REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

ISLAM AND ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

De Leon, Ciannon Joseph C.

AR123-1/A50
AR. Yosef Maru Pablo
May 31, 2019
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BACKGROUND

In architecture, there are various aspects and origins where each process yields ideas from the

teachings and values of different eras. In addition, Spahic Omer (2016) believes that this is what

you call an architectural process. This is where one must understand and envision these ideas to

make decisions precisely so that the architectural product would signify accurate intentions. This

involves the benefit that people get from the resulting factors that each process like planning,

designing and building contributes.1 In terms of Islamic architecture, it deliberates the main

elements of the its culture namely the intertwined connections of its belief system, tenets and

values. Although the physical appearances and its observable characteristics are quite unique, the

metaphysical, spiritual and ethical considerations are the best features that perfectly describes the

style of the Islamic architecture. This paper aims to give information about Islamic Architecture

in terms of its Influences, Architectural Characters and Prominent Examples.

INFLUENCES

The Islam culture has been overriding the building traditions of other countries ever since

the 7th century. Shahril Khairi (2011) believes that its influences can be considered as the origin

wherein most of its architectural features are used and recreated by many architects around the

globe especially in the Middle East. 2

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica seen in the website Encyclopedia Britannica:

Islamic Architecture clearly clarified the use of each type. They stated:

1
Omer, Spahic. Islamic or Muslim Architecture. IslamiCity. July 20, 2016.
https://www.islamicity.org/8167/islamic-or-muslim-architecture/.
2
Khairi, Shahril. History of Islamic Architecture. LinkedIn SlideShare. September 15, 2011.
https://www.slideshare.net/shahrilkhairi/history-of-islamic-architecture.
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Islamic architecture finds its highest expression in religious buildings such as the mosque
and madrasah. Early Islamic religious architecture, exemplified by Jerusalem’s Dome of the
Rock (AD 691) and the Great Mosque (705) in Damascus, drew on Christian architectural
features such as domes, columnar arches, and mosaics but also included large courts for
congregational prayer and a mihrab. From early times, the characteristic semicircular horseshoe
arch and rich, nonrepresentational decoration of surfaces were employed. Religious architecture
came into its own with the creation of the hypostyle mosque in Iraq and Egypt. In Iran a mosque
plan consisting of four eyvans (vaulted halls) opening onto a central court was used. These brick-
built mosques also incorporated domes and decorated squinches across the corners of the rooms.
Persian architectural features spread to India, where they are found in the Taj Mahal and Mughal
palaces. Ottoman architecture, derived from Islamic and Byzantine traditions, is exemplified by
the Selimiye Mosque (1575) at Edirne, Tur., with its great central dome and slender minarets.
One of the greatest examples of secular Islamic architecture is the Alhambra. For full treatment
of the subject, see Islamic arts.3

This comes to show that Islamic Architecture provides immense contribution in building

these structures.

Geographical

Islam succeeded primarily in the Southern Asia and North Africa. Important communities

were established in places like Zanzibar, Madagascar, and China. This has brought Islam all

throughout the world bringing along their architectural style. Because of these, Islam has been

associated with movements such as Racial and Military Conquests. The main thing that is

important about these movements were the expansion of Arab in the north and in the west

outside the Arabian Peninsula. Furthermore, this resulted into the displacement of Turkish and

Mongol groups into the south, southwest, and southeast of Central Asia.4

3
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, Islamic Architecture. Encyclopædia
Britannica. February 04, 2014. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islamic-architecture.
4
Altovar, Aira, Islamic Architecture History. LinkedIn SlideShare. November 10, 2013.
https://www.slideshare.net/saiAltovar/islamic-architecture-history.
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Geological

The expansion of Islam in other countries has been dominant and the first countries that

they expanded to are already capable of building their own tradition such as knowing the

essential techniques in exploiting natural resources for building opuses and establishing building

materials. Brick making and Walling was almost generic in sedimentary plains. Just like Marble

which is common and always available in dealings. Constructing them occur in different

varieties. Furthermore, other resources are also manufactured in various forms. There are

processes like Ceramic Production, the usage Gypsum Plaster, and the manufacturing of glass

and metalworks.5

Climate

David Wood (n.a) in the Major Climates of Russia & Central Asia chapter in Study.com,

clearly explained how climate works in Central Asia. He stated that:

Central Asia contains two main climates and both of them are super dry. It contains
semiarid climates and desert climates. Semiarid conditions are defined by being very dry and can
be either cold or hot, but not dry enough to meet the criteria of a desert. A desert (or arid) climate
is a climate where precipitation is too low for any vegetation (except possibly a little shrub) to
grow, but where it isn't cold enough to meet the criteria for a polar climate.

These are positioned in such a way that the very center and west of Central Asia is the
driest region with a desert climate, and that area is surrounded by semiarid areas. In terms of
countries, deserts are found in Western Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and Southern Kazakhstan.
The semiarid conditions are found in Eastern Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, most of Kyrgyzstan
and Tajikistan, and Northern and Eastern Kazakhstan.6

This clearly show that the adaptation of the Islamic Architectural style into these kinds of

climates is essential especially for the people accommodating the assemblies.

5
Aira, Slideshare.
6
Wood, David. Major Climates of Russia & Central Asia. Study.com.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/major-climates-of-russia-central-asia.html.
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In the book History of Western Architecture: A Semiological Approach to Architecture

from a Designers Point of view, Winand Klassen (1980) mentioned that Islamic Architecture

greatly influenced other populations through its (1) Historical, (2) Religious, (3) Social, (4)

Political, (5) Military, (6) and Cultural conditions all throughout history.

Historical Condition

In the year 622, the Islamic faith and cultural values spread all throughout the Near East

and North Africa when Mohammed shifted from Mecca to Medina. Within two (2) generations,

the new faith overgrew the number of believers in Christianity. By 732, The Arabs were

successfully halted from their advancement to Poitiers in Southern France by the army of the

franks that was under the grandfather of Charlemagne, Charles Martel. Because of this, Islam has

formed a new civilization. By 745, the Turks introduced a new upsurge of Islamic conquest.

They drove off the Crusaders from their holy land and attacked the Byzantine empire. This

resulted the fall of Constantinople in the year 1453. In the year 1492, The power of the Islam in

Spain when the last Moorish, Granada, fell into the hands of Ferdinand and Isabella got

fragmented. 7

Religious Condition

Islam has its fair share of essential factors to the tradition of the Judaeo-Christians. The

meaning of the word Islam is “submission”. This signifies that Moslems submit themselves to

the will of their god, Allah. This was revealed from their holy book with sacred scriptures, the

7
Klassen, Winand W. History of Western Architecture: A Semiological Approach to Architecture from a
Designers Point of View. Cebu City, Philippines: University of San Carlos, 1980.
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Koran. Like the bible, the Koran also contains ethical commandments the Moslems prefer. On a

side note, Winand Klassen (1980) believed that no ritual can demand a priesthood and that

Moslems has identical access to Allah. These requires simple observances like praying at

specific times of the day, in a mosque or alone, fasting, and almsgiving. He also believed in the

saying of Mohammed that “All true believers, are brothers and members of one great

community.” This was founded in the year 622 A.D.8

Social and Political Condition

In contrast to the social order of the Christian community, Islam founded a new one.

Winand (1980) believed that in this order, the temporal and spiritual affairs are all in the hands of

Mohammed. The unity between political order and religion was sustained after the death of

Mohammed by his deputies and the caliphs who claimed their authority based on their ancestry

from the prophet or his early adherents.9

Military Condition

The aim of the Arab warriors was to govern and enforce compliance to everyone,

including themselves in serving their one true God, Allah. They never expected nor anticipated

to convert non-believers in their religion under the early caliphs. Because of this, the Arabs were

never threatened nor in danger of being captivated by inhabitants of the areas they dominated.

8
Klassen, 88
9
Klassen, 88
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Instead, it was the other way around. They skillfully modified the cultural heritage of the

populations they conquered.10

Cultural Condition

Winand (1980) also stated that the craftmanship and learning capabilities of Islam have

greatly contributed on the European Middle Ages, starting from Arabesque ornament, the

manufacture of paper, and Arabic numerals to the Transmission of Greek Philosophy and

science from writings of speaking scholars in Islam. The Arabic origin also gave birth to certain

words like Alcohol and Algebra. On the other hand, anthropomorphic visual representations of

Allah were prohibited due to religious exclusion. Because of this, the characteristics of each

artwork persisted in being decorative and abstract. 11

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERS

Aira Altovar (2013) explained in her site that there are multiple parts of Architectural

Characters in Islam as it contains: (1) Balance and Symmetry, (2) Concept of Perfect Creation,

(3) Formal Landscape, (4) Centered upon God, and (5) Use of Striated Masonry which was

borrowed from Byzantium. Furthermore, Islamic art can be seen in every feature of each

component and the fundamental forms of these Decorative Elements are: (1) Calligraphy, (2),

Arabesque or Islimi, (3) Geometric Patterns. In addition, some of natural elements like light and

water are occasionally used to bring out the vivacity of the assembly.12

10
Klassen, 89
11
Klassen, 89
12
Altovar, Aira. Islamic Architecture History. LinkedIn SlideShare. November 10, 2013.
https://www.slideshare.net/saiAltovar/islamic-architecture-history.
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The common types of Islamic Architecture that are mostly recreated are (1) Mosque; a

place where Muslim people worship, (2) Madrasah; a common type of public school, (3)

Hammam; a hot bathhouse that is structurally design by Muslim, (4) Caravanserai; an inn where

travelers can settle, (5) Casbah/Citadel; a fortress, and (6) Mausoleum; a tomb that can also be

considered as a monument.13

Francis Ching (2016) stated in his book titled A Global History of Architecture that “the

outwardly characteristic features of Muslim architecture are the pointed arch, and the horseshoe

arch in which the circle of the arch is carried past the normal springing point”. Also, In the

Historical Dictionary of Architecture, Allison Lee Palmer (2016) also pointed out that that Islam

style is also characterized by horseshoe and round arches plus domes, tunnel vaults and

geometrically decorated ornamentation. All of these are coherent because of the prohibition of

human and animal depiction. Thus, the countenance of Islam. 14

PROMINENT EXAMPLES

Found in the website, Encyclopædia Britannica: 8 Masterpieces of Islamic Architecture,

Noah Tesch (n.a) provided several structural masterpieces that used the architectural style of the

Islam period. Each structure has their own unique feature with a blend of islamic and other

architectural style. These structures are scattered and can be found all around the globe, clearly

13
Khairi, Shahril. History of Islamic Architecture. LinkedIn SlideShare. September 15, 2011.
https://www.slideshare.net/shahrilkhairi/history-of-islamic-architecture.
14
Ching, Francis D. K., Mark Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash. A Global History of Architecture.
Hoboken, 2017
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justifying the fact that Islam Architecture has been of great influence in all architectural styles.15

These structures can also be seen in the book, Sir Banister Fletchers a History of Architecture

19th Edition, (2011) with complete details and backstory of the considered masterpiece.

Taj Mahal

The enormous mausoleum Taj Mahal

was commissioned by the emperor, Shah

Jahan, to commemorate the departure of

his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in the

year 1631. The construction of the

assembly started at the year 1632 and

exceedingly took 20 years to be fully composed. The monument is located on the southern bank

of the famous Yamuna/Jumna river and in modern addresses, can be seen at Dharmapuri, Forest

Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001, India. The architects that are responsible for this

structure are Ustad Ahmad Lahouri and Ustad Isa. The monument alone is about 240ft or 73m

above the ground and with its marble finish, majestic appearance, and with the combination of

Indian, Islamic and Persian elements, creates a remarkable design that stuns viewers when they

glance the mausoleum. The building up close can be seen with decorative Arabic calligraphy

engraved in semiprecious stones. The cenotaphs for Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan themselves

can be see inside the monument. In addition, their actual tombs can be located in a chamber

beneath the monument.16

15
Tesch, Noah. 8 Masterpieces of Islamic Architecture. Encyclopædia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/list/8-masterpieces-of-islamic-architecture.
16
Tesch, 1.
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The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a located on top of a hill

where the Spanish city of Granada can be

seen by a distance. This is located in Calle

Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada,

Spain and was built by the Muslim Nasrid

Dynasty in the 14th century (around 1238-

1492). As of now, parts of the building has been destroyed due to the lack of maintenance but

three (3) important parts remain intact; The (1) Alcazaba, a fortress that’s also known as Al-

Qasbah, (2) a residence made for the princes, and (3) the Generalife, which consists of gardens

and pavilions. The Alhambra is decorated with exquisite colored tiles carved stucco and wood,

and extraordinary calligraphy style. The geometric stalactite Islamic design which is also known

as Muqamas, is the chief feature of the Alhambra that can be seen by the halls of the Court of the

Lions.17

17
Tesch, 2.
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The Friday Mosque, Isfahan

The Friday Mosque is located in Isfahan

Province, Isfahan, Majlesi St, Iran. the city

filled with architectural fortunes. People also

prefer it as Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, and

locals call it as Masjid-I Jami’. The mosque

was built by the caliph in Damascus himself

and said that its main purpose is to be a place to worship for Zoroastrians. The mosque was built

during the Umayyad Dynasty which started from the 8th century (771 A.D) and was continued

with renovations up until the 20th century where other dynasties took charge. Currently, the

oldest feature of the mosque are the two domes that were built during the Seljuk Dynasty in the

11th century. It was rebuilt later then in the 12th century and added rectangular courtyard within

the premises.18

The Dome of the Rock

This is known to be to oldest Islamic

Monument that is still existing in today’s

time. This was built during the 7th century at

around 691-692 after the Arab conquest that

occurred in Jerusalem. The two architects that

built this monument were Raja Ibn Haywah

and Yazid Ibn Salam. They design it with the Byzantine style architecture and later considered

18
Tesch, 3.
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the traits of the Islamic architectural style. Its main purpose is said to be the spot where Abraham

was supposed to sacrifice his son Issac. But since it’s Islamic, It is said to be the site where

Muhammad’s ascent would take place to heaven. 19

Great Mosque of Samarra

The Great Mosque of Samarra is located in Iraq and was

built by Abbasid Caliph Al- Mutawakkil in the 9th century

at around 850 A.D. The Mosque was considered to be the

largest mosque in the whole world with an area of almost

42 acres. The mosque consists of baked bricks with blue

glass decorated inside of it. Although most of it got

demolished in the Mongol invasion in the year 1258, the

cone-shaped Minaret surprisingly remained intact. The

Mosque itself resembles a ziggurat in the early Egyptian

period but most of its architecture characteristics are from the Islamic style.20

19
Tesch, 4.
20
Tesch, 5.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Altovar, Aira. "Islamic Architecture History." LinkedIn SlideShare. November 10, 2013.
Accessed May 31, 2019. https://www.slideshare.net/saiAltovar/islamic-architecture-
history.

Ching, Francis D. K., Mark Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash. A Global History of
Architecture. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2017.

Fletcher, Banister, Dan Cruickshank, Andrew Saint, Peter Blundell Jones, Kenneth Frampton,
and Fleur Richards. Sir Banister Fletchers a History of Architecture. Amsterdam:
Architectural Press/Elsevier, 2011.

Khairi, Shahril. "History of Islamic Architecture." LinkedIn SlideShare. September 15, 2011.
Accessed May 30, 2019. https://www.slideshare.net/shahrilkhairi/history-of-islamic-
architecture.

Klassen, Winand W. History of Western Architecture: A Semiological Approach to Architecture

from a Designers Point of View. Cebu City, Philippines: University of San Carlos, 1980.

Omer, Spahic. "Islamic or Muslim Architecture." IslamiCity. July 20, 2016. Accessed May 30,
2019. https://www.islamicity.org/8167/islamic-or-muslim-architecture/.

Palmer, Allison Lee. Historical Dictionary of Architecture. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield,
2016.

Taul, Stephen. "Islamic Architecture: Origin, History & Styles." Study.com. Accessed May 30,
2019. https://study.com/academy/lesson/islamic-architecture-origin-history-styles.html.

Tesch, Noah. "8 Masterpieces of Islamic Architecture." Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed May
30, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/list/8-masterpieces-of-islamic-architecture.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia, Britannica. "Islamic Architecture." Encyclopædia Britannica.

February 04, 2014. Accessed May 30, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islamic-
architecture.

Wood, David. “Major Climates of Russia & Central Asia.” Study.com. Accessed May 31, 2019.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/major-climates-of-russia-central-asia.html.