History, theory and belief: A conceptual study of the traditional Mosque in Islamic architecture

This study seeks to contribute to the clarification of our understanding of the concept of the traditional Mosque through an exploration of historical and theoretical developments in traditional mosque architecture, especially with respect to The Muslim's relationship with the Divine. I trace the way in which Islamic Religious Architecture is an expression of the Muslim way of life, a product of religious requirements, and the result of unique cultural and environmental factors. I emphasize how Mosque architecture is a sacred architecture that reflects the ideals of unification and solidarity within Muslim society.; While I do not seek a precise or 'definitive' definition of the term 'traditional' as it is applied to mosque architecture, I do seek to make a significant contribution to the literature insofar as I help to clarify or reify our understanding of what can correctly be seen as 'traditional' in mosque architecture, vis-a-vis contemporary trends in the modern world. The central thrust of my thesis is that Islamic architectural tradition can indeed be defined, given form, and I seek to account for and explore the way in which tradition is of special importance to Islam, as compared with its sister religions in the West. I argue that fidelity to tradition, at least on some level, is imperative to the survival of mosque architecture, as we know it. I am especially concerned that this be done in such a way as to enhance the preservation of the unique identity and dignity of the Islamic architectural tradition.; I trace the way in which Islamic architecture was initiated by the Prophet Mohammed {lcub}Peace be upon Him{rcub}, when he built his mosque in Yathrib (al-Madinah), fourteen centuries ago, and how it rapidly became an extremely dynamic center for the new Muslim community, a place for the five daily congregational prayers and a model for Islamic communities of the future. This was a social environment already fully regulated by Islamic law, "al-Shari'ah," derived from the Qura'an and "Sunnah" (the customs) of the Prophet Mohammed {lcub}Peace be upon Him{rcub}, even though Islamic Law as a codified system would not be formalized for several hundred years to come.; I pay close attention to the concept of religious or sacred space, especially insofar as it is relevant to the Islamic Tradition and the way in which sacred architecture reflects a society's awareness of its relationship with the Divine. Through a comparison with Judaism and Christianity, Islam's sister Western religious traditions, especially the latter, I explore the various understandings of religious art and symbolism, as well as the unique historical realities that have shaped Muslim religious communities, and, subsequently, traditional mosque architecture. I also explore the diversity that is found in the architectural design of mosques and the key roles that mosques play in the definition of Islamic architecture in general. I have a special interest in and focus on the role of the mosque in traditional Moorish architectural styles in Morocco and Spain, as well as Ottoman styles in Turkey, which I see as especially salient examples of the artistic heights that traditional Islamic architecture has attained.