Symbols and Signs in Islamic Architecture

Abstract

Throughout history, Islamic signs and signification were recognized and appreciated by both Muslim and Non-Muslim scholars. The Islamic style of architecture is not only used in mosques, but also in other Islamic buildings and even in gardens. The architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles. The aim of this study is to contextualize the concept of Islamic architecture. It seeks to make the readers appreciate the heritage of Islamic architecture, and to clarify on misconceptions about Islamic architecture. This study examines various types of Islamic architecture and conducts a semiotic analysis of these works. The study defines the meaning and scope of Islamic architecture. It highlights the qualities and characteristics that make it unique and distinctive from other forms of architecture. It looks into the meanings and characteristics of the structures and explores the decorative styles used. Further, it explores the concept of Islamic architecture and analyses the meaning of some of the signs and significations. The findings indicate that the most common styles are calligraphy, geometry and floral designs. The study also finds that Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles and has been influential in designing, constructing and decorating buildings in other cultures during both the ancient times and in the present day.

The Importance of Classifying the Traditional Mosulian Ornaments in Enhancing the Conservation Process

“…The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus used the shape of palm trees, pears, acanthus, and grape leaves in the ornamentation elements. While, abstracted shapes that applied associated with geometric lines in their composition, which is known as Arabesque [4,[7][8][9]. The abstraction process of floral ornaments may use geometric shapes to define the space and produce complex designs of ornaments (Figure 1-A) [8].…”

“…While, abstracted shapes that applied associated with geometric lines in their composition, which is known as Arabesque [4,[7][8][9]. The abstraction process of floral ornaments may use geometric shapes to define the space and produce complex designs of ornaments (Figure 1-A) [8]. The floral type is formed by the extension of elementary units by symmetrical repetition to create harmonious and balanced interior design elements (Figure 1-B) [10].…”

“…(a) Sample of Islamic patterns using the abstraction of floral and geometric type. adopted by researchers [8] (b) Sample of organic ornaments adopted by researcher from [7,11] Figure 1. Samples of traditional ornament in the Islamic world Floral Mosulian ornaments are rarely used individually, it abounds in ribbons or geometric ornaments.…”

“…The geometric ornaments are placed on walls, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, minarets, domes, Mihrab, Minbar, windows, handrails, and furniture. This type is generated depending on the principles of repetition, symmetry, balance, scale, rhythm, and proportion [8,10,15]. The ornaments can be repeated with a specific rhythm in circular forms that are not defined by visible lines to preserve the rhythmic repetition, which represents various formations within a complete image [16,17].…”

Islamic Expression of Wali Mosque Interior and Architecture in Indonesia

“…Behnam Ghasemzadeh, in his research on symbols and signs in Islamic architecture, concluded that the style in Islamic architecture includes both secular and religious artistic styles. The most common styles are calligraphy, geometry, and flower designs, which show a high degree of complexity [8]. In his research on integrated architectural theory for Islamic architecture, Sabir Numan proposed a theoretical model in the form of four integrated elements used to guide the design process in Islamic architecture.…”