ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

History of Architecture 3
Ar. Diane A. Jose

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

HOLIEST PLACES IN ISLAM

History of Architecture 3

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 a. The Kaaba - in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

 The Kaaba is the "cubic" shrine in Mecca, the center of

Islamic worship and the holiest place in Islam.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
 b. The Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem

 Built by the Caliph Abd al-Malik and completed in 691 A.D. The building encloses a huge rock located
at its center from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended (went up) to heaven at the end of his
Night Journey
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
DOME OF THE ROCK, Jerusalem, Israel
(Early Islamic)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 c. Medina - Burial Place of Muhammad

 Burial place of Muhammad and the Prophet's Mosque in the city to which Muhammad and
the early Muslims fled as they escaped the dangers in Mecca.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 MOSQUES

The most important Islamic building.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MOSQUES
 A mosque is the most important Islamic building. It is a
sacred building used by Muslims for prayer. The word
"mosque" is Arabic for "a place of prostration" or
bowing down to Allah. Besides being a place of prayer, the
mosque was also used as a "community center" for a
combination of reasons: a school, for political and social
meetings, a place for judging cases, and other functions in
the Islamic community.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Chinli Chiosk, Istanbul, Turkey
(Ottoman Islamic)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Chinli Chiosk, Istanbul, Turkey
(Ottoman Islamic)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

GREAT MOSQUE of Damascus, Syria
(Umayyad)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

GREAT MOSQUE of Damascus, Syria
(Umayyad)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

GREAT MOSQUE of Samarra, Iraq
(Mosque of Al Mutawakkil)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

GREAT MOSQUE of Samarra, Iraq
(Mosque of Al Mutawakkil – was one of the largest mosques in the
world, famous for the cone
cone--shaped tower, minaret -Malwiya Tower)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MOSQUE OF SULTAN AHMED, Turkey
(The Blue Mosque, Mosque of Sultan Ahmet – with 6 minarets)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MOSQUE OF SULTAN AHMED, Turkey
(The Blue Mosque, Mosque of Sultan Ahmet – with 6 minarets)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MOSQUE OF SULTAN HASSAN, Egypt
(A collegiate mosque, cruciform in plan)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MOSQUE OF SULTAN HASSAN, Egypt
(A collegiate mosque, cruciform in plan)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE, Turkey
(Ottoman Imperial Mosque - largest mosque in the Istanbul)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE, Turkey
(Ottoman Imperial Mosque - largest mosque in the Istanbul)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE SELIMIYE, Edrine, Turkey
(Ottoman Imperial Mosque)
Mosque

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE SELIMIYE, Edrine, Turkey
(Ottoman Imperial Mosque)
Mosque

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

IBN TULUN MOSQUE, Cairo, Egypt,
(The largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

IBN TULUN MOSQUE, Cairo, Egypt,
(The largest mosque in Cairo in terms of land area)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 MOSQUE

Architectural Features of Mosque

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
MIHRAB
A mihrab is a niche in the wall which points the worshipers toward Mecca.

 The mihrab (left) and minbar

(the steps on the right) of
Madar-i-shah Mosque in Isfahan,
Iran

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MINBAR
A minbar is a "pulpit", or a place from which a religious leader (an "imam") speaks to the
people. It looks something like a staircase.

Damascus, Great Mosque, qibla wall (pointing to Mecca) with minbar

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

INNER COURTYARD
Many mosques have an inner courtyard. One enters the mosque through an
entrance, goes through a walkway (often with pillars or arches) and enters the
courtyard which is a quiet, open-air place that is separated from the outside world.
This encourages mediation.

IBN TULUN MOSQUE, Cairo, Egypt

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MINARETS
Minarets are towers of a mosque. From the minaret a person (a "muezzin") calls
people to prayer five times a day.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

ARCHES
Arches varied in mosques. Some were round, some pointed, and some were
"horseshoe" shaped and held up on thin pillars.

Pointed Arch Horseshoe Arches

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

DOMES
Domes are common in many mosques in
the Middle East and Turkey. They are
often decorated on the outside and
inside with beautiful tiles in geometric
designs. Domes give a building a spiritual
feeling in that they bring one's attention
from the ground level (the world of man)
to the heavens (the world of God).

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

ABLUTION FOUNTAIN
Fountain in front of the Umayyad Mosque,
Syria. Before prayers, the faithful cleaned
their faces, hands, feet, and rinsed their
mouths. Cleansing was an act that was
both symbolic and literal to prepare
oneself to meet with God in prayer.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 PALACES

ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

PALACES: Introduction
The caliphs (successors of Muhammad) conquered new territories in
the name of Islam. The sultans (emperors or kings) began to
administer the vast empire and carried on extensive trade. They
became rich and their palaces reflected this. Yet, it was always
dangerous to be a ruler, so even the palaces were built like forts.
Because the sultan's power was also tied to being a good Muslim, the
rulers also built mosques as part of their palaces. Palaces also included
living quarters for the wives of the sultan called a harem, bathhouses,
kitchens and dining areas, and quarters for the Sultan's family, and
servants. Male servants and guards who lived in the palace near the
women were usually eunuchs (castrated males). Soldiers were housed
in a separate part of the palace or outside of it.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

UMAYYAD PALACES
The first dynasty of wealthy Muslim rulers was the Umayyads whose capital was
Damascus, Syria. After about 90 years of rule, they were overthrown by the Abassids
who moved their capital to Baghdad, Iraq.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE CITADEL - Cairo, Egypt
The Citadel (great fortress) was built by Saladin in 1176. (Saladin was the leader who
fought against Richard the Lion-heart of England in a crusade.) In 1218 the Citadel was
the residence (home) of Sultan al-Kamil (nephew of Saladin). Today the citadel is a
tourist attraction and visitors can see its mosques, several museums, palace, and
military garrisons.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE ALHAMBRA, Spain
(Moorish Islamic - Palace of Nasrid dynasty)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE ALHAMBRA, Spain
(Moorish Islamic - Palace of Nasrid dynasty)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE ALHAMBRA - In Grenada, Spain
Another center of Islamic power was Andalusia (Muslim Spain). An Umayyad dynasty
was started there by Ab-dal Rahman who escaped from the "deadly dinner" in
Baghdad in which the other Umayyad leaders were assassinated.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE ALHAMBRA - In Grenada, Spain
As a "citadel-city-within-a-city, a complex typical of late medieval Islam.” In the 13th
century, the last Muslim dynasty of Spain made Granada its capital.

The Alhambra became the dynasty's royal city. The word Alhambra comes from the
Arabic "al-Hamra" which means Red Palace. Within the walls of the Alhambra were
a mosque, baths, houses, gardens and a royal burial place. Except for the outer walls,
the citadel and two large architectural units, little remains of the original
construction. The Alhambra was redesigned in the last half of the 14th century by
Muhammad.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE ALHAMBRA - In Grenada, Spain
The Gardens and Fountains are a symbol for "Paradise" or Heaven. (This connection
between "garden" and "Paradise" are in the Qur'an.) A garden (al-janna, "The Garden")
is usually four rectangles with fruit trees arranged in rows parallel to a watercourse.
The symbolic value of the formal Islamic garden was as an earthly anticipation of
paradise.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

MADINAT AL-ZAHRA in Cordoba, Muslim
Spain

This is the interior of the reception hall.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
MADINAT AL-ZAHRA in Cordoba, Muslim
Spain

An aerial view of the whole palace. Built by Abd al'Rahman III as his country palace outside of
Cordoba, it was destroyed in 1010 by rival armies of Muslim soldiers. Plundered, then buried under
mud, it is now being unearthed and rebuilt.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

TOPKAPI PALACE in Turkey (Ottoman
Empire)
Topkapi Palace and the Suleymaniye from the Ottoman Turkish period was a complex built for
Suleyman the Magnificent (the emperor) during the 15th century. Below is a photograph Topkapi
Palace, built in Istanbul, Turkey. The rooms on the left are the "harem", the women's section of
the palace. It was supervised by eunuchs, males who had been castrated and served as guards of
the palace.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

TOPKAPI PALACE in Turkey (Ottoman
Empire)
The Suleymaniye complex covers 60,000 square meters and includes seven colleges, a hospital
and asylum, a hammam (bath or fountain for washing), two residences, a hostel for visitors,
kitchens, tombs, fountains, wrestling grounds, shops, a piazza and a mosque within its courtyard.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

PALACE IN KILWA, East Africa
Trade expanded down the coast of East Africa, and Islam was carried by these early traders. Arab
merchants and coast people intermarried and formed a new society, and even a new language called
"Swahili". Below is a drawing of a palace built about 1250 in Kilwa, an important trading center. From
here, merchants got ostrich feathers, ivory, gold, and slaves. Its rulers were African-Muslims whose
ancestors included Arab traders.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
FORTS AND CASTLES

ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Introduction: FORTS AND CASTLES
A Time of War: Warfare was frequent in Medieval
times. Islam was spread through conquests of neighboring
empires and eventually Islamic Empires gained control of
territories from Spain to India. Yet there were divisions of
Muslims themselves who battled for control of the
empire and for the religious authority as a successor to
the Prophet Muhammad. Muslim kingdoms fought other
Muslim kingdoms. There was warfare with Byzantine
Christians and later with Christian crusaders as well. But
the greatest threat came with the Mongol invasions of the
1200s and again about 1400 under Tamerlain.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Forts and Castles
 BUILT FOR DEFENSE  STRATEGIES FOR ATTACKING
A CASTLE
So castles and forts were essential for
protection. Castles and forts were built The strategies of attack would be
out of local materials, such as stone in to get over, through, or under the
Syria and baked brick in Iraq. Look at walls. They would attack from a
these castles below to see their distance with catapults and flaming
defensive structures such as towers, arrows. Closer to the walls they
high windowless walls, arrow-loops, would push up a siege towers, or
crenelations, strong gates often with climb ladders while relatively
drawbridges and moats, and more. They unprotected from above. At the walls
had to be strong enough to withstand the attackers would use a battering
sieges (attack) from many enemies. ram to try to break down the doors,
or tunneling equipment to cover them
while digging under the walls. (In the
Of course castles had to house many upper left corner is a commander at
soldiers, so there were barracks (sleeping his tent site planning the battle.)
quarters), kitchen and dining halls, and
stables for horses. There were bath
houses and restrooms, too. All Muslim
castles would also have a mosque

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

CITADEL (FORTRESS) OF Aleppo, Syria

It was used as a "crusaders' castle", but originally built by Arabs. It had been attacked and was
greatly damaged by the two Mongol invasions, in 1269 and 1400 (under Tamerlain).
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA
DESERT CASTLES OF JORDAN
Some of these "desert castles" do not have any defensive structures. The lack of a defensive
architectural design suggests that most were built as recreational retreats. The early Arab rulers'
built or took over these castles because they loved the desert. It appears that these castles were
surrounded by artificial oases with fruit, vegetables and animals for hunting. Other theories
suggest that the leaders and their families came to the desert to avoid epidemics (quickly
spreading diseases) which plagued the big cities, or to maintain links with the Bedouin nomads,
their relatives and the basis of their power.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

CRAK DE CHEVALIERS, Jordan
Built by Arabs in the late 11th century, but it was taken over by Christian crusaders and
expanded. It was used by the crusaders for 127 years, then recaptured by the Mamluks from
Egypt. This castle is one of the largest of its kind and is well preserved. Enough supplies were
stored to last a 3,000 man army for up to five years. Crac des Chevaliers is also known as the
Qala'at al-Hosn or "Castle of the Knights".

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

BAM, Iran
Its long wall has 28 towers. Inside the citadel there are lots of buildings: stables, a public bath, a
prison, military barracks, two mosques, a caravanserai and more, all molded out of the same red
clay. The highest point is the outlook tower.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE CITADEL OF CAIRO
In 1176, Salah ad-Din fortified the high area to protect it against attacks by the Crusaders. In
1218 Sultan al-Kamil, Salah ad-Din's nephew moved his residence to the Citadel, and it was the
seat of government of Egypt until the mid-19th century.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

ALCAZABA in Malaga, Spain (Andalusia)
Built in 1057 with its delicate gardens enclosed in strong walls.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 HOMES

ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

How and why did homes differ?
 Homes varied in size and elegance (wealth, style)
according to the wealth of the owner, and of course upon
the local architectural traditions and local materials that
were available. But some features were common.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

BASIC DESIGN
(Homes)
1. The typical Muslim house was built on a
standard pattern: a rectangular house built
around a central courtyard with high
windowless walls on the outside with a
single low door. The interior space was
important, not the outside.

2. As family size increased, more rooms were built

on the lot's unused land. Once the land around
the courtyard has been covered, expansion took
place in a vertical direction.

3. Part of the house is separated for

females. The men's reception (or guest)
room tends to be located next to the
entrance lobby of the house so that visitors
do not meet with the females or violate the
harem (the women's part of the house).

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

DECORATIONS AND FURNISHINGS (Homes)
The interior of wealthier homes were
decorated with geometric designs and
calligraphy in wood carvings and tiles.
Rugs usually covered the floors of the
living areas. Rooms were often furnished
with low couches with cushions and low
tables

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

CARAVANSERAI ("Caravan Inns")
 Muslim civilization always has been mobile (moving). Both
the Arabs and the conquerors from Central Asia were
originally nomadic and inherited a tradition of travel.
Large armies were constantly on the move. Students and
scholars undertook long journeys to sit at the feet of
famous masters. The wealth of cities depended upon the
trade. And finally, the Faith of Islam required of the
Faithful the most powerful of all reasons for travel --
pilgrimage.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Why were caravanserai built?
 In the harsh conditions in the countryside of most Islamic countries, travellers needed places of rest
and shelter as they travelled between the widely spaced cities and towns. This led to the
construction of caravanserais (or "khans"). They were often built by the rulers to encourage trade
which they taxed.

 The main function of a caravanserai was to receive travellers and merchandise. These caravanserai
consisted of courtyards to take care of animals, rooms to lodge the travellers, and storage areas for
their goods. The caravanserais which survive today show the spread of travel and trade which
developed from the first centuries of Islam onward.

The remains of a caravanserai in

Bisotun, Iran

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

What was inside a caravanserai? What
happened there?
 This colourful drawing of a caravanserai shows a central courtyard where animals are watered
and fed, storage areas below, and apartments above for the travellers. There was always a
mosque and bathhouse in the caravanserai, too. Travellers could refresh themselves before
continuing on. Caravans generally stayed only one or two nights before continuing their
journeys.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Why did rulers build caravanserai?
 Caravans travelled along the Silk Roads to China. One of the most travelled routes is shown
below, going from China to Istanbul, Turkey (Constantinople). Caravanserai were built about
one day's travel apart, about 30 - 40 miles away. It was along routes like these that
caravanserai were built by powerful rulers who wanted to encourage trade. (Rulers taxed
traders and therefore they wanted to keep trade routes safe and open.)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 BATH HOUSES

A place to relax and bathe

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Why were bath houses important? What
happened there?
 Bath houses were not merely (only) places where believers could fulfill the Islamic ideal of
cleanliness. They were also places in which to socialize and gossip. Some bath houses from the
Middle Ages are still in use today.

 Bath houses (called "hamam" in Turkey) had both cold and hot water baths. Most bath houses
were public, but some were private. In every palace there would be a bath house (as shown in
the Persian miniature below). Public bath houses were always separated between men and
women, either with separate facilities, or by time of day. Few people were wealthy enough to
have a bath-house in their homes, so public houses were part of every community.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

What did people wear?
 People were covered either with a wrap-around towel or with below-the-knee pants like
"underwear", for modesty was part of the Islamic ideal.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

What did the bath houses look like?

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

 TOMBS AND MEMORIAL

Muslims honoured their heroes, prophets, and great leaders with tombs and memorials. In many
cases, these tombs became part of a Muslim's pilgrimage - to pay respects and gain merit in
heaven.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Green Dome: The burial place of the Prophet
Muhammad

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

The Taj Mahal (Crown of the Palace) was built in Agra, India, for
Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Shah Jahan. Considered the
greatest masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, it was constructed
during the years 1632-1648. It is a mausoleum (a burial place, or
tomb) for the wife of the Shah.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Saadi's tomb in Shiraz, Iran Saadi was a popular
Persian poet who lived about 1207-1291. His most famous work is "The
Rose Garden", or "Gulistan".

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Mausoleum in Bukhara, Uzbekistan was finished in 943
- for a Samanid leader

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Mausoleum of Olijeitu in Sultaniya, Iran built in
the 14th century. He was sultan from 1304 - 1315.

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

Tomb of a woman in Isfahan, Iran Read about this
interesting woman who was involved in political power struggles and was
executed by her husband about 1375. It was her brother-in-law who made this
monument. "This is the holy rock, built by the grand lady, Soltan Bakht Agha,
daughter of Amir Khosroe-Shah. May God continue to bless her after her death".

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA

THE END

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 03 Ar. Diane A. Jose, MBA