The 5 Marvels Of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of both secular and religious styles from the foundation of Islam to the present day. What today is known as Islamic architecture owes its origin to similar structures already existing in Roman, Byzantine and Persian lands which the Muslims conquered in the 7th and 8th centuries. Further east, it was also influenced by Chinese and Indian architecture as Islam spread to South-East Asia. The principal Islamic architectural types are: the Mosque, the Tomb, the Palace and the Fort. From these four types, the vocabulary of Islamic architecture is derived and used for other buildings such as public baths, fountains and domestic architecture.

As Muslims all over the world prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, we bring you a run-down of the five marvels of architecture in a religion that has stood the test of time.

1. The Great Mosque of Djenné, Mali

Located in the West African country of Mali, the Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud brick building in the world. Construction began in the 13th century but the site fell into disrepair in subsequent eras. The edifice that stands today dates back to 1907 when French town administrators demanded it to be rebuilt. Made from sun-baked mud bricks, which are coated with mud plaster for a smooth finish, the nine feet tall mosque is considered one of the most famous landmarks in Africa.

While its official title is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this stunning example of Islamic architecture known as the Blue Mosque calls Istanbul home. Construction began in 1609 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, and was complete in 1616. It gets its nickname from the glistening blue tiles that adorn the interior walls; and design-wise, the mosque borrows elements from the Byzantine era. The magnificent structure is also replete with six minarets, eight domes, blue paint, stained glass windows, a mihrab – made from finely carved and sculpted marble – and over 20,000 handmade tiles.