Posts Tagged ‘architecture’

Architectural Garden

Islamic arts: what are the architectural standards of a mosque?

Should it have a special geometry in its map? What are the requirements of its outside and inside structure? What about its garden?

Not much really.

What a mosque essentially needs - the minimum basic - is a correct alignment with Ka'aba. I.e., the prayer is offered facing the Ka'aba which is situated in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Muslim offer their prayers facing the Ka'aba (which leads to the misperception that Muslim "worship" the cuboid structure. Untrue.)

A mosque can be the size of a bare room with a marking for the correct direction of Ka'aba.

Mosques have, however, typically featured "domes" and "minarets." Tell you what, check out Flickr's communities on Mosques, Minarets, Muslims Cultures, Islamic Culture. Will give you great visual help.

Many mosques built by kings are extremely ornamental - but it's not a requirement. In fact, perhaps it's frowned upon by the Prophet according to some traditions.

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