CHANGING FORMS AND FUNCTIONS: THE TRANSFORMATION OF MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE FROM THE EARLY ISLAMIC PERIOD TO THE PRESENT

Year 2024, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 94 - 106, 30.09.2024

Amer Alnajjar , Tuğba Erdil Dinçel

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of mosque architecture from the early Islamic period to the present. Mosques hold a significant place in Islamic art and architecture and symbolize the cultural, social, and political life of Muslim communities. Over time, mosque architecture has undergone significant changes, evolving from the modest structures of the early Islamic period to the monumental and technologically advanced designs of modern times. In the early Islamic period, mosque architecture was characterized by simple and functional designs, such as large open courtyards and covered prayer areas. The Prophet's Mosque in Medina, built in 622 CE, is a notable example of this architectural approach. With the spread of Islam, essential architectural elements like the mihrab, minaret, and geometric decorations emerged. During the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, mosque architecture became more complex. The Umayyads, influenced by Roman and Byzantine architecture, constructed grand structures. The Abbasids integrated educational and social functions into mosque complexes. The Ottoman Empire developed a unique style that combined Islamic, Byzantine, and Persian elements. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul are striking examples of this style. In the modern era, mosque architecture has evolved by incorporating contemporary design principles and materials. The use of reinforced concrete, glass, and steel has enabled innovative structural designs. The Faisal Mosque in Pakistan and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi blend traditional Islamic architectural elements with modern aesthetics and technologies. This study analyzes the changes in mosque architecture concerning form, function, and ornamentation. The transition from traditional to modern materials and construction techniques has allowed for the creation of complex and visually impressive designs. The ability of mosque design to adapt to local climatic conditions and cultural contexts highlights the dynamic nature of Islamic architecture. In conclusion, the evolution of mosque architecture demonstrates significant changes in aesthetic, structural, and functional aspects. Modern mosques offer spacious and multifunctional areas. This evolution illustrates how mosque architecture has been shaped by historical and cultural dynamics and contributes to social integration and the preservation of cultural heritage. This research provides valuable insights into the evolution of mosque architecture and serves as a reference for future architectural design projects.

Keywords

Traditional Mosques, Modern Mosques, Mosque Architecture

DEĞİŞEN BİÇİMLER VE İŞLEVLER: ERKEN İSLAM DÖNEMİNDEN GÜNÜMÜZE CAMİ MİMARİSİNİN DÖNÜŞÜMÜ

Abstract

Bu makale, erken İslam döneminden günümüze kadar cami mimarisinin evrimini incelemektedir. Camiler, İslam sanatında ve mimarisinde önemli bir yere sahiptir ve Müslüman toplulukların kültürel, sosyal ve siyasi hayatını simgeler. Zamanla cami mimarisi, erken İslam döneminin mütevazı yapılarından, modern zamanların anıtsal ve teknolojik olarak ileri tasarımlarına doğru önemli değişiklikler geçirmiştir.

Erken İslam döneminde cami mimarisi, büyük açık avlular ve kapalı namaz alanları gibi basit ve işlevsel tasarımlarla karakterize edilirdi. 622 yılında inşa edilen Medine'deki Mescid-i Nebi, bu mimari yaklaşımın dikkate değer bir örneğidir. İslam’ın yayılmasıyla birlikte mihrap, minare ve geometrik süslemeler gibi temel mimari unsurlar ortaya çıkmıştır. Emevi ve Abbasi dönemlerinde cami mimarisi daha karmaşık hale gelmiştir. Emeviler, Roma ve Bizans mimarisinden etkilenerek büyük yapılar inşa ederken, Abbasiler ise cami komplekslerine eğitim ve sosyal işlevler entegre etmişlerdir. Osmanlı İmparatorluğu, İslami, Bizans ve Pers unsurlarını birleştiren benzersiz bir stil geliştirmiştir. İstanbul'daki Sultan Ahmet Camii ve Süleymaniye Camii, bu tarzın çarpıcı örnekleridir. Modern dönemde cami mimarisi, çağdaş tasarım prensipleri ve malzemeleri içerecek şekilde evrim geçirmiştir. Betonarme, cam ve çelik gibi malzemelerin kullanımı, yenilikçi yapısal tasarımlara olanak tanımıştır. Pakistan’daki Faysal Camii ve Abu Dabi’deki Şeyh Zayed Camii, geleneksel İslami mimari unsurları modern estetik ve teknolojilerle harmanlamaktadır.

Bu çalışma, cami mimarisindeki değişiklikleri form, işlev ve süsleme açısından analiz etmektedir. Gelenekselden modern malzemelere ve inşaat tekniklerine geçiş, karmaşık ve görsel olarak etkileyici tasarımların yaratılmasına olanak sağlamıştır. Cami tasarımının yerel iklim koşullarına ve kültürel bağlamlara uyum sağlama yeteneği, İslami mimarinin dinamik doğasını vurgulamaktadır.

Sonuç olarak, cami mimarisinin evrimi estetik, yapısal ve işlevsel açılardan önemli değişiklikler göstermektedir. Modern camiler, geniş ve çok işlevli alanlar sunmaktadır. Bu evrim, cami mimarisinin tarihsel ve kültürel dinamikler tarafından nasıl şekillendirildiğini ve sosyal entegrasyona ve kültürel mirasın korunmasına nasıl katkıda bulunduğunu göstermektedir. Bu araştırma, cami mimarisinin evrimi hakkında değerli bilgiler sunmakta ve gelecekteki mimari tasarım projeleri için bir referans oluşturmaktadır.

Keywords

Geleneksel Camiler, Modern Camiler, Cami Mimarisi

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