Top 10 Islamic Architectural Wonders

Top 10 Islamic Architectural Wonders: From the Alhambra to the Taj Mahal

Introduction

Islamic architecture celebrates the power in spirituality, geometrical geometries, and the fusion of cultures. It ranges from the exquisite mosaics in Spain's Alhambra and the towering minarets that make up Istanbul's Blue Mosque; these structures transcend space and time. As the Spanish Islamic architectural style is a testament to the history of Al-Andalus, other great structures across the globe show the variety of this form of art. Let's take a look at the 10 most impressive Islamic architectural marvels as well as the elements that define them.

Top 10 Islamic Architectural Wonders

1. The Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain

The Great Mosque of Cordoba, Spain

The most impressive piece that is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture located in Spain, the Great Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita), is famous for its stunning red-and-white striped arches as well as geometric tilework. Its horseshoe arches as well as the column forests have inspired designs that were later copied across Europe. Learn about Spain's Islamic heritage to find out how Cordoba established the standards of Andalusian art.

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2. The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

The iconic golden-domed temple exemplifies domes within Islamic architecture.  It was built in the year 691 CE, and inspired by Byzantine mosaics, its mosaics and octagonal designs represent the link between the heavens and earth.

3. The Alhambra, Granada

The Alhambra, Granada

Its elegant mashrabīya screens and peaceful courtyards are a testament to the highest level of Nasrid artistic talent. The Alhambra's use of water features as well as arabesques reflects the harmony that is seen throughout the Spanish Islamic architecture.

4. The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

With its six tall minarets with cascading domes, the Blue Mosque incorporates Ottoman as well as Byzantine styles. The name derives from the 20,000 blue Iznik tiles decorated with geometric designs.

5. The Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq

The Great Mosque of Samarra, Iraq

It is home to the iconic looping minaret This 9th-century wonder is a testament to Abbasid creativity. Its vast scale and unique design influenced later Islamic architecture.

6. The Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal, India

This mausoleum in white marble blends Persian, Mughal, and Indian styles. Its massive domed roof and symmetrical garden symbolize the eternal love of a person, and the pietra dura inlay is a reflection of the past of Islamic artwork.

7. The Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

The Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

One of the world's highest minaret (210 meters), this Casablanca landmark is adorned with an open-air glass floor that overlooks the Atlantic. Its Mashrabiya designs and the zellige tiles are a tribute to Moorish practices.

8. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE

A contemporary wonder, this Abu Dhabi mosque dazzles with 82 domes and is the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. The carpet's floral geometric designs are a tribute the Persian as well as Mughal designs.

9. The Qolsarif Mosque, Russia

The Qolsarif Mosque, Russia

Rebuilt in 2005, the Kazan mosque has been revived to reflect Tatar Islamic tradition. The turquoise domes and minarets reflect the glory of the 16th-century structure.

10. The Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan

The Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan

A gem from the Mughal period The Badshahi Mosque features towering minarets and red sandstone workmanship. The vast courtyard could accommodate up to 100,000 devotees.

Key Elements of Islamic Architecture

Domes: Reaching for the Divine

60 dome mosque, Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Domes represent the sky's vault. Starting from their most famous monument, the Dome of the Rock to the Taj Mahal, their engineering power and spiritual significance are unsurpassed.

Minarets: Towers of Faith

Minaret in Turkey mosque

In use for the prayer of call, minarets vary from the spirals of Samarra to Istanbul's towers that resemble pencils.

Mashrabiya: Art Meets Function

Mashrabiya or Mihrab

These screens, which are found on the Alhambra and traditional Arabian houses, offer privacy, ventilation as well as aesthetic appeal.

Geometric Patterns: Infinity in Design

Islamic-Geometric-Patterns

The Spanish Alhambra, along with Cordoba's Mezquita, demonstrates how repeated shapes and symmetry mirror Islamic doctrines of unity and the infinity of space. Find out more about Spain's geometric mastery.

Ancient Islamic Art & Modern Legacy

Older techniques such as calligraphy and zellige tilework, as well as geometric designs, are still inspiring contemporary architects. For instance, Spain's Mudejar style, a mix that combines Islamic and Christian-designed buildings, such as Seville's Alcazar.

Seville's alcazar

Conclusion

The deserts in Saudi Arabia to the palaces of Spain, Islamic architecture tells the story of exchanges between cultures and devotion to art. The Spanish palaces of Alhambra as well as Cordoba are the timeless memories of Al-Andalus and the golden age While marvels like that of the Taj Mahal and Blue Mosque demonstrate the global influence of Islam.

Further Reading

MD Hafijul Islam
Founder, sunaan.com
https://sunaan.com

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