Islamic Architecture
Introduction
Islamic Architecture has a vast and deep history. It is based around the belief that the personal life, is a private one. A common name that describes Islamic architecture is "the architecture of veil," because the designs of homes and buildings are designed to maximize privacy. A traditional Islamic house is built so the wall facing the street, or outdoors contains no windows. Also, Islamic architecture has a strong focus on the inside, rather than the outside. The interior is often lavishly decorated, while the outside may seem bland.
Mosques
Mosques have been a big part of Islamic architecture. Mosques have always encompassed the fundamentals of Islamic aspects in their designs. They have helped solidify what defines Islamic architecture.
1. Minarets
Islamic Architecture has a vast and deep history. It is based around the belief that the personal life, is a private one. A common name that describes Islamic architecture is "the architecture of veil," because the designs of homes and buildings are designed to maximize privacy. A traditional Islamic house is built so the wall facing the street, or outdoors contains no windows. Also, Islamic architecture has a strong focus on the inside, rather than the outside. The interior is often lavishly decorated, while the outside may seem bland.
Mosques
Mosques have been a big part of Islamic architecture. Mosques have always encompassed the fundamentals of Islamic aspects in their designs. They have helped solidify what defines Islamic architecture.
1. Minarets
- Slim tower rising from the top of a mosque
- Minarets posses multiple shapes (square, round, heart-shaped, etc.)
- It was originally used as a high point to make the call to prayer
2. Prayer Hall
- Large open space like shown in the picture below
- Kept bare, to show and present "holiness"
3. Mihrab
4. Dome
- Ornamental indentations on the wall, complementing the characteristics that interior design is valued over exterior
- Marks the direction of the qiblah, direction in which people have to pray
4. Dome
- Placed directly above the prayer hall are usually circular in shape, and represent the gateway to heaven/sky