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Understanding Islamic Architecture: History, Elements, and Influences

Oct 15, 2024
Understanding Islamic Architecture: History, Elements, and Influences

Before knowing the style of Islamic architecture and its elements, it should be said that the style of this type of architecture is one of the cultures of a country. This architectural style combines historical and cultural elements and emphasises Islam's evolution and cultural, religious and artistic developments. It has unique elements, including prayer rooms, beautiful tiles and creative sculptures. Stay with the Pollux team to learn more about Islamic architecture.

islamic architecture characteristics

Islamic architecture characteristics

Knowing the Islamic architecture characteristics, which is considered one of the most diverse architectural styles  in the world; This style of architecture has been developed during the centuries when Islam influenced different civilizations.

This architectural style includes elements used in the design of mosques, palaces, gardens, schools and public buildings. Among the common elements in this style of architecture, include the use of arcades, Spiers, minarets and geometric motifs known as famous Islamic architecture.

Also, building materials such as brick, stone and wood are prominent. Islamic architecture has experienced changes throughout history, from Sassanid architecture in Iran and Abbasid architecture in Iraq to Mughal architecture in India and Ottoman architecture in Turkey, each of these styles has its characteristics.

Islamic architecture also includes cultural and artistic influences from other regions of the world. From Maghrebi architecture in North Africa and Spain to Mughal architecture in India and Mamluk architecture in Egypt, each of these styles has been an inspiration for Islamic architects.

Regarding the recognition of the Islamic architectural style and its elements, which is one of the most prominent and well-known architectural styles in the world, with the combination of beauty, art and worship; This architectural style is also a symbol of Islamic history and culture and is still used in new buildings around the world.

Modern Islamic architecture

One of the great influences of Islamic architectural style is the extensive use of handicrafts and artistic patterns. In Islamic buildings, there are usually beautiful artistic patterns and sculptures with details that give them beauty and grandeur.

This distinction is clear from other styles such as modern architecture, which are usually simple and less detailed. Also, the use of geometric profiles and Islamic architecture is one of the distinctive features of this style.

famous islamic architecture

Geometric profiles usually include various geometric patterns such as lines, bends, turns and geometric repetitions that give beauty and diversity to buildings. In addition, the use of local building materials is also one of the characteristics of knowing the style of Islamic architecture and its elements.

In general, knowing the style of Islamic architecture and its elements with the use of beautiful artistic patterns, geometric profiles and the use of local building materials has significant differences with other styles and adds beauty and glory to the buildings.

The style of modern Islamic architecture

The influential factors that determine the style of modern Islamic architecture and distinguish it from other styles:

  • The first influential factor is that Islam, as the main religion in this style of architecture, has a significant influence on it. Religious principles and rules shape Islamic architecture and inspire its designs and geometric patterns.
  • The second influencing factor is culture. Islamic culture reflects the beliefs, values and traditions related to the life of Muslims in the style of Islamic architecture. According to local and national culture, modern Islamic architecture has diversity and differences in design styles and patterns.
  • The third influencing factor is art. Islamic art, by focusing on visual arts such as painting, architecture, carving and music, gives colour and effect to the style of Islamic architecture.

Artistic designs and arrangements in Islamic architecture use geometric patterns, artistic patterns and embroidery designs. In short, religion, culture and art are the influencing factors on the style of Islamic architecture and distinguish it from other styles. These factors give the designs, patterns and aesthetics of the Islamic architectural style.

This style of architecture is based on the principles of Islam and related cultures. Around the world, there are many examples of Islamic architectural styles that are known as sightseeing attractions.

These examples include mosques, palaces, schools, gardens and historical buildings. Some of the most famous examples of the style of Islamic architecture and its elements are Jame Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Haram Mosque in Mecca, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Tehran, Balkh Mosque in Afghanistan, Al Hamra Palace in Spain, Blue Mosque in Muscat in Oman, Blue in Turkey, Blue Mosque in Egypt and Blue Mosque in India.

These examples are made using Islamic architectural techniques such as tiling, wall paintings, famous arches and beautiful geometric designs. These attractions attract many tourists every year with their beauty and history.

Islamic architectural elements

Islamic architecture is a unique architectural style that has had major influences on other architectural styles; This style of architecture is based on the principles and laws of Islam and Islamic culture.

These methods include the use of arches, cupolas, minarets and hollow bricks. Arches are known as one of the main elements of Islamic architecture and are widely used in Islamic buildings. 

Minarets are known as tall and beautiful towers in Islamic architecture and are used as a symbol of power and prestige. Hollow bricks are also known as one of the elements of Islamic architecture and are used in the design of building facades.

These original architectural elements give Islamic architecture a special charm and beauty and distinguish it from other architectural styles.

Famous Islamic architecture

Due to the destruction of many buildings on which the names of some famous Islamic architecture were probably recorded, as well as the lack of attention of the writers and historians of the past to the recording of the names of the architects, and also many cases where the artists themselves did not register their names on the buildings. There is not enough information about the history of working methods and examples of these artists' works. Some of famous 

modern islamic architecture

Ibrahim bin Ostad Ismail Bannay Esfahani The name of this teacher is on the south porch of Isfahan Jame Mosque. Abolhassan Karunarchitect of the south porch of the school in Isfahan Jame Mosque…

lighting

lighting is present in the design of traditional iranian architecture, both externally and internally (mystical), and it is necessary to mention it. In Iranian architecture, which seeks truth, truth is perfection, and light in Islamic architecture is a sign of moving towards truth. "The role of light in Islamic architecture is a diagram of the principle of manifestation" Light is the most effective part of Iranian architecture, not only as a physical component but also as a symbol of divine wisdom and the presence of spiritual light that penetrates the heaviness of matter and makes it It transforms the human soul into a new form that is worth living. Both indoor and outdoor lighting

Indoor lighting

indoor lighting especially the openings and openings of the rooms in such a way that the passage of light occupies a limited surface of the inner shell, which is determined through the luminous rays of light entering the interior space, and in contrast to the dominant space of darkness inside, the effect of light with It becomes more important and bold.

Final word

The style of Islamic architecture has been able to display the beauty and art of Islam by using original architectural techniques and elements. The use of Islamic architecture techniques, including the use of arches, tiling, minarets and towers, and interior architecture with exhibitions and fountains, gives a special effect and beauty to the style of Islamic architecture.

Elements of authentic Islamic architecture, including the use of geometric architects such as mosaics, plaster patterns, floral designs and geometric designs, give more beauty and variety to the style of Islamic architecture.

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