Distinctive Elements of Islamic Architecture

Key Features of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture can be distinguished by several key characteristics:

• Buildings are often regularly sized.
• Brick and wood were the most commonly used building materials.
• Vaults and domes are frequently used, including ribbed vaults, honeycomb (muqarnas), and fluted domes.
• Pillars and columns serve as supporting elements.
• Various arch types are employed, such as the horseshoe, semicircular (half-point), pointed, and polylobed arches.
• Interiors typically feature rich decoration, often contrasting with simpler exteriors.

Islamic architecture can be broadly divided into religious and civil categories.

Islamic Religious Architecture

In religious architecture, the most important building is the mosque, a place created for collective prayer. The most common form is rectangular, characterized by relatively plain external decoration.

Mosques typically feature two main areas:

The Prayer Hall (Haram)

This area is often divided by numerous columns or pillars, creating aisles oriented towards Mecca. It contains:

• A sacred niche called the mihrab, indicating the direction of prayer.
• The pulpit (minbar), near the mihrab, used for leading prayers and sermons.
• Sometimes, a latticed space called the maqsura, which historically separated the ruler from other worshippers.

The Courtyard (Sahn)

This is typically an open, porticoed area containing:

• The minaret, a tower from which the call to prayer is issued.
• An ablution fountain, where the faithful wash before entering the prayer hall.

A prime example is the Mosque of Cordoba.

Islamic Civil Architecture

Among the many types of civil buildings, defensive structures such as fortresses and castles are prominent, serving to protect territories.

Another important construction type is the palace. These were often sprawling complexes designed as residences for Muslim kings and princes, like the palace of Medina Azahara. Palaces tend to be divided into two parts:

• An area dedicated to public life and official functions.
• An area dedicated to private life.

The numerous rooms and halls of a palace are often distributed around one or more patios and are frequently accompanied by beautiful gardens. Excellent examples include the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife in Granada.

The entire palace complex was usually strongly fortified, featuring towers (often with geometric shapes) and vaulted access gates, as its role often included defending cities.

In the Iberian Peninsula, public baths (hammams) were also significant. Located in urban centers, they originated from Roman baths and typically consisted of an entrance hall and three rooms for bathing (cold, warm, and hot). Their use often had a ritual aspect.