Islamic Architecture

Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Prestigious award established in 1977 to reward architectural excellence in Muslim-majority societies, enhancing understanding and appreciation of Islamic culture.
Alhambra
A fourteenth-century palace of the Nasrid dynasty in Granada, Spain, known for its architectural brilliance and historical significance.
Daudiyah
Sufi Zawiyah founded in Damascus by Hanbali jurist Abu Bakr ibn Daud in the late 14th century, and developed by his son, Abd al-Rahman. The first Qadiri zawiyah in Damascus, serving as a pious meeting place with various facilities.
Islamic Architecture
The design, evolution, and cultural significance of Islamic architecture with a focus on mosques and ancillary structures.
Khanaqah
A Sufi meetinghouse where devotees engage in spiritual practices and communal rituals.
Mimar Sinan
The chief architect of the Ottoman Empire known for his contributions to Ottoman architecture.
Muqarnas
Three-dimensional architectural ornamentation associated with Islamic architecture, noted for its intricate geometric niches and pendant elements.
Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock)
Muslim shrine erected circa 692 in the Haram al-Sharif, Jerusalem, situated on the site of the rock where, according to Muslim tradition, the Prophet Muhammad ascended during his Mi'raj.
Rawdah, al-
A significant area within the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, associated with gardens of paradise in hadith literature, as well as an island in the Nile with historical military and residential significance.
Baitu 'l-Haram (بيت الحرام) - The Sacred House in Islam
Explore the significance, history, and meaning of Baitu 'l-Haram, also known as the Sacred House, which refers to the Meccan mosque, Masjidu 'l-Haram.
Masjid al-Haram (مسجد الحرام)
Learn about Masjid al-Haram, its historical and religious significance, and detailed architectural features. Understand why it is a central element of Islamic devotion and its role within the broader context of Muslim pilgrimage and daily prayers.
Mosque of the Prophet
The Mosque of the Prophet (Masjid al-Nabawi) is a historically and spiritually significant mosque built by Prophet Muhammad in Medina, and is regarded as the second holiest site in Islam.
Fathi, Hasan
A prominent Egyptian architect, teacher, and reformer known for advocating indigenous building techniques over modern architecture in Egypt.
Takiyah (تكية‎)
Understand the term 'Takiyah,' its historical context, and its multifaceted role in Islamic tradition. Discover how it has served as a place of repose, a religious house, and a hostel for pilgrims across various Muslim countries.
Aṣ-Ṣakhrah (الصخرة)
Explore the sacred rock known as Aṣ-Ṣakhrah, its historical, religious, and architectural significance in Islamic tradition, and its role in the spirituality of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities.
Minaret
Explore the architectural and cultural significance of the Minaret (Manarah) in Islam. Understand its historical development, role in Islamic worship, and symbolism.
Kaʿbah (كعبة)
Discover the Kaʿbah, its historical, religious, and architectural significance, its role in Islamic rituals, and its influence on Muslim culture worldwide.
Minbar
Explore the term 'Minbar,' its historical and cultural implications, and its role in Islamic religious practices. Understand the various forms and functions of Minbars across different regions.
Saracenic Architecture in Islamic History
Explore the term 'Saracenic,' its roots, and how it influenced Islamic architecture. Learn about its forms, key features, and historical examples.
Houses in Early Islam - Structure, Etymology, and Cultural Significance
An in-depth exploration of housing structures during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, the evolution of Islamic architecture, and its cultural and societal implications. Includes etymology, characteristics, and influential readings.
Masjid al-Haram
The Grand Mosque of Mecca, one of Islam's holiest shrines and the central focus of the hajj pilgrimage.

Dictionary of Islam

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