Spirituality of Light in the Mosque by Exploring Iranian-Islamic Architectural Styles

Year 2023, Volume: 36 Issue: 1, 39 - 51, 01.03.2023

Mahya Ghouchani , Mohammad Taji , Amir Hassan Yaghoubi Roshan

https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1016554

Cited By: 2

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of light and its interpretation in different styles of Iranian-Islamic architecture. By distinguishing between the content and the physical evaluation of historical periods, one can find a way to properly use different patterns in contemporary mosques. The present study has been conducted using descriptive-analytical method and consists of three stages. First, the role of light in the mosque is investigated, then qualitative and quantitative data have been classified. For this purpose, the ergonomic lighting index questionnaire and its analyzer software (ELI-calculator) have been used. Finally, data have been examined and analyzed by SPSS software. The results of the research show that two criteria of "quality of vision" and "visual comfort" have been of great importance in all periods and styles of Iranian-Islamic mosques; but the architects of the historic mosques have paid more attention than contemporary mosque architects to the criteria of "prospect" and "vitality in the environment" and this difference is statistically significant. Therefore, how the shape of the openings and their location and the way light is applied affects the satisfaction level of the person during worship.

Keywords

Spirituality of light, Historical mosques, Contemporary mosques, Iranian-Islamic architecture style, ELI

Supporting Institution

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

References

• [1] Sadrykia, S., Bemanian, M. R., and Ansar, M., “The Quality of Meaning Perception in Daylight Spaces”, Hoviat shahr Journal, 12: 1-18, (2018).
• [2] Hashempour, P., and Gholizadeh Orang, F., “Evaluation of the way of manifestation of light in the architecture of the mosques with a case study in the middle axis of Tabriz city (Golestan Garden to the waterfall of Abersan)”, Iranian Journal of Mystery and Urbanism, 11: 101-114, (2016).
• [3] Ardalan, N., and Bakhtiar, L., “Sense of Unity; The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture”, Tehran: Yaghmayi Publication, (2019).
• [4] Hejazi, M., and Mehdizadeh Saradj, F., “Relation among Meaning, Aesthetics, Shape and Structure in Islamic Architecture of Iran”, Iran University of Science & Technology, 2: 9-24, (2014).
• [5] Saadat Joo, P., Hamzehnejad, M., and Noghrehkar, A. H., “An analysis of the evolution of concepts and the physical pattern of mosques in the fourfold periods of Iranian architecture”, Iranian-Islamic Studies Journal, 13: 15-30, (2013).
• [6] Pirnia, M. K., “Stylistics of Iranian Architecture”, Ghulam Hussein Memarian's Publishing, Eighth Edition, Tehran: Author's Publications, (2017).
• [7] Bemanian, M. R., and Alinasab, M. A., “Investigating the role of light in explaining the sequence of architectural space of mosques (case study: Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque)”, Art Research Journal, 2(4): 71-82, (2012).
• [8] Hoomanirad, M., and Tahbaz, M., “Assessment of Daylight Role in Creating Spiritual Mood in Contemporary Mosques”, Urmanshahr, 7: 11- 23, (2014).
• [9] Mahdavinejad, M. J., Mashayekhi, M., and Bahrami, M., “Mosque design patterns in contemporary architecture, Journal of Reasearch in Islamic Architecture, 5: 3- 17, (2015).
• [10] Faranda, R., and Fumagalli, K., “Energy Saving Through Solar Lighting Systems”, Wseas Transactions on Power Systems, 3: 475-484, (2008).
• [11] Azad, M., “The Effect of Natural Light on the Quality of Religious Spaces (Case Study of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque)”, 7th International Conference on Sustainable Development and Urban Development, Isfahan, Institute of Higher Education of Advanced Scholars, (2017).
• [12] Hoomanirad, M., and Sharafi Nanfar, A., “Conduct in the ergonomic ratio and the spirituality of daylight in the architecture of the mosques”, Urmanshahr, 8: 1-14, (2015).
• [13] Dehoff, P., “Lighting Quality and Energy Efficiency Is Not A Contradiction”, Light & Engineering, 20: 34- 39, (2012).