Architecture of Early Islamic World

During the Middle Ages, the Islamic Empire’s architectural style was adopted by the Middle East, Northern Africa, Spain, and some regions of Asia. The Islamic faith served as an inspiration for many of the aspects.

Major Elements

Arches
Islam employed a lot of arches in its construction. The horseshoe arch was one special kind of arch, so called because of the arch’s distinctive horseshoe shape at the top. The ogee arch was a different common kind of arch. This arch’s pointed top provided it strength and an eye-catching appearance.

Domes –
Large mosques and castles frequently employed domes.

Iwan –
An iwan is a rectangular, vaulted doorway that frequently led to a courtyard.

Minaret –
Muslims used to be summoned to prayer by a tall, slender tower.

The muquarnas
A kind of ornamentation that used smaller, honeycomb-like structures to fashion domes and arches.

Buildings

Mosques –
The mosque was the most significant structure in the Islamic Empire. Muslims travel here to worship and offer prayers. Although mosques differed in size and ornamentation, they all shared a few common features, such as a minaret, a prayer chamber, a courtyard, and a niche in one wall indicating the direction of Mecca. Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, Al Nabawi Mosque in Medina (Saudi Arabia), and the Al Haram Mosque in Mecca are a few well-known mosques.

The palaces
Large palaces were constructed by the caliphs, who ruled Islam. These palaces frequently doubled as residences and fortifications. For defence, several palaces had towers and high walls. The Alhambra in Spain is among the most well-known examples. It was first constructed as a modest castle in 889 CE, but in the 1300s, it was transformed into a palace.

Tombs –
The mausoleum is yet another enduring example of Islamic architecture. Great leaders’ tombs were frequently constructed as a part of a bigger compound that also featured a mosque. Examples include the Green Dome (Muhammad’s mausoleum), Tamerlane’s tomb, and Sultan Hassan’s tomb. The Taj Mahal, located in India, is arguably the most well-known Islamic tomb. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected it in memory of his wife.

Courtyards and Gardens

Early Islamic architecture made extensive use of gardens and courtyards. People may unwind in the courtyards or gardens of many buildings. To assist people stay cool in the hot, dry desert air, fountains were widespread in these regions.

Decorations

Intricate patterns were used for the majority of the Islamic architectural ornamentation. Important buildings frequently had these designs carved into their ceilings, walls, and doorways. Religious prohibitions prevented the use of images of people or animals.

The Arabesque
Arabesque is a particular style of ornamentation. Arabesque employed complex designs that resembled flowers, leaves, and vegetation.
Another pattern type used a variety of geometric shapes to create repeating patterns that were colourful and fascinating.

Calligraphy –
The calligraphy of Arabic words was another common adornment. It was common to quote passages from the Quran or well-known Islamic proverbs.

Interesting Information on Early Islamic Architecture

Wind towers were built to funnel wind down into the inside of the structure to keep it cool in the hot desert.

In Bangladesh, there is a mosque called the “Sixty Dome Mosque.” Interestingly, it has 77 domes in total.

The Dome of the Rock monument, which is situated on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, is one of the most well-known ancient Muslim structures.

In the Muslim world, madrasas served as higher education institutions. Egypt’s Al-Azhar madrasa, which was constructed in the late 900s, is still a prestigious institution of higher learning today.