Architecture

Nick Daniele - A Period Zoe Anszperger - B Period Ben Bushnell - D Period


 * __Intro:__** Mosques are very important to the Muslim religion. They are their buildings for prayer and worship, like Christian churches and Jewish temples. There are many different parts of mosques, such as minarets and minbars. The dome is another feature used. For many years, all mosques had very similar features, though newer mosques have started changing. The architecture of mosques is easily recognizable and a symbol of Islam worldwide.

__**Subtopics**__**:** Basic Mosque Architecture: __** Mosques can have some basic things in common. Depending on the size of them they can have minarets. These tall needle-like structures can be square, spiral or a combination. They are used to call the people to the mosque when it is time to pray. They also can have a inner courtyard. Muslims use this for meditation before they pray inside the mosque. Mosques can be very different on the inside to, but they all have a qiblah wall. This wall is much fancier than the others. It could have repeated patterns or many windows depending on the mosque. You will also find some other things inside a mosque. The minbar is basically a raised staircase where the Ihram speaks to the people. That is some basic mosque architecture.
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__**Modern Mosques**:__ In recent years, mosque architecture has started changing. Because Islam has spread to many very different countries, mosques have been modified to fit in with the rest of the architecture in the area. Architects who design mosques try to make it obviously a mosque, while trying not to make it out of place with the culture of the area. Instead of muzzeins calling for prayer, some mosques now use speakers to project the sound even further than a human voice. Some don't have either, because the area is too loud or other people in the area would complain about the noise. Another feature of modern mosques is that many have fewer Arabic designs. Since many mosques are built in countries that are not of a Muslim majority, the designs would be out of place, so many architects make changes.



The dome is also a very important part of a mosque. It symbolizes the Vault of heaven and divine dominance. There are many types of domes for example, the bulbous and the onion dome. Domes were built much greater and larger as time went on because they found new ways of building and different materials. Domes must have a space for a community center because all were welcome to enter the dome so Muslims could encourage Islam. The most common domes are the semi-circle domes because they are attractive and yet easy to build. This is also the oldest type of dome. Another common type of dome is the bulbous dome, also known as the onion dome, which are mainly found in Russia and Eastern Europe. Inside the domes were patterns of mosaics. These mosaics were tile patterns on the walls, the inside of the dome and various other places.
 * __The Dome__:**

[[image:Dome_of_the_Rock.jpg width="352" height="243" align="center" caption="The Dome of the Rock"]]
Mosque architecture is an ever changing process. It has evolved over hundreds of years to look they way it does now. Mosques are still being built today throughout the world. They have developed greately since the Islams introduced them hundreds of years ago and are still are a symbol of Islam today. Mosques are very reconizable because of some common types of architecture. Most mosques have a common feature such as the dome. It is seen among almost every mosque. There are differnt parts of a mosques such as minarets and minbars. Mosques are found all over the world and are one of the greatest pieces of architecture in modern day.
 * __ Conclusion: __**

Sources:
i-cias.comweb.mit.eduislam.about.commuslimheritage.org [|www.muslimheritage.org/topics/default.cfm?ArticleID=275] [|www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Architecture/Mosques.html] [|www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1889047,00.html] [|www.nikiomahe.com/architecture-design/assyafaah-mosque-singapore/]