sethi house comprise of superb architectural elements like engraved woodwork, ainah kari, and jaili work etc. Sethi house interior is planned with so simple, yet complex pure Islamic architecture motifs that one could look at these features for hours.Designs from the ceiling of the rooms comprising unique jaliwork, naqqashi and courtyard decorating elements were selected for transformation in to textile designs through Adobe photo shop software. Various types of fabric specimens were digitally printed, stitched in to female costumes and exhibited for the students and numerous personnel belonging to fashion designing field. The data was collected through questionnaires by ranking the textile designs subjectively and statistically analysed regarding transformation of motifs, form, novelty, symbolism, aesthetics, texture, different color schemes, and commercial acceptability in the market. This work will help those designers who are striving to recover their own traditional details with the modern-day fashion movements. Architectural motifs of Sethi House can be a source of inspiration for current fashion designers to boost their culture in domestic as well as global market.

Nilai Etika dalam Seni Islam: Studi Pemikiran Seyyed Hossein Nasr

The development of thought and creativity in Islamic art is increasingly showing progress. Artworks provide teachings in everyday life that are useful for creating good Muslims. Various Muslim scholars also studied Islamic art and even Muslims produced Islamic art. One of them is Seyyed Hossein Nasr who approaches Islamic art with spirituality. This research is a library research or literature with qualitative research methods. Research library data sources from books, manuscripts, scientific articles and other sources of literature that can be trusted. One of the primary data sources is Seyyed Hossein Nasr's book entitled Islamic Art and Spirituality which has been translated into Indonesian by Sutejo with the title Spirituality and Islamic Art. The results show that Islamic art contains ethical values ​​that are useful for everyday life. As in the art of calligraphy which is attached to the lives of Muslims, such as in household furniture. In addition, Islamic teachings can be seen in Islamic poems. Other arts also such as music, dance, Islamic architecture and others. So it can be concluded that Islamic art contains ethical values ​​which for Nasr can be contemplated through spiritual activities.

Egyptian Architectural Heritage and Revival of Islamic Style “Between the 19th and the 20th century”

Egyptian Architectural Heritage and Revival of Islamic Style “Between the 19th and the 20th century”

다문화 종교건축의 색채 융화성 분석을 통한 개선방안 제안 - 중국 간쑤성 란저우시 모스크의 색채를 중심으로

As the capital city of Gansu Province in northwestern China, Lanzhou is an important node on the "Silk Road" in the northwest and a very important node for Islam"s entry into China. However, there is very little research on the color of Islamic architecture in Lanzhou in China. The purpose of this research is to enhance the research on the architectural colors of Lanzhou mosques, record and inherit the current status and uniqueness of the colors of Lanzhou mosques, and play a positive role in promoting the fine traditions of Islamic culture. This article takes Lanzhou mosque architecture as the object, and selects mosques of classical Chinese architecture for research. Utilizing the Munsell color system to measure and collect architectural color data, conducting analysis and summarization, and ultimately proposing improvement measures through the analysis of mosque architectural colors in Gansu Province. The architectural colors of the mosques in Lanzhou blended the politics, culture, religion, natural climate, and architectural styles of the local area. It is a full manifestation of the multi-cultural tolerance, integration and main benefit sharing of the cultural co-ecology city. I hope that this research can become the basic material for the architectural colors of Lanzhou mosques, and play a role in studying and protecting the uniqueness of Lanzhou mosque architectural colors in the future.