ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

By: Shafin Verani

INTRODUCTION:
Islamic Architecture can be studied for the developmental history, its aesthetic or for understanding the aspect of the society itself. Islamic architecture appeared too late in history to invent the major constructional forms or decorative techniques. Yet, it was not enslaved by the forms that it borrowed from different cultures and societies. In keeping with its dynamic, it adopted then adapted, and grew into a new creation. And when it matured, it had an impact on both East and West. The Islamic style of architecture did not arise instantly. It has been a long process, learning from cultures and countries that the Muslims conquered. The cultural activity of the various peoples composing Islam was more strongly affected by the common possession of a religious confession, it bridged differences of races and traditions and even forced the customs and manners of its components, as well as their spiritual concerns, into an extra-ordinarily clear and uniform mould. Muslim architecture and design then broke free and evolved and flourished on its own.1 One should know that architecture is a form of art. All the arts including poetry, music or any other form satisfy needs of the spirit and offer exercises for the intellect. Of them all, architecture alone is called upon to satisfy practical demands as well. One possible and simple definition of Islamic architecture is that which is built according to the principles of Islam. Having said that, I must clarify that there is no single formula or recipe to create or build Islamic Architecture. For this, in itself, will be against the spirit of Islam. Islamic architecture is not a specific style such as Gothic, Roman or Byzantine architecture. Islamic architecture is the name of ever changing way of designing based on the principles of Islam. Islam is a dynamic faith. It is a universal religion meant for all mankind in all ages. This encourages us to design and search new and innovative solutions suitable to the time and place. Solutions derived in the same place but in different times will and should be different. This is why the Islamic architecture of the Ottoman Empire is different from that of Cairo, and the architectural styles of palace such as Alhambra in Spain are so different from that of Persia.

Islamic Architecture by R.A. Jairazbhoy, 2000

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

UNITY OF DIVERSITY IN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

Throughout my study of this topic I was overwhelmed by the idea of Hidden Architecture 2 , because Islamic architecture reflects different people, different cultures, different climates, different times and materials and therefore, as Grube writes that Islamic Architecture reflects the absence of specific architectural forms for specific functions. Therefore, it is architecture that must be experienced by being entered and seen from within. 3 Islamic architecture represents the natural, physical and visual expression of unified Muslim society. Islamic civilization is based on the concept of unity, which theoretically forms a bond between all racial, ethnic and linguistic elements in Islamic society as a whole. This does not mean that racial, ethnic and linguistic diversity are not celebrated in Islam. In fact, the Quran celebrates our ethnic and linguistic diversity as a gift and a teaching tool for all humanity. As Quran says: O Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who possess at taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware. (Surah 49: Verse 13) This celebration of diversity is graphically evident from an examination of Islamic history, we note how numerous major racial or ethnic groups, including Arabs, Persians, Africans, Chinese, Indians, Malays, Pakistanis and Turks, just to mention a few, have contributed profoundly to the construction of a flourishing and global Islamic civilization. We can examine this idea by looking at different mosques for example in different parts of the world, in which the designs and out forms are different from place to place, from country to country (one must remember that Islamic World is spread from eastern coast of China to farthest western coast of continent Africa). Likewise the architectural designs though even Muslim architecture, is different over the period of 15 centuries, but when one enters into a mosque, he finds himself in a state of humbleness through the high walls, minarets and mimbar. To me, Islamic architecture in a mosque is not reflected by the dome, the minaret, the mimbar but the humble feelings, which is inside the heart of a follower created by the nature and his relationship with the eternal.

2 3

Architecture of the Islamic World by Arnest J. Grube, 1978 Ibid

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

Architecturally the mosques throughout the world do not look alike, as shown in the pictures below. They have used local materials and have built upon previous cultural styles, yet they have similarities and the feelings are always and everywhere the same. 4 The functions of the mosque have remained the same throughout its history from the time of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to the present day. Likewise, palaces, forts and castles reflect the religion of Islam. They are the symbols of power and the dangers their leaders faced. While the empire became a vast trading network, the buildings that housed the camel caravan traders the caravanserai reflected their importance to the empire, as well. The wealth and power of the empire was often directed into the buildings that are recognized for their beauty and innovation.

Khana e Kaaba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Prophets Mosque, Medina, Saudi Arabia

Jama ul Azhar, Cairo, Egypt

Bhong Mosque, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan

The Mosque in Muslim Society Past, Present and Future by Renata Holod and Hasanuddin Khanpp.21

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

Friday Mosque, Isfahan, Iran

Moti Mosque, New Delhi, India

Mohammed Ali Mosque, Cairo, Egypt

Great Mosque, New Delhi, India

Blue Modque, Istanbul, Turkey

Mosque in Burkina Faso

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

CHARACTERISTICS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

Islamic principles are very much concerned with understanding the particular character of the Islamic community in the true spirit of message of humanity brought by Islam and therefore, architectural forms are temporarily and locally bound to specific nations, cities and to their particular environments and traditions. In this sense, Islamic thought is concerned with mans deeds and way of life as determined by his views of the world, of the human soul, and of the civic order. That is what Islamic thought all about it is the search for order and harmony in the natural world, the intelligible world, the human soul and the place of humans living. What an architect does, on the other hand, is largely determined by the needs and purposes of the particular human community for which he builds, and therefore, the architect can inspire us, overawe us or charm us. He can make us proud or humble. He can encourage us to be gregarious or he can instill in us a deep sense of solitude. He can play upon nearly all our senses, color, fragrance, touch or sound. This is indeed the exercise of power, a power which has a deep and permanent impact on every aspect of our lives, on our relations, with each other and on our attitudes towards this world and universe around. 5 It is evident that the uniquely combination of Islamic ideological unity and respect and appreciation for diversity has characterized Islam from very early on and there in lies one of the greatest strength of its tradition. Islam is highly traditional, nevertheless, it has a long history of openness to change, adaptation and creative improvement. It is a tradition that has sought to maximize its creative potential and maintained the sacred inspiration. This inspiration to ground Islam, providing it with a foundation upon which to build progressively creative works that serve to enhance the glory of God, in ways that maintain continuity with the constitutive elements that have long served to define Islamic identity.

THE MOSQUE
The mosque represents the heart of Muslims religion and community. It is the House of Allah Beit Allah where daily prayers are conducted. In terms of community, the mosque is the place where the faithful meet and invited in the worship of one God, and stand equal in rows facing the direction of Qibla. The mosque is the focal point of the community acting not only as a religious center but also has functions that go far beyond prayer. A mosque served its community as a meeting place, council chamber, courtroom, treasury, and center for military operations. Administrative announcements were made and political allegiances sworn in the mosque, traders and scholars gathered there, and books were commonly published by being read out aloud in the mosque. 6
Opening remarks of His Highness The Aga Khan made at the Aga Khan Award for Islamic Architecture on 23rd October, 1980 at Lahore, Pakistan 6 Islamic Art in Contexdt by Robert Irwin, New York 1997, pp..59
5

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

Since, the mosque has no furniture as such, therefore the entire desire to express artistically the love and adoration of God was channeled into the basic shape of the building and its interior decoration (ceramic, mosaics) as well as some of its fittings such as lamps and rugs and carpets. Islamic architecture is a philosophical expression of the religion and yet in itself is not purely religious.The mosque is perhaps the best embodiment of this idea, which can be seen in all three stylistic categories i.e. the Arabs, the Iranians and the Turkish or Ottoman. 7

The Decorative Art

The abstract decoration of the surface is an important factor in

every work of Islamic art and architecture. Through its brilliant use of color and its superb balance between design and form, Islamic art creates an immediate visual impact. Its strong aesthetic appeal go beyond in time and space, as well as differences in language culture and creed. As I have described in the beginning of this article that Islamic architecture has emerged from a long process of learning from cultures and countries that Muslims conquered. It means that there was no fixed formula to apply for the emergence of Islamic Architecture. Likewise, the term Islamic art may be confusing to some. It not only describes the art created specifically in the service of Islam, but it also characterizes secular art produced in lands under Islamic rule or influence. In fact, Islam is a religion which has shown an exceptional tolerance for the ideas of the non-Muslim peoples with whom it came in contact. It engendered a culture which in the seventh to eleventh centuries, opened itself to all literature and learning in order to choose from what was adaptable and digestible by the Islamic soul. 8 The term suggests and art unified in style and purpose, and indeed there are certain common features that distinguish the arts of all Islamic lands. These features, throughout the Muslim world, from Spain to Indonesia appear in architecture and interiors to organize space and beauty the built environment. Calligraphy It has been described as the most typical expression of Islamic culture. 9 In this art form, the transformation of dominantly intellectual materials in to the elements of aesthetic expression was achieved. Arabic writing and particularly passages from the
7 8

Islamic Architecture Forms, Function and Meaning by Robert Hillenbrand, New York, 1994 pp. 66 Islam and Art by Dr. Lois Lamya Al Faruqi, National Hijra Council, Islamabad..pp5 9 Islamic Calligraphy by Schimmel Annemarie, 1970pp 33

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

Quran, were moved from the domain of reason and thought to the one in which sensory elements also played an important role. The words of God as revealed in the Quran became the most immediate expression of His will, as well as the most respected possession of man. Therefore, it demanded the greatest efforts for preservation and beautification of it, and of complete copies as well. Calligraphy gradually acquired a special character in the process of preservation and beautification of the words of God the Quran. It has been not only the most popular art in the Muslim world throughout the centuries but also the feeling which filled the Muslim heart with pleasure since it carries the aesthetic expression of the belief.

Geometric Shapes Abstract forms of geometric shapes are found throughout Islamic art and architecture in a variety of combination at all periods. Islamic art inherited the geometric patterns common to the later classical periods, but developed these to a degree of complexity and sophistication and transforming it into a major art form. These patterns clearly demonstrate the fascination of Islamic artists with the visual principles of repetition and continuous generations of pattern. The generating source of much Islamic design is the circle, with the radius functioning as a basic linear unit, and divisions of the circumference determining the system of proportion. The basic unit may be developed into a square, a triangle or a polygon, squares, pentagons, hexagons and octagons, frequently star shaped, are in turn often contained in circles. These forms are then elaborated by multiplication and division. Designs can be subdivided and sections of the overall patterns can be given prominence to decorate borders or special sections within or around the main design. In the Islamic context these extensible designs have been interpreted as visual demonstrations of the singleness of God and His presence everywhere. They represent unity in multiplicity and multiplicity in unity. 10

CONCLUSION
These were some reflections of the glorious past of Muslim architecture shown of the pinnacle of Muslim society. However, I believe that architecture influences the lives of people in slow and rhythmic way, which can be observed over the passage of hundreds and thousands of years. The Islamic architecture has traveled a
10

Surface, Patterns and Light by Dalu Jone.pp..70

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani

thousand and more years to reach to the point where we, the people of modern world, are trying and struggling to understand the characteristics of the Islamic architecture. I believe that it is Islam, which brings values and characters to the architecture. Buildings are just one another medium through which Muslims of different eras have tried to express these values which Islam teaches the unity, the beauty, the richness and the complexity and diversities of the Allahs creation, the horizontal relationship of man with man and the vertical relationship of man with Allah. It is Islam, which gives life the dead stones, clay, tiles and timber after which they get so vocal that they speak the language of art and Islamic architecture, they speak the language of beauty. It is a major misconception among many of us that Islamic architecture should have traditional building elements such as an arch or a dome or a certain landmark that distinguishes and Islamic building from a non-Islamic one. This is not true. It cannot be true because Islam is not static. Islam wants us to respect and learn from our history but not to live in the past. We need to retain the traditions and values of our ancestors but we cannot lead the same lifestyles as they had. The values our forefathers taught us can be reflected in our character and way of life which will distinguish us from the rest around us. Times have changed. Our faith teaches us to live according to the times and excel in whatever we do. Similarly our buildings should look to the future, it should have aesthetical qualities and be a role model for others to learn from.

Islamic Architecture

By: Alwaez Shafin Verani