What is Architecture, the History and Vernacular Architecture in a Glance - Coursework Example

What is Architecture, the history and Vernacular Architecture in a glance: The word architecture has been derived from the Latin word Architecture, architectura meaning the art and knowledge of designing buildings and various structures1. Today the term architecture on a broader perspective means designing of buildings, localities, colonies and its infrastructure etc. Architecture first evolved out of the dynamics between needs and means. As human cultures developed and knowledge began to be formalized through oral traditions and practices, architecture became a skill. Here there is first a process of trial and error, and later improvisation or replication of a successful trial. What is termed Vernacular architecture continues to be produced in many parts of the world. Indeed, vernacular buildings make up most of the built world that people experience every day. What is Islam? Islam is one of the three major religions of the world that are based on the belief of mono theism (Belief in one God). The word “Islam” belongs to the Arabic Language which means “to surrender”. A person who believes in Islam is called a Muslim. Introduction to the Muslim way of worship and Mosques: Similar to Christianity & Judaism, worshiping God is obligatory in Islam and a Muslim is bound to offer prayers 5 times a day. These prayers can be offered by a Muslim, either alone or in congregation but the superiority and liking of the latter is clearly advised to the followers by God and the Islamic Prophet Muhammad on several different occasions. The place of worship where the Muslims congregate in order to worship Allah and praise their Prophet Mohammad is called a Mosque. For Muslims, a congregated worshiping methodology is a strong depiction of unity, faith and discipline for the witnesses. Today, there are hundreds and thousands of Mosques available in the world for Muslims residing round the globe. Besides the basic beliefs of Islam, these mosques are also mirror to the cultural values of the people and depict the ideology and thoughts of the Muslims of that pecific region where the Mosque is situated. Shah Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Pakistan is an Islamic State, which on the bases of the number of Muslims, is the second largest country in the world. No wonder, there are Mosques in all corners of the country! Here, at the very heart of the country’s capital, Islamabad, lies a true master-piece of Islamic Architecture, the Faisal Mosque, which is considered to be one of the largest Mosque in the world! The mosque is situated at the base of the beautiful and picturesque Margalla Hills. The Late King Shah Faisal of Saudi Arabia, during his official visit to the state in the year 1966, laid the suggestion for national mosque for the country in the newly built capital of Pakistan. An international competition in the year 1969 was held that saw a Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay chosen as the brain to design the Mosque that was later named in memory of King Faisal after his assisination in 1975 due his prominent contribution in the fundings for the Mosque. Estimates says that the Mosque costed Apprximately today’s $120 Million. The mosque was eventually completed in the year 1986. (http://www.sacred-destinations.com/pakistan/islamabad-faisal-mosque.htm The architecture at a glance The mosques architecture is a departure from the long history of south Asian muslim architecture, however in some ways it makes a bridge between Arabic, Turkish and Pakistani Muslim architectural traditions. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ The mosque has an area of 5,000 square meters; unlike traditional mosque design, it lacks a dom. The shape of the Faisal Mosque is an eight-sided concrete shell taking an inspiration from a basic desert Beduoins tent and the cubic Kaba in Mecca On each four corners of the Mosque are the four minarets (300’0” each) These Minarets are slender and pointed inspired by Turkish architecture. Salient Features The entrance is on the East and proceeded by the main courtyard with porticoes having a total capacity of 64000 worshipers. The shell has a height of 131’3”. The main hall of the mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers. Under the courtyard lies the International Islamic University. The Islamic University is located in the Mosque grounds and the first floor under the courtyard in the East with facilities of Library, Conference Room, Printing Press and Cafeteria. It is functioning with seven hundred students from within and outside the country. An Islamic Research Institute is also associated with the University. The interior of this prayer hall holds a very large chandelier which weighs 7.5 tons and is lit with 1,000 electric bulbs. Its walls are decorated with mosaics and calligraphy by the famous Pakistani artist Gulgee. The walls inside the main hall have many decorated glazed tiles. There is a giant golden crescent on the man roof. Cultural aspects and significance: The Faisal Mosque has become one of the symbols of representation of Pakistan Ever since its conception, the mosque has been regarded as the national mosque of Pakistan, and as such it symbolizes the hopes and desires of the new nation. Internationally. Although not in same prominence as the Taj Mahal of India, the Great wall of China or the statue of Liberty in New York, but still the image of the Mosque is popularly used in Muslim countries while referring Pakistan. The picture of the mosque is also used on official stamps of the country. For a long time, the image of the mosque had been used as an official representation of the Islamabad center of the Nation’s government run Television Network, Pakistan Televisions. Faisal mosque is flanked by thousands of visitors daily besides the worshipers. This has made it as significant tourism spot for local and International tourists. Besides, many high level dignitaries of the Islamic world, a good number of International leaders have visited the site who are non Muslims. The recent visit being that of the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair in November 2006 Within the premises of the mosque is also the mausoleum of the Later President of Pakistan, General Zia-ul-Haq. One of the traditions of the natives as per culture is to visit the graves of the beloveds and offer prayers for the soul of the dead; thousand of visitors to mosque visit the mausoleum and offer their prayers accordingly. References: The Islamic Culture http://www.islamicarchitecture.org Encarta Encyclopedia http://www.encarta.com Wikipedia Encyclopedia http://www.wikipedia.com Google Search Engine http://www.google.com The Daily Dawn http://www.dawn.com BBC World – Internet Service http://www.bbc.co.uk Read More