THE IDENTITY PROBLEM IN IRAQI MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE: TRANSFORMING ABBASID SPATIAL PRINCIPLES INTO CONTEMPORARY DESIGN PARAMETERS

Öz

This study analyzes the fundamental spatial and formal principles of Abbasid mosque architecture and explores how this ancient heritage can be integrated into contemporary mosque design processes. The Abbasid period, considered the golden age of Islamic architecture, is examined through examples such as the Great Mosque of Samarra and the Abu Dulaf Mosque, characterized by their monumentality, horizontal expansion, hypostile plan schemes, and spiral minaret forms. As a solution to the "identity problem" and the "disconnection from historical context" in today's mosque architecture, the research proposes a methodology that deconstructs the architectural logic of historical elements rather than using them as superficial imitations (pastiche). In this direction, contemporary design proposals have been developed, such as transforming the traditional "Ziyada" area into modern urban thresholds, reinterpreting the hypostyle grid system with parametric structures, and functionalizing the Malwiya Minaret as a sustainable wind tower. Ultimately, the study aims to establish a theoretical and practical framework for constructing a sustainable Islamic architectural identity that respects cultural memory and is supported by technological data.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Abbasid Architecture
• Contemporary Mosque Design
• Identity Problem
• Samarra
• Sustainability
• Spatial Deconstruction.

IRAK CAMİ MİMARİSİNDE KİMLİK SORUNSALI: ABBASİ MEKÂNSAL İLKELERİNİN ÇAĞDAŞ TASARIM PARAMETRELERİNE DÖNÜŞTÜRÜLMESİ

Öz

Bu çalışma, Abbasi dönemi cami mimarisinin temel mekânsal ve biçimsel ilkelerini analiz ederek, bu kadim mirasın çağdaş cami tasarım süreçlerine nasıl entegre edilebileceğini araştırmaktadır. İslam mimarisinin altın çağı olarak kabul edilen Abbasi dönemi; Samarra Ulu Camii ve Ebu Dulaf Camii gibi örnekler üzerinden anıtsallık, yatay genişleme, hipostil plan şeması ve sarmal minare formları gibi özgün karakteristiği ile incelenmiştir. Araştırma, günümüz cami mimarisindeki "kimlik sorunsalı" ve "tarihsel bağlamdan kopuş" problemlerine çözüm olarak, geçmişin biçimsel öğelerini yüzeysel bir taklit (pastiş) ile kullanmak yerine, bu öğelerin mimari mantığını dekonstrükte eden bir metodoloji sunmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda; geleneksel "Ziyade" alanının modern kentsel eşiklere dönüştürülmesi, hipostil ızgara sisteminin parametrik yapılarla yeniden yorumlanması ve Malviye Minaresi'nin sürdürülebilir bir rüzgâr kulesi olarak işlevselleştirilmesi gibi çağdaş tasarım önerileri geliştirilmiştir. Çalışma nihayetinde, kültürel hafızaya saygılı, teknolojik verilerle desteklenen ve sürdürülebilir bir İslami mimari kimlik inşası için teorik ve pratik bir çerçeve çizmeyi hedeflemektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Abbasi Mimarisi
• Çağdaş Cami Tasarımı
• Kimlik Sorunsalı
• Samarra
• Sürdürülebilirlik
• Mekânsal Dekonstrüksiyon.

Kaynakça

1. Aga Khan Development Network, (t.y.). “Aga Khan Award for Architecture: Mosque Projects”, https://the.akdn/en/how-we-work/akaa/., 06.01.2026.
2. Archnet, (t.y.). “Great Mosque of Samarra”, https://archnet.org/sites/3830., 06.01.2026. al-Khalil, S., (1991). The Monument: Art, Vulgarity, and Responsibility in Iraq. California: University of California Press.
3. Bloom, J., (1989). Minaret: Symbol of Islam. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
4. Creswell, K.A.C., (1989). A Short Account of Early Muslim Architecture. Cairo: American University in Cairo Press.
5. Ettinghausen, R., Grabar, O. ve Jenkins-Madina, M., (2001). Islamic Art and Architecture 650–1250. New Haven: Yale University Press.
6. Fathy, H., (1986). Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture: Principles and Examples with Reference to Hot Arid Climates. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
7. Frampton, K., (1983). “Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points for an Architecture of Resistance”, H. Foster (der.) içinde, The Anti-Aesthetic: Essays on Postmodern Culture, Seattle: Bay Press, 16-30.
8. Grabar, O., (1973). The Formation of Islamic Art. New Haven: Yale University Press.

9. Grabar, O., (1987). The Formation of Islamic Art. New Haven: Yale University Press.
10. Groat, L.N. ve Wang, D., (2013). Architectural Research Methods. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
11. Hakim, B.S., (1986). Arabic-Islamic Cities: Building and Planning Principles. London: KPI.
12. Herzfeld, E., (1923). Der Wandschmuck der Bauten von Samarra und Seine Ornamentik. Berlin: D. Reimer.
13. Hillenbrand, R., (1994). Islamic Architecture: Form, Function, and Meaning. New York: Columbia University Press.
14. Holod, R. ve Khan, H.U., (1997). The Contemporary Mosque: Architects, Clients, and Designs Since the 1950s. New York: Rizzoli.
15. Mahgoub, Y., (2007). “Architecture and the Expression of Cultural Identity in Kuwait”, The Journal of Architecture, 12(2), 165-182.
16. Michell, G., (1978). Architecture of the Islamic World: Its History and Social Meaning. London: Thames and Hudson.
17. Northedge, A., (2005). The Historical Topography of Samarra. London: British School of Archaeology in Iraq.
18. Omer, S., (2010). Rationalizing the Mosque’s Architecture. Kuala Lumpur: A.S. Noordeen.
19. Pallasmaa, J., (2005). The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
20. Rasdi, M.T.H.M., (2010). Rethinking the Mosque in the Modern Muslim Society. Kuala Lumpur: ITBM.
21. Roaf, S., (2001). Ecohouse: A Design Guide. Oxford: Architectural Press.
22. Steele, J., (1997). Architecture Today. London: Phaidon Press.