Architecture: Mosques (Continued)

 

B. Architectural features that are part of mosques:

Look at the photographs of mosques above and you can see that they look nothing alike. Different materials have been used and they represent different architectural heritages. Yet, there are some features in common. The original mosques developed an "Arabic" design that has influenced architecture in many parts of the world, but many mosques may have nothing "Arabic-looking" about them.

Mosques almost always include a minbar (like a pulpit from which the imam or Islamic leader speaks), a mihrab (niche in the mosque which orients worshipers toward Mecca), and minarets (towers from which the faithful were called to prayer, as well as for observation). Many in the Middle East will have domes and arches and inner courtyards. Many mosques also have an ablution fountain which is a place to wash before prayers.

1. Mihrab - A mihrab is a niche in the wall which points the worshipers toward Mecca.

Above is the mihrab (left) and minbar (the steps on the right) of Madar-i-shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran Courtesy U.C.B. Architectural Library

 

Below are some more examples:

 

 

2. 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

See more examples of the Minbar:

3. 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.

 

4. Minarets:

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

5. Arches:

Pointed arches

(Courtesy of U.C. Bereley, Architecture Dept.)

Horseshoe arches in Cordoba, Spain

(Courtesy of All About Spain)

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

 

6. Domes

Courtesy of U.C. Berkeley Architectural Library

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).

 

7. 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. (Photo from Syria Photos Album.)

 

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 1 - Holy Places and Mosques

You are here at: Islamic Architecture: Page 2 Inside a Mosque

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 3 - Palaces

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 4 - Forts, Castles

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 5 - Homes

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 6 - Caravanserai

Go to Islamic Architecture, Page 7 - Bath houses, Tombs, and Architecture