Islamic Architecture
Masjed-e-Jomeh Friday Mosque Eivan 1475-6
There are many fine examples of Islamic Architecture that stand out in my mind in the city of Isfahan. Among my favorites are Masjed-e-Jomeh Friday Mosque Eivan 1475-6
This Mosque built in the 15th century features a beautiful entryway. Mosjed-e-Jomeh is similar to a porch or eivan. This style of porch varies from what we know porches to resemble in western culture. The structure shows in great detail a visual separation and is symbolically designed to “aid man in defining a position for himself both in relation to Diety and in relation to his space.” The porch is the entryway to some of the oldest parts of the Friday Mosque. I was particularly drawn to the representation of the many colors and the round curves of its surface. The original foundation was started in the first part of the 12th century but the Mosque building itself dates back to 1072. Isfahan became the capital of the Seljuk’s, who came to Khwarazam and Transoxiana from central Asia during the 11th century. They were great defenders of Sunnism, the largest branch of Islam. Sunni Islam is composed of up to 90% of the Muslim world population. Sunni Muslims are referred to as Ahla Sunnah tul-Jamā‘ah "people of the tradition of Muhammad and the community" or Ahla Sunnah for short. They aimed at restoring the Abbasid Caliphate. The conquest of Isfahan by Tughril Beg was elemental in raising the city’s status, which later manifested in its rich architectural projects that represented the Seljuk’s powerful empire. The first of these projects was the Friday Mosque.
The porch was constructed by famous Persian, Nizam Al Mulk. He was also responsible for leading the reconstruction of the Mosque’s dome after Shafi’s (another branch of Sunni’s) destroyed the southern area. The detail and Artistry of this architecture dates the time period to be from somewhere between the Seljuk and Safavaid periods. Suring this time period in history the Seljuk leader, Maliq Shah had set out to conquer Iraq. The architecture from this time is known for a type of brickwork in which the elaborate detail was enhanced by the effects of the hot sun’s reflection. The Safavid period marks a time of turning point in Muslim history in which Shi’a Islam was established as the official religion.
There are many fine examples of Islamic Architecture that stand out in my mind in the city of Isfahan. Among my favorites are Masjed-e-Jomeh Friday Mosque Eivan 1475-6
This Mosque built in the 15th century features a beautiful entryway. Mosjed-e-Jomeh is similar to a porch or eivan. This style of porch varies from what we know porches to resemble in western culture. The structure shows in great detail a visual separation and is symbolically designed to “aid man in defining a position for himself both in relation to Diety and in relation to his space.” The porch is the entryway to some of the oldest parts of the Friday Mosque. I was particularly drawn to the representation of the many colors and the round curves of its surface. The original foundation was started in the first part of the 12th century but the Mosque building itself dates back to 1072. Isfahan became the capital of the Seljuk’s, who came to Khwarazam and Transoxiana from central Asia during the 11th century. They were great defenders of Sunnism, the largest branch of Islam. Sunni Islam is composed of up to 90% of the Muslim world population. Sunni Muslims are referred to as Ahla Sunnah tul-Jamā‘ah "people of the tradition of Muhammad and the community" or Ahla Sunnah for short. They aimed at restoring the Abbasid Caliphate. The conquest of Isfahan by Tughril Beg was elemental in raising the city’s status, which later manifested in its rich architectural projects that represented the Seljuk’s powerful empire. The first of these projects was the Friday Mosque.
The porch was constructed by famous Persian, Nizam Al Mulk. He was also responsible for leading the reconstruction of the Mosque’s dome after Shafi’s (another branch of Sunni’s) destroyed the southern area. The detail and Artistry of this architecture dates the time period to be from somewhere between the Seljuk and Safavaid periods. Suring this time period in history the Seljuk leader, Maliq Shah had set out to conquer Iraq. The architecture from this time is known for a type of brickwork in which the elaborate detail was enhanced by the effects of the hot sun’s reflection. The Safavid period marks a time of turning point in Muslim history in which Shi’a Islam was established as the official religion.
The Fire Temple of Isfahan
The Fire Temple of Isfahan is an architectural complex located on a hill of the same name right outside the city center. The hill which sits above the surrounding plain was previously called Maras or Marabin after a village near there. It is by this name that the site is known by Arab historians. A main feature of the Temple grounds are the remains of what once resembles a tower-like circular building which sits atop the same hill. This tower is known by the local people as Burj-i-Gurban, or “Tower of Sacrifice,” and is believed to have been a military watch tower with a flare that was lit to warn of approaching enemy. The walls of both the tower and the Temple are made of baked brick held together by a mixture of clay and reeds. In the 1oth century these buildings were used to hide from tax collectors. Also around this time the temple was converted from one of idol worship to one of fire by the Patron of Zoroaster when he adopted the religion of the Magi.
The Fire Temple of Isfahan is an architectural complex located on a hill of the same name right outside the city center. The hill which sits above the surrounding plain was previously called Maras or Marabin after a village near there. It is by this name that the site is known by Arab historians. A main feature of the Temple grounds are the remains of what once resembles a tower-like circular building which sits atop the same hill. This tower is known by the local people as Burj-i-Gurban, or “Tower of Sacrifice,” and is believed to have been a military watch tower with a flare that was lit to warn of approaching enemy. The walls of both the tower and the Temple are made of baked brick held together by a mixture of clay and reeds. In the 1oth century these buildings were used to hide from tax collectors. Also around this time the temple was converted from one of idol worship to one of fire by the Patron of Zoroaster when he adopted the religion of the Magi.
Masjed Sh. Lotfallah
Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque 1602
The Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque features a dome style structure as do most Mosques however many are not constructed with such exuberant colors. Early domes had an astrological or mystical significance and an attempt was made to represent heaven and earth. The dome was considered to be the place where “god and mankind meet and converse.” I think the colors of the dome are so beautiful the way they are so detailed and stand out. The Sheikh Mosque is smaller in size compared to others but is well known for its unique workmanship and design. The Mosque also features a porch similar to that of the Friday Mosque. The building of the Sheikh Mosque began in 1602 by Shah Abbas I. It was built and named after his father-in-law to replace another older Mosque. Sheikh Lotfallah was part of the Shi’ite sect, a group who lived in Iran under Safavid rule. During this time period Shi’ite’s were encouraged to live in Iran as a way to promote Shi’ism. In the Muslim religion graven images are forbidden so there are no depictions of prophets or gods like those that might be seen in the temples, cathedrals, or places of worship as featured in the western culture.
Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque 1602
The Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque features a dome style structure as do most Mosques however many are not constructed with such exuberant colors. Early domes had an astrological or mystical significance and an attempt was made to represent heaven and earth. The dome was considered to be the place where “god and mankind meet and converse.” I think the colors of the dome are so beautiful the way they are so detailed and stand out. The Sheikh Mosque is smaller in size compared to others but is well known for its unique workmanship and design. The Mosque also features a porch similar to that of the Friday Mosque. The building of the Sheikh Mosque began in 1602 by Shah Abbas I. It was built and named after his father-in-law to replace another older Mosque. Sheikh Lotfallah was part of the Shi’ite sect, a group who lived in Iran under Safavid rule. During this time period Shi’ite’s were encouraged to live in Iran as a way to promote Shi’ism. In the Muslim religion graven images are forbidden so there are no depictions of prophets or gods like those that might be seen in the temples, cathedrals, or places of worship as featured in the western culture.
Many of the historic buildings found in Salt Lake City feature gothic architecture with the pointed arch or ogive parabolic. Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture.
Originating in 12th century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as "Frankish work" with the term Gothic first appearing during the latter part of the Renaissance. Its characteristic features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, semicircular arch and the flying buttress. The tops of the roofs are gothic arches or steeples a few exceptions include the Salt Lake Public Library and the State capital building.
Originating in 12th century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as "Frankish work" with the term Gothic first appearing during the latter part of the Renaissance. Its characteristic features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, semicircular arch and the flying buttress. The tops of the roofs are gothic arches or steeples a few exceptions include the Salt Lake Public Library and the State capital building.
The Utah state capital building features a dome similar to those found in Islamic architecture. So does the National capital in Washington D.C and several other state capitals. The domes on American buildings are not as round and mostly feature decoration detail on the inside unlike the domes on Mosques in Isfahan which feature brightly colored tiles in intricate detailed designs. The dome on the nation’s capital was completed during the civil war.
One of the most predominate buildings in downtown Salt Lake is the LDS Temple. It is a good example of Romanesque style building that is found throughout the United States, most often in churches. Its characteristics include a pointed and semicircular or Roman arch named for the builders of the Roman era. The Semicircular arch is the strongest of all arches. The theory of the arch is that the upward curve resists downward pressure by exerting pressure to the sides rather that straight down. These arches are found in many Christian-based styles of architecture.
One of the most predominate buildings in downtown Salt Lake is the LDS Temple. It is a good example of Romanesque style building that is found throughout the United States, most often in churches. Its characteristics include a pointed and semicircular or Roman arch named for the builders of the Roman era. The Semicircular arch is the strongest of all arches. The theory of the arch is that the upward curve resists downward pressure by exerting pressure to the sides rather that straight down. These arches are found in many Christian-based styles of architecture.
The Salt Lake City and County building was designed in the 19th century by Henry Hobson Richardson who felt the Romanesque style felt really “American.” Especially the heavy, rough –stone features, rounded entrances and romantic towers. This style combines a blend of French, Spanish and Italian design which represents the mixed culture of America well. America is a melting pot of different cultures all of which have had great influence on its architecture.