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History Notes: Islamic Architecture: Origin and Types

Islamic architecture originated from the rapid conquest of diverse territories by Muslims with no prior architectural tradition. Islamic buildings are fundamentally related to a principal axis, frequently extending into a formal landscape as an integral part. The prime axis is the kibla line directing to Mecca. At its heart, Islamic architecture is centered on God, with the inward-looking mosque as its prime building for contemplation and prayer, removed from worldly affairs. Major types of Islamic architecture include Moorish, Timurid, Ottoman, and Mughal styles.

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62 views

History Notes: Islamic Architecture: Origin and Types

Islamic architecture originated from the rapid conquest of diverse territories by Muslims with no prior architectural tradition. Islamic buildings are fundamentally related to a principal axis, frequently extending into a formal landscape as an integral part. The prime axis is the kibla line directing to Mecca. At its heart, Islamic architecture is centered on God, with the inward-looking mosque as its prime building for contemplation and prayer, removed from worldly affairs. Major types of Islamic architecture include Moorish, Timurid, Ottoman, and Mughal styles.

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Rishi Upadhyay
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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History Notes

Islamic Architecture: Origin and Types



Origin

Islamic architecture, is a product of a major historic event- the rapid conquest of diverse territories by a
people with no architectural tradition and the conquest synthesis of styles under one philosophy but in
many different circumstances. The majority of Islamic buildings are fundamentally related to a principal
axis. The axis frequently extended into a formal landscape which is an integral part of the design. While
the prime axis was the kibla, the general concept was derived from the line of balance and symmetry
implicit in the concept of perfect creation, as seen in gardens and buildings.
Islamic architecture is fundamentally centered upon God. At its heart is the
mosque, and inward-looking building whose prime purpose is contemplation and prayer. It is a space
removed from the immediate impact of worldly affairs. In here, there is no positive object of attention
or of adoration.
Types

Moorish Architecture
Timurid Architecture
Ottoman Architecture
Mughal Architecture
Islamic Architecture










Construction Style, Elements and Characteristics of Islamic Architecture

Elements:

Mosque: Mosque may serve many functions other than prayers. It may be used as a school, transactions
may be made there and storage for treasures. The central axis of Mosque is always directed toward the
holy city of Mecca where the Prophet Muhammads first revelation of the Quran.
Minarets: A tall tower in, or continuous to, a mosque arch stairs leading up to one or more balconies
from which the faithful are called to prayer. However, they were initially used as watch towers.

(Minarets)

Iwan: Iwan is a semi-octagonal hall or space, usually vaulted, walled on three sides, with one end entirely
open. Generally, A four-iwan plan, with three subordinate halls and one principal one that faces toward
Mecca.


(Iwan)

Mihrab: Mihrab is a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla; that is, the
direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims should face when praying. The
wall in which a mihrab appears is thus the "qibla wall."

Central Fountain for Ritual Purification
Use of Islamic Calligraphy


DOMES


COLUMNS

ARABESQUE


ARCHES





DOME OF THE ROCK

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