Islamic architecture developed between 622 and 1600 AD and was characterized by the use of calligraphy, arabesque designs, and geometric patterns as primary decorative elements. Key structures included mosques, which featured elements like minarets, domes, and mihrabs, as well as madrasas (schools), caravanserais (inns), and mausoleums. The Taj Mahal, built in the 1600s, is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, which combined elements of Islamic architecture with local Indian traditions.

1. Islamic Architecture
622 to 1600 AD
Mark RandellTogado
BS - Architecture

2. Islamic
Architecture
- Elements
-Structures
- Features
- Types

3. Islamic architecture ǀ elements
The 3 basic/primary forms used in Islamic Architecture :
Calligraphy Arabesque Geometric Pattern
Light Water

4. Islamic architecture ǀ elements ǀ Calligraphy
CALLIGRAPHY
Calligraphy is a visual art
related to writing. Like
other Islamic decoration,
calligraphy is closely
linked to geometry.
The proportions of the
letters are all governed by
mathematics.
Inscriptions are most often
used as a frame along and
around main elements of
a building like portals and
cornices.

5. Islamic architecture ǀ elements ǀ arabesque
ARABESQUE
Also called Islimi. Arabesque
designs are biomorphic, floral
patterns representing the
underlying order and unity of
nature with a great deal of
accuracy. Flowers and trees
might be used as the motifs
for the decoration of textiles,
objects and buildings.

6. Islamic architecture ǀ elements ǀ Geometric Pattern
GEOMETRIC PATTERN
These patterns exemplify
the Islamic interest in
repetition, balance,
symmetry and
continuous generation of
pattern.
The integration of
geometry with such
optical effects as the
balancing of positive
and negative areas, a
skillful use of color and
tone values.

7. Islamic architecture ǀ elements ǀ LIGHT
LIGHT
Light can add a dynamic
quality to architecture,
extending patterns,
forms and designs into
the
dimensions of time.
And the combination of
light and shade creates
strong contrasts of
planes and gives texture
to sculpted stone, as
well as stocked or brick
surfaces.

8. Islamic architecture ǀ elements ǀ WATER
WATER
In hot Islamic climates, the water from courtyard pools and fountains cools
as it decorates. Water can not only reflect architecture and multiply the
decorative themes, it can also serve as a means of emphasizing the visual
axes.

9. 1. Mosque - muslim centre @ place for worship
2. Madrasah – public school
3. Hammam – hot bathhouse
4. Caravanserai – a roadside inn for travelers
5. Casbah/Citadel - fortress
6. Mausoleum – a tomb or a monument

10. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features
1. Mashrabiya
2. Mihrab
3. Sahn
4. Minaret
5. Dome
6. Dikka
7. Mimbar
8. Muqarnas
9. Praying Area Hall
10. Arch
11. Battlement

11. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ MAShrabiya
MASHRABIYA
A projecting
window
enclosed with
carved wood
Latticework.

12. Islamic architecture ǀ Mosque features ǀ MIHRAB
MIHRAB
A semicircular
niche in the
wall of a mosque
that indicates the
qibla

13. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ sahn
SAHN
A courtyard
combine with
ablution area.

14. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ minaret
MINARET
A visual focal point
and are used for
the call to prayer

15. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ DOME
DOME
focal point and
covering the main
prayer hall

16. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ DIKKA
DIKKA
a place of
delivering
royal message

17. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ Mimbar
MIMBAR
A pulpit

18. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ Muqarnas
MUQARNAS
stalactite vault, Persian
architectural ornament

19. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ praying area hall
PRAYING AREA
HALLmain area to perform
congregational pray

20. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ ARCH
ARCH
structure that spans a
space while supporting
weight

21. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features ǀ BAttlement
BATTLEMENT
A defensive element,
comprises a parapet

22. Islamic architecture ǀ mosque features

23. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
1. EARLY YEARS

24. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
2. MATURITY

25. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
3. GLORY

26. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
4. PASSIVENESS

27. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
5. REAWAKENING

28. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
TAJ MAHAL
Taj Mahal was built in 22
years (1631-1653) with the
orders of Shah Jahan and it
was dedicated to Mumtaz
Mahal (Arjumand Bano
Begum), the 14Th wife of
Shah. Shah Jahan's real
name was Shahab-ud-din,
and he was known as
Prince Khurram before
ascending to the throne in
1628.

29. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
TAJ MAHAL
20.000 workers labored
and 32 crore rupees were
spent during the
construction of the
monument and it was built
according to Islamic
architecture with influence
of Mughal style. Taj Mahal
means the’ Palace of the
Crown’ because; Taj means
“Crown” and Mahal
means “palace”.

30. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES
TAJ MAHAL
It is myth told that Shah Jahan got
the hands of his sculptors and
architects cut off so that
they would never be able to build
a monument as magnificent and
beautiful as the Taj again and he
even got their eyes pulled out so
that they would never be able to
witness anything bigger and
more beautiful than the
monument that they had built
during their lifetime.

31. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES – TAJ MAHAL

32. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES – TAJ MAHAL

33. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES – TAJ MAHAL

34. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES – TAJ MAHAL

35. Islamic architecture ǀ STRUCTURES – TAJ MAHAL