Islamic Architecture: A Timeless Journey

Let’s rewind back to the 7th century during the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The origin of Islamic art and architecture, as a manifestation of the principles of Islam, architects and creatives opted to encapsulate the message of Islam into an art form. The timeless designs effortlessly transcended into the present day artifacts as an homage to not only history but also adding a modern twist to historic art elements. 

Islamic architecture is not isolated to religious structures though, elements of core Islamic architecture can easily be found in fortresses, palaces, schools, tombs, fountains, public baths, domestic structures, and so much more. In the modern day, structures like the Museum of the Future in Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, Linxia National Grand Theater in China, etc. all possess key characteristics of the original designs. 

The Origins of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture originated from the construction of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Soon after the Prophet(PBUH)’s migration to Madina, Masjid-an-Nabawi was built as a place of his residence; however, due to his caliber, Masjid-an-Nabawi was utilized as a community center as well. Though the original design of the mosque was very minimalistic, with little to no architectural embellishments. It was later enhanced and decorated using Islamic architectural design elements. In the late 7th century, the construction of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is representative of an iconic structure that blends islamic spirituality with architectural innovation as well.

The Prophet (PBUH) started to actively spread the word of Islam after his migration to nearby geographical regions that are now known as; Syria, Turkey, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, etc. These regions’ already established cultural traits influenced the islamic culture. Hence, their architectural elements noticeably bled into Islamic architecture as they helped shape its distinctive identity and further popularized it. For example; with Islam’s expansion in 

Persia, a key aspect of ancient Persian architecture that was adopted, is the use of large, rectangular courtyards and the iconic ‘Iwan’. Similarly, with the expansion to North Africa, Islamic architecture inherited the Berber style, which is now primarily seen in Moroccan mosque designs. 

Key characteristics of Islamic Architecture 

The Islamic architectural style is characterized by its distinct design elements, which have made it easily recognizable and unique. Unlike other art forms, Islamic designs rarely incorporate human or animal figures.

Instead, most of the original Islamic architectural designs feature intricate patterns and skillful arrangements of geometric shapes, along with the use of vibrant colors to enhance their visual appeal. This mastery in design not only sets Islamic architecture apart from other styles but also contributes to its timelessness, ensuring the longevity and continuous admiration of these artworks. The decorative and ornamental design styles used in Islamic architecture are; geometric patterns, arabesques, and calligraphy. While the structural and architectural elements frequently found in Islamic Architecture are; domes, arches, minarets, Muqarnas vaulting, and girih tiles

Ancient Representation of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture is heavily infused in the designing of mosques. However, the artistic influence is not limited to religious structures. Let us discuss some of the most famous artifacts that flaunt such designs.

• The Dome of the Rock 

Dating back to the 7th Century, the oldest standing structure that utilizes traits of traditional Islamic architecture is the Dome of the Rock, located in the old city of Jerusalem. Built in 691 CE during the Umayyad Caliphate, though the design of the building has evolved significantly over the years the core blueprint of the design aspect stays the same, with its gold-plated wood dome situated on an octagonal base. The building itself is decorated with floral and geometric mosaics. The interior and exterior of the Dome of the Rock showcases the creative use of calligraphy to decorate the walls. 

• The Taj Mahal in Agra, India

The design of the Taj Mahal is a quintessential example of Islamic architecture, masterfully blending elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. Instantly recognizable by its majestic central white marble dome, it has garnered a reputation of becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. On closer inspection, its beauty is revealed through the exquisite details of inlaid precious stones, delicate floral patterns, and elegant Arabic calligraphy, all of which reflect the artistry and devotion that went into its creation.

Modern Adaptation of Islamic Architecture

Over the years, everything has evolved, and naturally, architecture has changed too. People used to live in huts or simple brick houses, but now apartments are the norm. The shift to vertical living is just one small example of the many changes we've seen in the architecture world. These days, there's a vast range of architectural styles and designs, reflecting how our spaces have transformed over time. 

One thing with Islamic architecture though, it has proven to be truly ever-lasting. Transcending through centuries, it has been able to cultivate a reputation of comprising staple elements used throughout the industry. Even in the modern world, there are countless structures that prominently flaunt Islamic architecture. Let's look at some of the most famous examples:

•  Linxia National Grand Theater in Gansu, China

Located in the main city of Linxia, The owners of the Linxia Grand Theater in China wanted the building to embody the beautiful Middle Eastern design style found in the Grand Mosque of Oman. The woven steel design of the Linxia National Grand Theatre is a remarkable example of modern engineering. Instead of using traditional curtain walls or concrete, the architects opted for a façade made of steel beams, each meticulously welded together to form a complex, textured dome. Inside this visually striking shell lies a versatile concert hall. The design seamlessly blends cutting-edge techniques with cultural elements that deeply resonate with the local community, making it both innovative and meaningful.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE

• The Museum of the Future in Dubai, UAE

 The Museum of the Future in Dubai features a distinctive torus-shaped design that elegantly incorporates elements of traditional Islamic architecture. The exterior comprises a stunning display of calligraphy, featuring a poem written by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. This use of calligraphy not only adds aesthetic beauty but also honors the rich heritage of Islamic architectural tradition.

Reference: 

• https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/islamic-architecture/

• https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-islamic-architecture-5120474

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_architecture

• https://www.britannica.com/story/8-masterpieces-of-islamic-architecture