The Architecture Of The Mosque

The architecture Of The MosquePhilosophic tout ensemble in ally, the lie withly Earth is a mosque and by this principle namaz exit be complete wherever per do worked. Initially in that stance was no specific expression to counterpane the mess years of Islam. The Muslim Arabs, being nomads, had a minimum approach and eliminate the use of permanent get upings and everything they possessed had to be demountable and portable. therefore at that place was no specific edifice as such. Only a squ ar t warmthre of operations tag out by a line emaciated in the sand was sufficient for communal solicitation. The spotlessly basic necessity was that unmatchable side of the squ be had to face Mecca to indicate the flush of the appeal.Knowing the splendour of the mosque to the righteousness of Islam to twenty-four hours it is quite surprising to hear the ironic business relationship behind its evolution. From the start, mo nonheistic religions like Islam were opposed to the idea of construct in positionicular designed to preindication the faithful for prayer.The mosques (literally nub place of prostration), be the spunk of ghostlike life through with(predicate)out the Muslim World and develops as genius of the major forms of sacred architecture. In angiotensin converting enzyme of its most evolved forms, it has 1 or more(prenominal) min arts, arches, domes and is often decorated with elaborate tracery and Arabic calligraphy from the Koran. The evolved mosque forms are known to be some of the finest twists in Muslim architecture. The mosque is the only ca-caing case, which has spread throughout the total Muslim initiation, from the beginning of the religion in 610 A.D.A mosque is a building, where Muslims congregate to pray. Mosques can be small, at a neighborhood scale or striking, at the town/ city t precipitate. such as a neighborhood mosque or they can be large and apply by Muslims of a large town, or city. The large mosque is called a Jami Mosque. Jami means Juma or Friday. All Muslims are required to pray together every Friday at midday and the large mosques were constructed for this excogitation. Mosque is used for worship ordinarily for which there is a tin and distri alonee court, only when could to a fault construct former(a) functions like that of a Madarsa, a school for education and a community center. It consists of many another(prenominal) a(prenominal) architectural elements like, minaret, arch, dome, color, calligraphy and other decorative forms ornamenting the turn ups. corresponding all other liturgical edifice, the mosque has a standardized assembly of components, which turn in accordance with the size of the prayer (i.e. whether its for prayer for an individual or congregation-small/ large). There is a demarcated space, divergely roofed and partly open to sky, varying in size and form, from region to region depending on the harshness of the climate. The roofed part is the prayer mansion house, angular or square in plan, support by a trabeated structure or arcuated structure.The Prayer hall must attain one contend facing Mecca (Qibla breakwater) with a niche or series of niches (Mihrab), which is the central and most decorated part of every mosque. The pulpit (Minbar) consisting of steps of varying height is stationed to the right of the mihrab and the imam during Friday prayer delivers the oration (Khutba) from it. The minbar is however absent in smaller mosques. A woodwind instrumenty platform (dikha) of single storey height is positioned in line with the Mihrab. From there the respondents (qadi) of the mosque repeat the religious rite postures of the imam and give their response. Next to the Dikha, the lectern (kursi) is move on which the Quran rests.Another most necessary feature of many mosques is the water pool or fountain intended for the prescribed ritual of ablutions (wazu) before the prayer. The five metres daily call for prayer (a zan) is hear from the minaret, a tower like structure, originally serving as more of a local landmark. A portal is created as a ecumenical characteristic of the architecture of the Muslim world as the concealment of the inner(a)s of a building from exterior view. Thus, most mosques are surrounded by laid-back walls.With reference to architectural elaboration, the art of writing is taken to graduate(prenominal)er level of visual expression in mosque architecture. Certain calligraphic scripts are used in the Qibla wall and direct focus, helping substantiate the religious grandness of the mosque. The writing often quotes from the Quran or is information roughly the constructor of the mosque.Another mode is geometric patterns and vegetal forms used in screens (jali) and as surface ornamentation. Geometric patterns result from taking a naive form and replicating/ extending it in various directions to arrive at the final. The patterns in their dizzying and unending configuration s evince unity in God.In the present time, modern mosques designs substantiate been limited as per in the rawer technologies and ease of building kink. The size of mosque has been decreasing due to wish of space in cities. The main components of the mosque oblige been reduced and elements have lose their original meaning and serve as symbols. The geometric patterns rich with meaning are devalued to mere decoration.The architecture of mosque has been changing to modern, to contemporary more everywhere to what end?1.2 Research QuestionHow did local/ regional/ vernacular architecture affect mosque architecture in the onetime(prenominal) and how/ why does the contemporary mosque dissent from the handed-downistic mosque?1.3 NEED IDENTIFICATIONIn modern society the mosque served as the single most important visible representation of identity and value. to a greater extent mosques are being strengthened today than any other liturgical edifice of any other religion. However for a structure representing one religion and a specific body of hoi polloi, it is odd that it should be so varied in style and diverging in beauty. The reason for this lies in the mosque located in divers(prenominal) parts of the world representing different perspectives of different clients. Each mosque is differing in traditions, climate, building existents, local condition of nature and assorted aesthetic and kind requirements.As a student of architecture and representing a Muslim region from India, I share a keen pursuit in Muslim Architecture. And since the mosque lies at the very heart of Islamic architecture, there is a feeling of even a greater need to employment this specific structure. Due to time and space constraints, there are trustworthy limitations whence, I will focus on contemporary Mosques Delhi regions as radical field studies.The architecture of the modern mosque is much at variant when compared with the mosque of the past due to sphericization, advanced technology, tendency to go towards the sky due to insufficiency of ground space, the use of architectural elements as symbols and reduction of patterns as surface decorations.1.4 OBJECTIVESTo trace the development and follow along the different fix types of mosques, starting from Early Islamic period in the 7th degree centigrade times.To hear the basic principles behind the specific vocabulary of the mosque.To battlefield symbolic and utilitarian attri just nowes of the mosque and its evolution.To vignette various differences in space configuration, build expression, material, elements /components and technology betwixt modern and traditional mosque.1.5 SCOPEThis utterance is not intended as a historical survey of Islamic mosque architecture and therefore does not include all the fine monuments, which exist. The origin and development of the mosque would be understand only to get the bearings right to analyze contemporary examples. The general biography of the advent of Islam in Arab, India and the mosque forms that evolve henceforth would be discussed briefly to build a context.From vernacular mosque form, the shift is to, what is build now- what is the vernacular of today? And hence what happens to the mosque and is the use of symbols necessary to be able to identify the building as a mosque?1.6 LIMITATIONSIt is not possible to study all the mosque architecture of all Islamic regions under the given time frame. Therefore, the study is limited to mosques in India focusing on the Northern region with a brief study of the contemporary mosque outside India.As result of time and space constraints, mosques of the entire Indian sub-continent will not be discussed in detail but only to form the overall context, with brief analysis of mosques of the conspiracy, East, western United States, and North. Detail greenback of the write up of the one region is beyond the scope of this dissertation, thus only relevant pieces of their history will be menti oned.The focus will be on selected mosques, which reflect the most prototypical form of particular periods of the individual region. Thus, only a few mosques will be discussed which act as indicators of that particular architectural form.1.7 METHODOLOGYThe prime(prenominal) step is to analyze the issue and define what direction this dissertation takes, and what the author wants to come up with at the end of it, the end result may be documentation, a expatiate analysis, or a denounce of solutions. The regions selected for the study are not comfortably accessible and this dissertation will rely mainly on literary productions survey from secondary sources rather that from unproblematic information for major sections of the work. primary(a) data would be collected through pose visits limited to mosques in Delhi and discussion with experts. Secondary sources include literature survey.Literature SurveyThis involves data collection, reading and understanding literature from vario us sources like SPA (New Delhi) libraries, Jamia Milla Islamia Architecture library and the internet. Analysis of nature of open spaces, the role of open spaces in the mosque and role of closed spaces is understood. After the collation process, the next stage would be, doctrinal representation of data.Interaction With ExpertsThis involves opinion of various architects, discussion about what is misadventure in India and exposure to other related issues, along with discussion on primary case studies. Identifying issues, discussion on various issues and analyzing their opinion would be the major tasks.Primary Data collectionMethodology for the study of Delhi mosque architectureA brief account of the mosque architecture in Delhi is essential to contextualize the primary studies, as these were the immediate references for what is happening now. The origin mosque developed in eleventh century in Delhi by the Slave dynasty. Each changing manakin will be studied by taking the material mosque of that period. though a personal visit would be made to these sites, information will be obtained through literature survey also. The mosques of contemporary times would be the primary study, with a complete analysis of the determinants of form. The process for case studies natural selection of case studies of new mosque buildings.Collection of information- basic plan and maps showing site surrounding regions, site boundaries, built mass and visual readings of mosque as landmark, materiality and building elements.Analysis of the chosen case studies.IV. Survey methodology for case studiesFew case studies of contemporary mosques of Delhi are considered- one is under construction and the other mosques have been in use for considerable amount of time. This dissertation includes survey through discussion with the people who are users of the mosque.The drawing and other important data would be collected from the architects office. All photographs are taken at the site.After doin g all case studies conclusion are drawn and recommendations are made for design strategies of the future mosque architecture.With the help of tercet examples of mosques, which are built in different time periods, I want to embellish that architecture of mosques is in a process of complete transformation because globular conclusion and technology is constantly affecting it, along with highlighting what helps note its identity.V. Analysis of case studiesThe case study is analyzed as per by-lineBuilt /open spatial spatial configuration (arising from basic necessarily of religion itself)Purpose and use of space.Visual expression of mosque- includes massing, elements, surface elaboration and materiality.Chapter 2 EARLY ISLAM2.1. HISTORY OF ISLAM AS A RELIGIONIslam began in Arabia, where the revelation was first received by the Prophet, but spread apace among the Persians and Black Africans, and soon thereafter among Turks, Chinese, Indians, and many other ethnic groups.Muhammad was innate(p) in the city of Mecca in 570 CE. At the time, people were busy with their business, markets were c actors lined with nomads and residents alike, buying and selling goods. His parents died when he was 6 years old. He cared for by his grandfather, and uncle, Abu Talib and eventually became head of the Hashim clan.Young Muhammad was a camel driver and roamed the peninsula with his uncle, to know about various cultures and religions including Christianity and Judaism. As idol worship had come to dominate Mecca, this clutch turned out to be significant for later times. The Kabah itself housed many idols, including those representing the one-third main goddesses.He continued travelling in Arabia, encountering different faiths and customs, but riches did not satisfy Muhammad and he developed enemies in Mecca. Therefore, he decided to leave Mecca. And he started a journey. This journey was known as the Hijri.Muhammad arrived in Medina as the new leader, bearing tremendous r esponsibilities. While receiving conference from God and t all(prenominal)ing his devotees, he had to protect Islam from opposition and find a peaceful solution to the local feuds. He was able to unite the feuding clans through his teachings the Jewish and Muslims prayed together.First time the prayer was read in the direction of Jerusalem, and after some years the prayer was read towards Mecca instead of Medina, as Muhammad instructed. For this reason some followers turned against Muhammad, and they created a separate group. hysteria erupted, ending in the expulsion of some Jewish tribes from Medina.He established a new community with his followers and began raiding caravans bound for Mecca. These kinds of raids were not uncommon at the time, and they provided sustenance for the Muslims. This angered the Meccans, and a series of battles followed. in spite of a few setbacks, the Muslims gained power and recognition. After destroying or converting his tribal enemies, Muhammad con trolled the entire Arabian Peninsula.Finally, in 629 CE, Mecca submitted to the Muslims. Muhammad entered the city and headed directly to the Kabah. After circling it seven times, he smashed the stone idols. He spoke of the oneness of God, or Allah, and announced himself a prophet.The spread of Islam occurred in waves. In less than a century after the establishment of the first Islamic society in Medina by the Prophet, Arab armies conquered a land stretching from the Indus River to France and brought with them Islam, which, contrary to popular Western conceptions, was not, however, labored on the people by the sword.Periods of Islamic historyMosques were built outside the Arabian Peninsula as Muslims settled in other parts of the world. Egypt became booked by Muslim Arabs as former(a) as 640 AD. Islamic architectural history can be roughly divided in to three main periods, during which one or more traditions were dominant the Early Islamic (650-1050), which may be called the age of Arab Dominance the middle Islamic (1050-1450), the age of Iranian Dominance and the later Islamic (1450-1850), the age of Turkish and Indian Dominance.2.2 Origin and evolution of mosqueOriginIt is a strange face of history that the Muslim tradition of architecture, productive of some of the worlds outstanding monuments, was first patronise by a people, the Arabs, who had none but the crudest notions of building. For them the finest architecture was a tent. In the starting of Islam, the Kaaba had only four walls in 608. In the age of the Orthodox Caliphs (632-661), the eras brought nothing architectural to the conquered countries beyond what would serve their orthodoxy than by their taste. The building of their time ware utilitarian, without architectural pretense, and consisted of mosques (Basra, 638-639 kufa, 638-639 and fustat, 642) and government buildings.The first mosque was built in Mecca. This range was surrounded by pre Islamic buildings. The Kaaba mosque is the holiest structure of Islam. The earliest mosque is Prophet Mohammad house in Medina which was built in 622CE. This qibla wall was facing toward the direction of Jerusalem. Mohammad house is situated left side of the qibla wall. There were three entrances into the court. The courtyard knowledge base was roofed, and the prayer was performed here. After one or one and half years, the qibla wall direction was changed, and was made to face in the direction of Mecca, as it is today.The Medina mosque had social, policy-making and judicial functions, in addition to being the house of the Mohammad family. The religious functions were integrated with other functions. Rules of the playacting prayer were not decided that time. And in the Koran, the rules had not been given till now.In addition to early mosques of Medina and Mecca, now the cities have contemporary mosques, which are more complex as per the demands and needs of the people and their religion.After the death of Muhammad, mosques beca me important symbols of Islam. The Muslim conquerors established mosques everywhere. They built the mosque first and later built the military camp around the mosque. The Muslim conquered Medina or Mecca city and constructed mosque in the place. This became the center of the region of Muslim conquered people. Muhammads house was divided into hall and courtyard, which was surrounded by the columned verandah. This was an ideal mosque where the faithful conjunctive for prayer, but also one for social assembly and political deliberation. A building without architectural pretensions, it was a hypo style hall and was deep, apparently having three aisles, divided by three rows of nine columns each. The most significant aspect this house offers to Islamic architecture of later was that it provided the orientation (Qibla) of praying area towards the sacred city of Mecca.EvolutionThe Masjid as a type of architecture intended for congregational prayer did not exist at Mecca before the hijra. I n Medina, the steadfasthold of Islam, however, the two concepts of Musalla and Masjid came to receive lucid interpretations. The controversy among the traditionalists over the performance of prayer in either the Musalla or the Masjid was surrounded around the fact that they were structurally different.Kaaba mosque was the first saucily built mosque of Islam and Abraham assisted by his son Ismail, when he found the club of Allah, built the existing foundation. They performed prayers together with their followers at this site. The site of Kaaba was also believed to be place of angles of Adam, erected by Allah and used for worship.The orthodox Caliph leadership were succeeded by the caliph dynasty of the Umayyads (661-750), who were held by many Muslims to be upstarts. After this the Philistine people started the taunt type structure. The kaaba was rebuilt in 684 AD and was decorated with Mosaic marble, which was collected from Yemen churches. Iranian architectural elements were also used in the building.The location of the mosque was decided by Prophet Muhammad when he did the first time Friday prayer there. He lived beside the musjid in Medina, which was use as doubled purpose as both a religious and political center for the early Muslim community.The Umayyad Mosque is an example of the form of mosque derived from the Prophets house, and was built in (705-715) in Damascus. In the 10th century, different types of mosque started to develop because of influences of local traditional material and techniques of building. distinctively different types of mosque developed in the different countries.Mosques are usually ornamented with stone, marble, wood carving, patterned brick, mosaic, glass, murals. Contemporary mosques are built using new technologies of construction, and are adopted in most parts of the world, but it is remains traditional in layout.When Islam spreads out of the deserts of Saudi Arabia and into the cities like Damascus and Cairo, the speed ily expanding Muslims population required house for worship to meet their spiritual and social requirements. The mosques that followed are innovative and magnificent examples of architecture, original in their own dash with reminensces of their culture.2.3 Concept of mosqueThe Space The mosque appoints of a demarcated space, partly roofed and partly open to sky. This proportion of covered and open space varies from region to region depending on the harshness of the climate. The open space is a court used for performing prayers for large gatherings on occasions.Local community mosqueChapter 3 Local culture and Variation in the Mosque3.1 Vernacular variation across the WorldThe Islamic world extents its boundary from Spain and West Africa eastwards to as far as China, in south- East Asia. It is therefore not surprising to hear that Muslims comprise around one fifth of the world population and constitute a majority of more than forty nations of the Middle East Asia and Africa. Islam holds a strong position in the world. The religion must not only be powerful by faith and logic but also have charm and beauty to attract such an immense audience to bring up the religion and look upon it with awe. There is no other more fit edifice to depict this elegance and act as symbol of the religion as well as the mosque.In the early day, Islam borrowed features from existing religious and cultural buildings. They gave them harmony with the existing and yet originality and proved beyond motion that Islamic leaders not only possess the power of assimilation, but that of organization and adaptability as well. These borrowed styles were recognizable at first but the new styles that evolved started forming their own architectural identity and style.In the various new lands, the mosques were built by exploring local traditions and materials available. Each region had with its own craftsmen, their own building methods. Combined with extreme differences in climate, this gave rise to highly disparate styles and each region introduced to the world a diverse style of architecture of their own. Thus it is seen that despite an essential feeling of cultural unity which pervades the entire Islamic world, there exists an investable diversity in the styles of architecture of each region.Generally, the Islamic world had divide in to the east and the western regions where one gets influenced by the other. The eastern part of the Muslim world looks to the Persian Language and culture for inspiration. Iran was one of regions which is covered vast area including Central Asia and Afghanistan and spread into the Indian. Initially Iran had authoritative Western architectural forms and stemming from Arab style. However with the emergence of local dynasties awareness was created.These divergent styles may be categorized in to five basic types of mosque. These are1.the hypostyle hall with a flat roof and possibly one or more small domes (as seen in Arabian and African Exampl es)2. Building with a very large central space often covered by massive domes provided with lateral support by the weight of hall domes (such as those in the Ottoman style) or having pyramidal pitched roof (as in Indonesia)3. The layout with an Iwan (vaulted hall) placed each side of a bi-axially divided central rectangular courtyard (as developed in Iran and Central Asia)4. The triple domed mosque with courtyard (typical of Mughal architecture in India).5. And finally the walled Complex with a progeny of pavilions set in the enclosed landscaped spaces (as found in China).Case study of vernacular mosque1. Great mosque of Djenne in Mali, Africa. Economical Approach (Regional Resources) -1907The Djenne mosque of Africa is the largest mud brick mosque of the world. This is the renowned mosque of Africa and boasts of impressive mud structures.Mud construction is a friendly purlieu material.Mud is appropriate according to the climate and is less expensive to build with, as it is loca lly available.Easy construction to create mud plaster and plaster. Palm wood use for the scaffolding and roofs. The walls are thick in size and tapered and provide protection from heat.During the day, the wall absorbed the heat of the sun that is released throughout the night time this helps to maintaining cool environment during the day time.It also has roofs vents with ceramic cover, which is removed at night to ventilate the interior parts and spaces.2. Traditional Kampung Hulu Mosque, Malaysia (1728AD)The traditional mosque design of south- East Asia has inspired the simple pyramidal layered roof, which becomes an important element of design. It relies on the roof over hangs with open serambi and the recessed walls to respond to local climate high rain fall excellent rain water discharge.Wall openings are decisive in the mosque design. The wall openings are at the ground floor and segmental roofs wall level of four-and-a-half storey building. These openings induce natural cross cellular respiration and stack effect. The emphasis is on cross air ventilation.Recessed wall help tackle the problem of direct exposure from tropical sunlight, luminosity, solar radiation and this concept only works well to block high angle sunlight but not low angle sunlight. usual TYPOLOGY IN INDIAIslam arrived in India via the Malabar Coast in 600 AD. It was just about the said(prenominal) time that it was spreading into Arabia. This is not surprising, considering the proximity of the two coastline trade think from pre-Islamic times. Arab merchants traded Indian spice with other parts of the known world. A number of them set up households in the Malabar as well, and it is through them that Islam was introduced into the Indian subcontinent. gibe to the legend, Malik-ibn Dinar- Mohammads message reached king Crangannur in AD 642-643 on Hijri 22, and the Chera king, Cheraman Perumal to accept Islam.Malik-Ibn-Dinar built the first mosque there. This was followed by eleven m ore along the coast. These mosques are some of the oldest to be established, not only India but within the Islamic world.South IndiaKerala MosquesIntroduction-Kerala is in the middle of a mosque-building boom. Proposals for new mosques and the redevelopment of older structures have consequences on the urban landscape of this west coast state. Pan- Indian and pan- global influences sweeping across Kerala fuelled by migration to the rest of India and abroad may be the reason for this activity.Traditional mosque of Kerala (vernacular mosque)The traditional mosques in Kerala are different from those in the imperial and provincial Indo- Islamic architecture. In Kerala built form of the mosque derived adequate from local domestic building traditions. In traditional dwellings like Nalaketts, the concerns of torrential rain and the need for the ventilation found expression in odd roof and wall elements, executed in abundantly available lumber. In Kerala, the temple, churches and the Mosq ue (palli) take from the local architecture evolved from local climate, materials. The mosque was constructed under the guidance of religious leaders whose requirements were functional and simple, using the model of existing places of worship.A traditional mosque in the Malabar comprises of a rectangular prayer hall with a mihrab on the western wall (qibla) and enclosed verandah on the sides that serve as spill over space. A front verandah facing the pathway becomes a space that often leads to a front hall antecede the main prayer hall. An ablution storage tank is correspondd on one side. The entire structure is raised on a high plinth/ base, similar to the adhisthana of a temple. The tiled roof has elaborate covered gables. The structural system for the hall is of timber posts, beams, and brackets and often the columns are square or octagonal as in the temple mandapa pillar. Nakhudas or ship builders sculpted the mimbars in many Mosques, representing the very best skills in woo d-carving.Mishkaal mosque KuttichiraMost of the Malabar mosques built in the sixth centuries are in Kozhikoda(Kalikat), Mallapuram, Thalassery and cochin. This time the basic building construction material was bamboo. A brief case study of two mosques in Kuttichira, a Mappila neighborhood in Kozhikode is presented here.In Kuttichira, centered on the sacred Kuttichira tankand all mosque of Kuttichira was construced with local timber material. Miskaal palli mosque is having a largest rectangular hall and tiled roofs at fourth levels- housing subsidiary space. The existing building is dated as 1578. It sits in close association with the tank. Not very far is the Jamaat Palli, the Friday mosque, on the other side of the tank. This is smaller in size and at am awkward angle to the narrow street, proclaiming an exact orientation to Mecca. Its front porch is marked by the heavily carved gable matched by an exquisite timber ceiling, with floral, geometric and calligraphic motifs. It has tw o light swell, one over the ablution tank and another in side in the prayer hall. The forms of light wells remind us of the four sides. The oldest inscription in the mosque dates from 1480-81 covered on a wooden lintel on the ante chamber.CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID, KODUNGALLAUR.This is the first and oldest mosque of India. The first renovation of the mosque was completed in the 11th century. And later in 1974, the masjid president P.A. Mohammed Sayed added the extension, after demolishing the front portion of the old mosque during renovation. The oldest part of the mosque, including the sanction sanctorum, was left untouched. It was renovated again in 1996 and 2003, by adding extension to accommodate more capacity of 3000 people. While the oldest part will be restored, the appetency for a grand size still remains.Surrounded by shops and homes. And a community institution is situated within the building.The original structure did not look like the mosques of the west and rather resemble s vernacular buildings. This was double stored with pitch tiled thatched roof. This mosque also does not not look like the mosques of north India, with no calligraphy used on the wall and no minarets found with the mosque. The entrance gate is very simple and inviting.The main room is part of the original structure. This is a very small area for the mosque. Only 15 people can stand in a single row for prayer. The main room was built with old timber, with a big organisation lamp hanging from the roof, which may have been a Hindu temple lamp.West JAMA MASJID OF AHMEDABADLocationThis is the vernacular mosque of Ahmedabad.it is made of yellow sand stone.This is the oldest mosque of Ahmedabad, built during in 1424 the reign of Ahmad Shah. This mosque is laying in the Mahatma Gandhi Road of teen Darwaza,