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Islamic Architecture 101: Some Basics

© Alia F. Hasan

Because not all visitors to this site are familiar with Islamic Architecture or the terms used to describe it, its important to learn a few basics. The term Islamic Architecture as a description of an architectural type is not really useful until the rise of Islam in the 600's CE(Current Era). This is when Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), after receiving revelations from God, began the spread of Islam which originated with the Arabs in Mecca and then spread outward to many parts of the globe. As with the history of many religions, once a religion and its followers become organized they seek a place of prayer. Often it is a place that is unique to that religion as well as suits its own needs. This is true of Islam, and the mosque and all of its aspects, serves the needs of the worshippers as well as distinguishes itself from the architectural types of the other main religions.

THE MOSQUE

Although the mosque varies from region to region individually, as a type there are certain fundamental qualities and requirements which nearly always exist. Firstly it must always include a prayer hall with an orientation towards Mecca. Because of this the prayer hall is normally of a rectangular shape. The orientation towards Mecca also means that one of the walls will be more important than the others and this wall is called the qibla wall. The qibla wall is often marked by the mihrab or niche. Often there is a separation in the prayer hall or an additional room for the women to pray separately from the men. There is also an area designated for ritual ablutions called wudu which precede prayers.

Aside from the basic requirements there are also many symbols which have come to be associated with the mosque. This includes the minaret, a tall tower, which is sometimes freestanding and sometimes adjoining the mosque. Its purpose originally was to provide a high area from which a member of the community could perform the call to prayer. Now they are often more decorative than functional with attached speakers playing the call to prayer. Another symbol is the dome which most likely came from pre-existing architectural traditions such as that of the Byzantines (see article on Dome of the Rock). Arguably the most important of the symbols is the Calligraphy adorning the walls of many mosques. This art form, which when it started was an alternative to the sort of figural representation one would find in churches, is one of the most beautiful features of mosques in its aesthetic qualities as well as its meaning-- to express the words of God.

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