Islamic Architecture
Islamic Architecture
Horseshoe Arch
• Origin unknown
• Some say Umayyad, others say Visigoth (Spain), and still
others say Byzantine or Sassanid
Scalloped Arch
• Variation on the Horseshoe
Arch
Arabesque
• Means repeating geometrical patterns
• Major feature of Islamic Architecture due to
fact that they do not
depict living things
in their art.
Calligraphy
• Quotations from Qur’an
• Emphasizes Islam and the unification of their empire due
to fact all had to learn Arabic to become Muslim or pay
Jizya.
Hypostyle
• Greek word meaning “under columns
• Not specific to Islam but used extensively in
a mosque’s prayer
hall which had to
be a large room
Minaret
Oldest Standing Minaret
• Used to call Muslims to prayer
• Word originates from the term
for “an object that gives light”
• First mosques did not have
minarets.
• Can vary drastically depending
on local cultural influences
Large Courtyards
• The actual meeting place in the first mosque
Muhammad built had a courtyard which is
where the people gathered to pray.
• Mosques are multipurpose buildings and
serve religious, political and cultural roles.
Courtyard= Town Square
• Symbolically separates the outside world
from the prayer hall (mentally prepare)
Large Domes
• Again, not a unique feature of
Muslim architecture as the
Greeks and Romans perfected
the dome
• The Dome of the Rock (right) is
one of the holiest sites of Islam
and was patterned off of nearby
Byzantine churches and
Byzantine workers help to build
it.
• Sometimes the domes are
pointed at the top.
Mihrab
• Is a niche built into the wall of the
Mosque which is usually
accompanied by a pulpit
• The Mihrab indicates the direction
of the Kaaba ( )اﻟﻜﻌﺒﺔin Mecca
which is the direction Muslims face
when they pray.
Other Elements
• Bright Colors
• Symmetric Design
• Ablution Fountains
• Focus put into interiors
rather than exteriors
An ablution fountain is where Muslims
“beauty of the veil” perform a ritual washing before entering for
prayer. It is usually located in the courtyard.
What Islamic Elements can you see?
• Virtual Tours of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus.