Faith building

Ornate floral patterns and colours on an Iranian mosque. (Francisco Fernandez/ITP)

Exploring the styles, features and challenges of mosque architecture.

It's one of the most recognisable symbols in the Islamic world. It is at once a house of worship, a space for social interaction, a dispute resolution centre, a monument of higher learning, a place for retreat and a manifestation of the Muslim faith.

Five times a day, it summons the faithful to prayer and, over the course of a lifetime, it plays an integral role in defining one's faith and identity.

 

From an architectural point of view, however, mosques are a bit of an enigma.

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With a worldwide following of around 1.2 billion, an annual growth rate of around 3% and Islam being represented on every inhabited continent on the globe, it stands to reason that the physical structure in which Muslims practice their faith would be universally recognisable.

For example, it would be difficult to mistake a building with long pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses for anything other than a gothic cathedral.

Likewise, a cylindrical structure, located near a body of water, emitting a sweeping beam of light will usually be a lighthouse.

And, a very large circular building, ordered around a central playing surface or viewing area will, more often than not, be a stadium or arena. These are general architectural rules for buildings that are meant to serve a specific purpose for their users.

And, while mosques play an incredibly important role in perpetuating one of the world's fastest growing religions, their architectural forms are as dissimilar and dynamic as the followers themselves.

In fact, a short visit to any Muslim neighbourhood will reveal mosques of all shapes, colours and sizes that divulge little as to the rules by which they were designed or built.

The components of a mosque

Because of the intricacy of design and overall uniqueness of their facades, mosques are a fascinating commentary on the dynamism with which Islam can be outwardly understood.
 

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