Islamic
architecture is basically depicting Islamic teachings and values in an
architectural process that required proper understanding and vision
which ultimately leads to making a right intention. Islamic architecture
enclosed a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the
history of Islam till present.
Islamic
architecture includes buildings used by Muslims for religious purposes
or secular buildings built in a predominately Islamic region. As we all
know the most important building type in Islamic architecture is the
Mosque which is not only a religious space intended for worship, it is
also a place for lively discussion about topics relevant to daily life.
Other than Mosques Islamic architecture covers a broad range of mosques,
tombs, palaces and forts that we are going to show in this article.
Some Fascinating Examples of Islamic Architecture
Below we will discuss some fascinating examples of Islamic architecture that has breathtaking architectural designs.
- The Blue Mosque (Turkey):
- The official name of the blue mosque is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque located in Istanbul. The construction of Blue Mosque began in 1609 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed and completed in 1616. The magnificent structure completed with six minarets, eight domes, blue paint, stained glass windows, and a mihrab which is made from finely carved and sculpted marble and over 20,000 handmade tiles.
Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem):
The
Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount the Old City of
Jerusalem. The dome of rock completed by the order of Umayyad Caliph
Abdul Malik during the Second Fitna. Its interior is lavishly decorated
with mosaic, faience, and marble, while it’s exterior is covered with
tiles.
Great Mosque of Damascus (Damascus):
This
mosque is also known as the Umayyad Mosque which is one of the largest
and oldest mosques in the world. The great mosque of Damascus is
considered the fourth holiest place in Islam. Its ground plan is
rectangular in shape and its courtyard is enclosed with four exterior
walls. This mosque has served as a model for congregational mosque
architecture in Syria since its completion.
The Great Mosque of Samarra (Iraq):
The Great Mosque of Samarra was built in the 9th century
that was completed by Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil. Its most remarkable
feature is its minaret, the Malwiya Tower, which is a vast spiraling
cone 52 meters high and 33 meters wide. This mosque has 17 aisles and
its walls are paneled with mosaics of dark blue glass.
Tomb of Jahangir (Pakistan):
The
Tomb of Jahangir is basically made of red stone, marble, and bricks
built by Jahangir. It has two massive gateways of stone and masonry
opposite each other as well as a platform with a tall, octagonal tower
and a projecting entrance in the middle of each side. The ground floor
of this tomb also has a square shape.
- Great Mosque of Kairouan (Tunisia):
- The great mosque of Kairouan is also known as the Mosque of Uqba, considered one of the most important mosques in Tunisia. This mosque is one of the oldest places of worship in the Islamic world and is one of the most impressive and largest Islamic monuments in North Africa. It features a hypostyle prayer hall, a marble-paved courtyard, and a square minaret. It was built in 670 A.D.
Nur-Astana Mosque (Kazakhstan):
Nur-Astana
Mosque is located in the city of Astana in Kazakhstan. The Nur-Astana
Mosque is the largest mosque not only in Kazakhstan but in the whole of
Central Asia. Its structure is made of glass, concrete, granite and
alucobond measures. This mosque has a capacity of 5,000 worshipers and
its height symbolizes the age of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when he began to
receive revelations. It was built in 2008.
Suleiman Mosque (Istanbul):
Suleiman
mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque that is located on the third Hill
of Istanbul. It is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Turkey.
Its interior is almost a square, and just like most Islamic mosques, it
is preceded by a monumental courtyard. It was specially designed to
stand as a Kuliiye or a complex with adjacent structures. Its
construction was started in 1550 and completed in 1558.
Al-Azhar Mosque (Egypt):
The
Al-Azhar Mosque was constructed for the newly established capital city
of Egypt Cairo in 970. It was the first mosque to be built in Cairo and
was originally designed to be a prayer hall with five halls and a modest
courtyard.
Shah Mosque (Iran):
Shah
Mosque is also known as Imam or Jameh Abbasi Mosque that located in the
south side of Naghsh-I Jahan Square in Isfahan the city of Iran. It was
built during the Safavi period and serves as an excellent example of
Islamic architecture. Shah mosque is remarkable for the beauty of its
seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.
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