Islamic Architecture - Research Paper Example

Islamic Architecture Islamic Architecture Introduction Architecture is an essential part of any culture. It not only reflects the perspective of the people of that particular culture but it also tells about what people think about the world, while at the same time it also tells about their religion. It is through architectural features that the history of certain regions can be studied. There are various forms of architecture that have evolved and developed over these years. Among these many architectures, Islamic architecture is one of the most notable and one of the oldest architectures that have evolved. The Islamic architecture has influenced the construction of the structures and buildings right after the foundation of Islam to present. The early Islamic architecture was inspired by and reflected both secular and religious and secular styles. However, with an increase in the industrial development, and the increase in population, the contemporary Islamic architecture has transformed and has forgotten its traditional / cultural roots. Objective The objective of this research is to identify and study the Islamic architecture from the past to the present. With the help of examples from the post-islamization era and the contemporary urbanized Islamic world, the research will compare the transformation of the Islamic architecture. Research Questions This research aims to investigate the following questions: What were the major architectural features of the Islamic architecture in the post Islamization era and how they reflected the society and culture of that particular time? What are the major features of the contemporary Islamic architecture? Are they in alliance with the features of the past era? Does the present features reflect the tradition and culture of Islam and traditional Islamic architecture? What is the future of Islamic architecture in terms of design and urban planning? Are the traditional concepts of Islamic architecture are in jeopardy because of urbanization and industrialization? Scope of the Study In order to conduct this research, the study will primarily be based upon online data banks, books, and online Islamic Architectural archives. It will also utilize the help from past researches and studies on the subject. However, it is not feasible to travel to the mentioned Islamic architectures for the purpose of this research. Significance of the Study Architecture is considered as an important element of a culture, society, or religion. From the foundation of Islam to the present day, the Islamic architecture has witnessed huge transformations and serious changes in its design and features. These transformations are increasing day by day and the traditional Islamic architecture is losing its charm and may become obsolete. Keeping this situation in mind, there is an avid need of study / research that can assess and evaluate the reasons behind the changes and transformations of the new concepts and designs being introduced in the Islamic architectural world. Research Methodology In order to conduct this study, a qualitative research methodology will be utilized. Past studies on the subject, books, journal articles, and online databases will also be utilized for the purpose of the research. Furthermore, the method will also present an in-depth analysis of the historical data containing the subject area. The research will also incorporate the use of theories to illustrate Islamic architecture. In order to skim the best credible yet relevant sources for this subject matter, Ebscohost has been used. A number of keywords were also used to search the sources such as Islamic design, dome, minaret, Islamic architects, pillars, etc. The reason why qualitative research technique is being used for this study is the fact that this method is best for subjective research and present accurate conclusions. Furthermore, it also helps in understanding and analyzing theories and perspectives of the authors. Description Islamic Architecture Encompassing a broad variety of secular and religious styles, the Islamic architecture has influenced the construction as well as the structure and designing of the buildings right from the beginning of Islam to present day. According to (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013), Islamic architecture has effectively reflected the Islamic culture and identity. The Islamic architecture was however famous for its four chief fundamentals; these fundamentals are the mosque, the tomb, the fort, and the palace. For example, the great Alhambra of Granada (Spain) had all these four fundamentals of Islamic architecture, as it was recognized as a palace and a fort, at same time (Erzen, 2011; Itewi, 2012). Ceiling in Alhambra (Erzen, 2011) According to Erzen (2011), Islamic architects have always considered each and every aspect of the building or structure; for this reason the entire building (exterior and interior both) looks amazing and eye catching. However, Abdulwahid Thannoon (2012) has argued that the Islamic architects have given huge attention to the interiors rather than the exteriors. Interior space is always considered as the most important aspect of the Islamic architecture. This is the reason why Islamic architectures stands out for their amazing interiors and outstanding work done in the interior space (Khaghani, 2012; Erzen, 2011). The inner view of the Simiye Mosque, Dome (Erzen, 2011). Abdulwahid Thannoon (2012) stated that the use of ornaments and patterns in Islamic architecture is another important aspect. The writer Dalu Jones has to tried emphasize on the fact that Islamic architecture and design have a unique tendency to utilize decorative themes in architecture as well as in applied arts too regardless of the material or the scale or technique being used. This suggests that he was trying to highlight the fact that decorative themes have been a trademark of the Islamic architecture as major Islamic architectures such as Taj Mahal, etc. have used the decorative themes which are not evidenced in any other architectures (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013; Erzen, 2011). Furthermore, Abdulwahid Thannoon (2012) also stated that color and texture are some other major elements that have been playing their role in the Islamic architecture from the every beginning. In general, colors have been used as an important factor of architecture, however, Islamic architecture have utilized this factor to connect the designs in order to create delusions or illusions of diverging planes. Islamic architectures are highly decorative, complex to understand, luxurious in nature, and very elaborative. It is due to the use of shiny and dazzling materials that are used, and the repetition of amazing designs whereas interiors play an important role in Islamic architectures (Khaghani, 2012; Itewi, 2012). These designs and structures were made following the post structural theory during the eight and the fifteenth century (Khaghani, 2012). However, according to many historians and architects, it is also believed that the Muslim architects also used the principles of Architectural theory in their designs and structures. Since the theory was taught in the majority of schools and colleges therefore this theory was practiced by majority of architects around the world in the past and architects at present still use the theory because of its effectiveness (Itewi, 2012). Examples: 1- The Masjid al-Nabawi 2- Sultan Mosque The Masjid al-Nabawi, built by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) Himself, is one of the oldest mosques of the Muslim civilization and heritage of the Islamic architecture. The mosque has a huge courtyard and the structure is based entirely on public space rather than private space. It has 27 sliding domes. The mosque is beautifully decorated with fine stones and polychrome marbles (Erzen, 2011; Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). The interior and exterior of Al Masjid al-Nabawi (Erzen, 2011). Sultan Ahmed Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey, and is considered as one of the most beautiful architectures in the world. It has one main huge dome. There are eight other domes in the mosque and six minarets as well. The design of the mosque is the pinnacle of the mosque development during the Ottoman Empire. The architect of the mosque has effectively utilized the elements of Islamic architecture along with Hagia Sophia (Erzen, 2011; Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). The interior and exterior of Sultan Mosque (Erzen, 2011). Contemporary Features Itewi (2012) stated that there are numerous practical and commercial challenges to the architectural industry regarding the cultural identity at this point of time. According to Petruccioli & Pirani (2013), architecture at present has to function at every level. Architectures of the past were huge and spread over vast areas. At present the situation has changed. The contemporary Islamic architecture has not completely transformed or entirely changed / altered but it has slightly adopted the modern techniques / methods of architectures of the modern world (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013; Itewi, 2012). If the current Islamic architectures are thoroughly studied, then it can be noticed that these buildings and structures are designed to fulfill the need of the current day society while at the same time it is trying its best to establish the architectural tradition. Previously, the post-Islamization era did not consist of tall buildings etc. but at present, these buildings have become the need of time. Furthermore, the mosques that once reflected the Islamic architecture are losing their cultural identity as they are now being built and designed on the modern principles of architecture and design (Khaghani, 2012; Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). A modern mosque in Kuwait with just one Minaret and no Dome (Erzen, 2011). The contemporary features do not include any traditional elements of the Islamic architecture. These features have been replaced by modern day as tall buildings are making their way in the society. The use of dome and minarets in mosques is almost ending. The one thing that represents the Islamic architecture in the contemporary world is the decoration and design that has been a heritage to it. The exteriors of the contemporary Islamic architectures are hard to differentiate from other architectures while the interiors are the only factor that reflects the traditional Islamic architecture. Architects have now become very sharp and clever in this regard; they design the exterior of tall buildings as per the requirements of society, while the interior is planned, focusing on the traditional values of the Islamic culture and identity (Khaghani, 2012). The Dayabumi Complex in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). According to Itewi (2012), the modern day buildings and structures are being built on the Modern architectural theory, theory of architecture, and major Western theories of architectures such as Remodernism, Universal Design, Space Syntax, Shape Grammar, North Light etc. these theories are used by the architects to ensure that the space is rightly utilized while they can build a tall building focusing on every aspect such as wind, material, cost, danger, etc. According to the space syntax model, the architects are able to stimulate the graphical representation of their model / design / structure of the building to analyze the spatial specification (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). Examples: Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is located in UAE. The building is a recent addition to the Islamic architecture however it can be seen that it does not associate with any of the traditional features of the Islamic architecture. Same is the case with Burj Al Arab which is also located in the same region however the rooms of the hotel is inspired by Islamic architecture and has incorporated the use of various color themes, marble floorings and symbols (Abdulwahid Thannoon, 2012). Burj Khalifa and Burj-al-Arab (Itewi, 2012). It can be seen that none of these architectures are reflecting the Islamic tradition or Islamic cultural identity the way they were in the post Islamization era. The Islamic architecture of the post-Islamization era was completely different compared to what it is now. Architects are now slightly utilizing the elements of Islamic architectures for doing the interiors, while the buildings does not at all reflect any cultural / traditional identity (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). Future of Islamic architecture It should be noted that architecture has always reflected the cultural identity and the traditional values from the beginning. The Islamic architecture has its root deep down in philosophy and religion while it also reflects the history. Various architectural feature of the Islamic world have now become perpetual. It is through the Islamic architecture that we are able to find the beginnings so that we may continue the legacy (Khaghani, 2012). However, on a broader perspective, the Islamic architecture particularly that in the Middle East is facing various challenges and transformations. These transformations can turn up as a threat on a longer run for the Islamic culture, traditions and the Islamic architecture as the identity crisis which have been observed in the present decade are quite obvious in terms of the architectural design (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013). This imposes serious threats and questions for the Islamic architecture and immediate developments in this regard are to be taken in the relative field of Islamic architecture. It should be noticed that many new projects in the Middle East are under construction. These projects depict the culture of the West as they are complete copies of the Western models. It has grabbed the attention of numerous Muslim architects and designers who are strongly opposing and reacting to the western invasion over the Islamic architecture (Erzen, 2011). Reasons behind the transformation of Islamic architecture The reasons behind these transformations are not hidden and can be identified easily. The increased urbanization and an increase in population are the two major reasons why the Islamic architecture has lost its identity. According to (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013), the Islamic world has witnessed a wide shift from a deserted land to an urbanized area. Technology and globalization are some other aspects, which have also played their parts in the transformation of the Islamic architecture. It was through technology that these tall buildings were easily designed by the architects (Itewi, 2012). The inspiration which was once found in the buildings and structures of the Islamic world and Islamic architecture is now lost. The Islamic architecture is now following the basic theories, models and structures of the West while it has failed to reflect the cultural, traditional and religious values of the Islam. Islamic architecture is considered as a heritage. The Islamic architectures that are still present in the world stand out for themselves (Petruccioli & Pirani, 2013; Itewi, 2012). Is Islamic architecture in jeopardy? There is an avid need to realize and establish critical thinking over the issue. Since, globalization has become the basic value of life and architects are now finding it is difficult to incorporate the basic features of Islamic architectures in their structures and designs, there should be a solution to this problem. If the issue is not addressed then there are greater chances that the Islamic architecture is in great danger and that its future can be threatened and it may become obsolete (Itewi, 2012). Conclusion Islamic architecture is as old as Islam. It reflects both secular and religious designs. The Islamic architectures include some of the most famous architectures in the world such as the Masjid-al-Nabawi, Sultan Masjid, Taj Mahal, etc. It has four major principals namely, the mosque, fort, palace, and the tomb. Minaret and dome are some other major features of the Islamic architecture. Architecture has been reflecting the Islamic religion from the very start. However, studies have shown that with the increased urbanization, transformation in architecture has been observed. Because of this transformation, the contemporary features of architectures have replaced the basic features of the Islamic architectures. The theories that are used for Islamic structures at present merely depict the Western structures and building. For this reason, the Islamic architecture is under serious threat and the Islamic architecture may lose its charm. If the architects keep following the urban fantasies and Western theories and models then it is not difficult to predict that the future of Islamic architecture is not safe. List of References Abdulwahid Thannoon, A., 2012. Colors (Their Positions & meanings) in Islamic Architecture. (English). Al-Rafadain Engineering Journal., 20(6), pp.30-49. Erzen, J.N., 2011. Reading Mosques: Meaning and Architecture in Islam. Journal of Aesthetics & Art Criticism, 69(1), pp.125-31. Itewi, M., 2012. Environment and Islamic Architecture. Review and Analysis. International Journal of Academic Research, 4(6), pp.104-10. Khaghani, S., 2012. Islamic Architecture in Iran: Poststructural Theory and the Architectural History of Iranian Mosques. London: Tauris Academic Studies. Petruccioli, A. & Pirani, K.K., 2013. Understanding Islamic Architecture. New York: Routledge. Read More