Overview
This lecture introduces the main architectural features and functions of mosques, highlighting standard elements found in Islamic religious buildings around the world.
Origins and Basic Structure
- Early mosques were modeled on the house of Prophet Muhammad in Medina, featuring flat roofs and open courtyards.
- The use of multiple columns in early mosques gave rise to the "Hypostyle" style.
- Courtyards (Sahn) are central features, often containing fountains or water elements for ritual cleansing.
Key Architectural Elements
- Courtyards provide open space for gathering and often include water for washing before prayer.
- The prayer hall is a large, open space with carpeted floors, allowing group worship and prostration.
- There are usually separate spaces for men and women to pray.
Religious Features
- Every mosque has a Qibla wall, indicating the direction of Mecca for prayer.
- The Mihrab is a niche within the Qibla wall that visually marks the prayer direction.
- Decoration often features Arabic calligraphy from the Quran, emphasizing the aniconic (no images) tradition in Islam.
- A Minbar (pulpit) allows leaders to address the congregation and often has both religious and political significance.
Additional Architectural Components
- Minarets are towers used for the call to prayer, performed five times daily.
- Domes symbolize the vault of heaven and create large, open interiors without many columns.
- Lighting, traditionally from oil lamps and now electric lights, is important for early morning and evening prayers.
Community Functions
- Mosques are often part of larger complexes, including markets, schools, soup kitchens, and hospitals.
- They serve as religious, cultural, and community centers.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hypostyle — Mosque style with a roof supported by many columns.
- Sahn — The courtyard area within a mosque.
- Qibla wall — Wall of a mosque facing Mecca, indicating prayer direction.
- Mihrab — Niche in the Qibla wall marking the direction of Mecca.
- Minbar — Raised platform or pulpit for sermons in a mosque.
- Minaret — Tower from which the call to prayer is announced.
- Aniconic — Avoidance of images of sentient beings in art.
- Calligraphy — Artistic writing, commonly using Quranic verses in mosque decoration.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review three standard mosque architectural styles in course materials.
- Identify mosque features in provided images or during site visits.