Middle eastern architecture
The beginnings of architecture can be traced back to Iraq, where the foundations of Middle Eastern architectural styles were established. Key characteristics of this architecture include minarets, muqarnas, Islamic geometric motifs, pointed arches, and domes. One of the most iconic creations of this region is the pyramids in Egypt, whose construction methods continue to baffle specialists to this day, given the limited resources available to the ancient Egyptians. This enduring mystery surrounding the pyramids, along with the rich architectural heritage of the Middle East, underscores the significance and intrigue of this region’s contributions to architecture and human history.
The beginning:
Islam bans the representation of
figures, but geometric shapes, flowers, and
calligraphic decoration used throughout the
palace are highly imaginative.
Mesopotamia city
Babylon was the largest city in the known world, covering more than 2,500 acres. The greatest of all Mesopotamian cities was Babi-ilani ("the gate of gods") - the place where the gods were thought to have descended to earth.
Ishtar gate - Iraq
The eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon, known as the Ishtar Gate, is constructed of burnt brick, glazed brick, and cedar. This magnificent gate is dedicated to Ishtar, the goddess of fertility and love, who is symbolically represented by lions, showcasing the gate’s intricate design and cultural significance. The vibrant colors and detailed reliefs of the lions and other motifs highlight the artistic achievements of the Babylonian civilization, making the Ishtar Gate a remarkable example of ancient architecture and a testament to the reverence for their deities.
Temple of Solomon - Jerusalem, Israel
According to the Old Testament, the temple was constructed by Solomon, the son of David. It is believed that it was destroyed by the Babylonians in the 6th century BCE. The temple featured an inner sanctum, which was fronted by a courtyard, and both structures were surrounded by open courtyards. This architectural arrangement not only emphasized the sanctity of the inner sanctum but also created a space for worshipers to gather and engage in religious activities, reflecting the significance of the temple in ancient Israelite culture and spirituality.
Tomb of Darius I - Naqsh-I-Rustam, Southern Iran
Carved into a solid cliff face, the tomb is inscribed with the achievements, reflections, and beliefs of the great Persian ruler. The facade of the tomb is 60 ft. It is facing the sun and it is supported by four columns supporting an Egyptian- style cornice.
Temple of Khons - karnak, Egypt
An avenue of a sphinxes led to an obelisk and then a massive entrance pylon to the temple itself. Within was a cloistered courtyard, bordered by a mighty double colonnade. Beyond, many columned hall lit by a clerestory announced the sanctuary, with a attendant chapels and a further hypostyle hall in the depths of the building.
Palace of Ctesiphon - Ctesiphon, Iraq.
Built by the Persian kings of the Sassanid dynasty, this remarkable structure features a vast single-span brick barrel vault, which forms what must have been a truly magnificent open-fronted banqueting hall. The arch rises to 121 feet and spans 83 feet, showcasing the engineering prowess of the time. The influence of Rome is evident in the massive walls that flank the central banqueting hall, yet the stupendous hall itself is open-ended, creating a stylized tent-like form that sets it apart from Roman designs. This unique combination of architectural elements reflects the grandeur of Sassanid architecture while highlighting its distinct cultural identity.
Arch construction
The largest vault was the arch at Ctesiphon that was made of unfired mud bricks.
The Islamic architecture
Islamic architecture often features water gardens that integrate harmoniously with the buildings, reflecting their significance in arid landscapes. Muslim palaces were typically designed more like small townships than single structures, akin to the later medieval castles of Western Europe. However, they were almost always characterized by far more joyful designs, filled with daylight and infused with the fragrances of roses, almonds, lemons, and orange blossoms, creating a serene atmosphere resonating with the soothing sounds of flowing water. The complexity of these architectural forms was closely tied to Muslim rituals and beliefs, emphasizing harmony with nature and the importance of water as a symbol of life and purity.
Islamic Influences
Medieval European architecture learned a lot from Muslim invaders. They learned the secrets of the pointed arch, and of gothic design.
Alhambra, a Moorish paradise
Islamic unique designs are the outside garden and fountains that make the middle eastern architecture so unique.
Qubbet Es - Sakra (Dome of the Rock) - Jerusalem
Built over the rock from which Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven and spoken to Allah, this remarkable structure features a design influenced by Syrian Byzantine architecture, with an octagonal plan. The interior includes Roman columns and rich mosaics that emulate those of the nearby Holy Sepulchre. The great golden dome, with a diameter of 66 feet and rising to an apex of more than 115 feet, boasts a double-skin structure consisting of cross-braced inner and outer timber frames covered with gilded copper plates. This dome sits atop a drum supported by an arcade of columns sourced from ancient Roman sites. Surrounding the dome are two concentric ambulatories intended for ritual processions: one circular and the other octagonal, formed by elegant colonnades that enhance the spiritual and architectural significance of the site.
Great Mosque, Samarra - Iraq
The Great Mosque at Samarra was once the largest Islamic mosque in the world. Buttressed by semicircular towers, its burned brick walls enclose an expansive arcaded courtyard measuring a massive 509 by 787 feet. Although the internal structure, featuring aisles, mud-brick piers, and timber roofs, has long since vanished, the most dramatic and evocative feature that remains is the monumental spiral minaret. This iconic element not only defines the mosque’s silhouette but also serves as a striking symbol of the architectural ingenuity and grandeur of the era.
The madrassah, Baghdad - Iraq
-1.jpg)
The madrassah is built of the soft yellow brick that
characterizes the buildings of Baghdad, the brickwork
then carved with intricate decoration.
Great Mosque, Cordobra - Spain
The Great Mosque in Córdoba is concealed behind massive stone buttressed walls that give little indication of the architectural glories within. Inside, the cavernous prayer hall is filled with 850 columns made of granite, jasper, and marble, supporting red-and-white brick-and-stone striped arches. Sunlight filters through the windows, casting ever-shifting jewel-like patterns across the immense floor, which was originally illuminated only by the flickering light of a thousand small oil lamps. This enchanting interplay of light and structure creates an experience akin to being inside a surreal architectural puzzle, where every element contributes to a sense of wonder and tranquility.
Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul - Turkey
This mid-16th century mosque, characterized by its great dome and pencil-thin minarets, dominates the skyline of the west bank of the Golden Horn, the crescent-shaped estuary that divides Istanbul. Adorned with stunning stained glass, the mosque exemplifies the architectural brilliance of its time. The architect Sinan skillfully combined intense geometric structures, creating a harmonious balance between form and function. This masterpiece not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of Ottoman architecture, leaving a lasting impression on the city’s landscape.
Beehive Village, Aleppo - Syria
The structures, resembling pillar-like volcanic rocks, were constructed to create secure and comfortable homes approximately 10,000 years ago. Made from mud bricks, these buildings feature thick, tapering limestone masses that form both walls and roofs. This unique design allows the structures to absorb the intense heat of the sun during the day, providing a cooler environment inside and showcasing the ingenuity of ancient architecture in adapting to the harsh climate.
Mud mosque, Djenne - Mali
Originally built in 1240, the mosque was completely rebuilt in 1907 with funding from the French. The enormous tapering walls are designed to maintain a cool environment within the prayer hall. Bundles of palm branches integrated into the walls help reduce cracking caused by the frequent and drastic changes in humidity and temperature. The rows of immense plastered brick piers, joined by arches, occupy nearly as much space as they create, reflecting a thoughtful approach to both structural integrity and aesthetic design in this architectural masterpiece.
Shibam - Yemen
Shibam, often referred to as the “Manhattan of the desert,” is reminiscent of a city from the Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights, featuring a dreamlike cluster of tall, mud-brick towers. These iconic structures are whitewashed with a layer of protective limestone or crushed gypsum to repel water, enhancing their durability in the harsh desert environment. The unique architecture and striking skyline of Shibam not only reflect the ingenuity of its builders but also contribute to its status as a remarkable example of traditional Yemeni urban design.
Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan - Iran
The carved niches, lacquered stucco ceilings, and shell vaults of the Ali Qapu Palace exemplify the subtlety and otherworldliness characteristic of the finest Mughal India and Muslim Persia. This architectural masterpiece showcases intricate craftsmanship and design elements that reflect the artistic sensibilities of the period. The interplay of light and shadow created by the ornate carvings and the delicate lacquer work enhances the ethereal atmosphere of the palace, making it a stunning representation of the cultural and artistic achievements of the Mughal and Persian empires.
Masjid- I - Jami, Isfahan - Iran
One of the foremost Islamic monuments in Isfahan, the Masjid-i-Jami is the product of continuous construction, reconstruction, additions, and renovations that began in 771. Later Buyid work introduced a facade around the courtyard and two minarets, marking it as the earliest example of a mosque featuring more than one minaret. Subsequent construction under the Seljuks further enhanced the mosque with the addition of two brick iwans (domed recesses), contributing to its architectural significance and reflecting the evolving styles and techniques of Islamic architecture over the centuries.
Masjid - I Shah, Isfahan - Iran
With its high drum and bulb-shaped dome, the Masjid-i-Shah mosque is a stunning marvel of Safavid art. The dome, soaring to 177 feet (54 meters), is adorned with blue and turquoise tiles that evoke the vibrant colors of a peacock’s tail. The mosque features blue-tiled minarets and elaborate gateways, enhancing its architectural grandeur. Throughout the structure, tiles in hues of yellow, pink, and green, along with intricate floral decorations, contrast beautifully with the warm brickwork, creating a rich and inviting aesthetic that exemplifies the artistic achievements of the Safavid period.
Persian garden
The word “Paradise” derives from the ancient Persian term for an enclosed garden. The Persian garden, nurtured as a retreat from the desert as early as 4000 BCE, evokes an image of an enchanted space where walls shut out the harsh desert environment, enclosing a sacred geometrical area intersected by narrow canals and adorned with groves of flowering almonds, pomegranates, and damask roses. This distinctive Persian style of garden design was widely emulated with the spread of Islam, influencing landscapes from Moorish Spain to Mughal India, and reflecting a deep appreciation for nature, beauty, and tranquility in various cultures.
Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh - India
With an abundant supply of sandstone and marble and a dedicated workforce of craftsmen, constructing the royal citadel of Fatehpur Sikri was relatively straightforward. However, its location, 25 miles west of Agra on a rocky peninsula, was somewhat improbable. At every turn, visitors are greeted by superbly crafted and imaginatively designed monuments, including the impressive Great Mosque, whose expansive courtyard measures 360 by 425 feet and is surrounded by elegant arcaded cloisters. This architectural complex not only showcases the artistic prowess of the era but also reflects the grandeur of Mughal architecture at its zenith.
Taj Mahal, Agra - India
Sheathed in shimmering white marble and standing at the foot of a long reflecting pool, the Taj Mahal (Crown Palace) represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this exquisite tomb took 20,000 workers 22 years to complete. Its beauty lies in its calm solemnity and the marble’s subtle colors, which reflect the changing sky. The Taj Mahal complex is enclosed by a high wall, featuring broad octagonal pavilions at each corner, further enhancing the grandeur and harmony of this iconic masterpiece.
Tomb of Jahangir, Lahore - Pakistan
This long, low, single-story arcaded structure, set in an ornamental garden northwest of Lahore across the Ravi River, houses the tomb of the fourth great Mughal emperor, Jahangir, who ruled from 1605 to 1627. Constructed from red sandstone and white marble, this building marks the beginning of a series of significant architectural achievements during the “Reign of Marble” under the next emperor, Shah Jahan. Four octagonal minarets, a new addition to India that incorporates traditional Indian elements, stand at each corner of this elegantly restrained tomb, which is beautifully situated within formal gardens that symbolize Paradise.
Emin Minaret, Turpan, Xinjiang - China
This 144-foot high minaret, located near Turpan on the ancient Silk Road, is the only Islamic tower in China. Constructed from local sun-dried gray brick, the strongly tapered circular minaret features intricate decorations with 16 different geometric and floral patterns. This unique blend of Islamic architectural elements with local craftsmanship not only serves as a significant historical landmark but also highlights the cultural exchange along the Silk Road, showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the region.