User:Ericvtheg/sandbox

= Islamic architecture additions =

Underlying architectural meanings
Islamic architecture displays intricate patterns, colors, and detail embodying the Islamic culture. Such widespread religious displays typically have deeper meanings and connections. Islamic architecture is unique in this case because interior designs often lack or have unknown religious connections. This is caused by the Muslim ideology Shirk, stating that an attempt to depict any earthly beings as holy is as sinful. Shirk is unlike Western cultural ideals, often consisting of a large amount of religious symbolism in earthly beings. Due to this, symbolism in Islamic architecture is not as easily accessible compared to that of Western religious architecture.

Troubles of making deeper meaningful connections in Islam
Islamic architecture is a neglected subject within historical studies. Many scholars that study historical architecture often gloss over, if not completely ignore Islamic structures. This is caused by multiple elements, one being the fact that there is little to no historic literary works that expresses an Islamic architect’s motives with their structures. (1)(2) Due to the massively spanning Muslim religion, there is a large variation between thousands of existing mosques with little consistency. Lastly, since it is against Islamic faith to idolize earthly beings, any depictions of earthly beings lack religious connection. These characteristics combined make it difficult for historians to form symbolic connections from architecture in Islamic places of worship. (3)

Symbolism
Islamic architecture is unique compared to other vast religions that encompass much of the West. Unlike Christianity, Islam did not sensationalize living beings because they viewed this as a conflict with the Quran. Anything created by Allah is under his order and thus should not be idolized. (1) This left typical religious Western symbols out of the picture, and were replaced with an emphasis on complex geometrical shapes and patterns. (6)

There are several aspects of Islamic architecture that to modern knowledge lack a symbolic religious meaning, but there are connections that do exist. A repeated and significant motif in mosques was calligraphy. Calligraphy plays a huge role in delivering religious connections through artistic design. (7) Calligraphy, in a mosque setting, is specifically used to reference holy excerpts from both the Qur’an and Muhammad's teachings. These references are one of the few religious connections architects included within their work. (7) (8)

Status & hierarchy
Islamic architecture varied vastly across the scope of the world. Specifically, some mosques had different goals and intentions than others. These intentions often highlighted religious and social hierarchy within the mosque. Mosques were designed to have the least significant portions of the layout closest to the entrance, as people move deeper into the building more significant religious portions are revealed. (9)  Hierarchy is also present because certain Islamic architects were tasked to design specifically for the presence of royalty. Designated locations that had been carefully chosen in the mosque to highlight an individual’s position in society. This emphasis could be made through: being within view to all attendees,  placed in the focal point of artistry, and a maqsura. (10)

Maintaining a sociological hierarchy within a mosque would typically represent a recognition by a higher being aware of a delegation of power. This hierarchy does exist but not with any sort of religious message as Hillenbrand points out, “in neither case is this hierarchy employed for es­pecially portentous ends.” (1) Hierarchy existed in the church in different forms, but was meant for purely functional purposes.

Structural functions
Deeper meanings in Islamic architecture often can take form as functional purposes. For example mosques are built around the ideal that it should not just be a place of mesmerizing aesthetics, but also a place where aesthetics’ fluidity guide the person into proper worship. (9) There are many key traits that make up each mosque to function in a way that helps guide a person to follow Islamic beliefs properly.

A key feature of the mosque is the Mihrab, a universal part of any Islamic place of worship. (10) The Mihrab is easily identifiable through a receding wall and a gable over head often consisting of intricate patterns. Upon entering, the most crucial religious function the architecture of the mosque serves to deliver is the Qibla. (9) The Qibla is necessary for proper Islamic worship, and is revealed through architectural means. (11)