Bridging the Gap Between the Past and the Present: a Reconsideration of Mosque Architectural Elements

Mosques are among the most important building types for any community, where Muslims gather for their prayers and social activities. Mosque architecture has developed over history and faced several dramatic changes. This raises a question regarding the reality of mosque architecture and how it should look like today. This paper discusses this issue through a historical overview and some critical observations. Firstly, the paper discusses the historical functional role of mosque basic elements. Validity of these elements within the context of modern architecture has been argued considering the contemporary inputs that have a significant impact on mosque architecture. Several cases are presented and discussed in this regard. The study concluded that there is a great symbolic and spiritual value of these elements that should be maintained. The analysis carried out of several contemporary cases revealed that there is a wide margin to revive and reintroduce these elements in the light of the modern architectural trends. In addition to their functional roles, mosque architectural elements could be used as identity elements of the Islamic city, microclimatic modifiers, and linking tools between the past and the present.


INTRODUCTION
Since the early times of Islamic history, Muslims have paid a lot of care to mosque architecture. This could be noticed in the diversity of mosque elements and styles that have been used across the history. Several elements have been used for centuries in the architecture of this unique type of buildings including prayer hall, courtyard, dome, minaret, and iwan. However, the contemporary development of architecture in terms of technology and theory caused confusion among architects of what mosque architecture should look like. The common practice of the mere copy of these elements from the historical examples without understanding their original and potential roles is controversial. Understanding the background of the emergence of these elements and how they have developed overtime should help designers reintroduce mosque architecture in a way that is consistent with its social, political, and technical contexts. This forms a real challenge to designers, which exposes the conflict that exists today between modernism and vernacularism in mosque design. This paper aims to investigate this issue in order to find out how to achieve a proper contemporary utilisation of the constituent elements of mosque architecture. It begins with an overview on the development of mosque architecture. Then, it discusses mosque design within the context of contemporary architecture to find out the potential contemporary reconsideration of the historical elements of mosque architecture.

RESEARCH METHODS
This main research problem is to find out how to reconsider the constituent historical elements of mosque architecture in a way that bridge the gap between the past and the present of mosque architecture. This is a valid issue since a clear divergence could be observed between the vernacularism and modernism schools in mosque architecture. To bridge the gap between these two approaches, a review on the emergence and development of mosque architectural elements has been carried out. This is followed by a critical discussion of the possible opportunities of reintroducing these elements in a modern function and synthesis. This has been done through a descriptive approach based on a historical analysis and an inductive review of several real-time examples. In this context, the current trends of mosque architecture have been distinguished, and necessity of the historical elements in mosque architecture has been discussed.  In general, the design of this first simple and homogeneous with its urban number of Muslims increased, this m extended and developed seven years la court surrounded by arcades from all sid spread outside the Arabian Peninsula, mosques in the city increased from one la called al-Masjid al-Jami or the grand mosq and possibly hundreds of mosques. A design developed as a response to the contexts. Many elements have been adde design ( Figure 2).

DEVELOPMENT OF MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE
The first and most important elemen architecture is the prayer hall, which is the people pray in rows directed to the Qib Prayer hall also includes a place for the I the leader of prayers. This place is calle niche, and it is placed in the front wall Inside it, there is another element calle pulpit, from where the Imam delivers Mu speech in Friday prayer. As a general rule, prayer hall should not contain anything disturb the praying people, especially in wall. Symmetry in prayer halls is a usual p could be along one or two axes.
Another element of mosque archit courtyard. Courtyard was used as a main the first construction of the Prophet s Mo 1). It is a common element in almost all m It is usually attached to the prayer hall and by covered arcades called riwaq from at le Mosque courtyard has several adva example, it can be used as an additio prayer place especially in peak times an Also, it has an environmental advant shading, vegetation and water bodies can passive cooling purposes [3].
The twin of dome and minaret is an component of mosque architecture. Histo is one of the oldest roofing forms and ha since the earliest times. Also, it is consider the most efficient shapes to cover lar mosque architecture, some claim that additional symbolic value of representing the heaven. However, it also attract    Dome is used in different wa It could be used as a main ro complementary one. The earliest than the subsequent ones. Some m dome, while others include multip of dome shapes could be distin architecture like spherical, ellip onion-shaped domes. In gener common in Turkish mosques whi by the construction of multiple do These domes are usually centrali hall, and sometimes cover the en and smaller numerous domes. In th doesn t rely solely on columns. Th ceiling in the interior and massive exterior. e large internal space minarets in the Ottoman y [5] reat Mosque of Cordoba, n [5] (d): Friday Mosque of tarjan, 14th century, Iran: ome chamber iwan [5] : Ghoury minaret, Egypt (by the author) s of the use of mosque ents ays in mosque design. roofing element or a t domes were smaller e mosques include one iple ones. Also, variety tinguished in mosque liptical, bulbous, and eral, this element is hich are characterised omes and half domes. alised over the prayer ntire plan with lateral this case, roof loading This resulted in a high ive appearance of the Minaret is the principal vertical feature of mosque architecture. It is the tower from which prayer call is historically performed five times a day. This has been replaced by sound speakers nowadays. In addition, some claim that it has a symbolic value represented in raising the declaration of faith. One or more minarets are usually attached to mosque prayer hall. Minarets in the historical models have a variety of forms. This is clear in Cairo, which is known as the city of a thousand minarets. One main form is the square one, which is found in Syria, North Africa, and Spain. Another form is the spiral one. Minarets of Ibn Tulun mosque and the Great Mosque of Samarra are famous examples here. Also, the pencil-like minarets are common in Anatolia. Finally, iwan is another historical element of mosque architecture that could be found in Persia. Iwan is a vaulted open hall with rectangular arched facade used as a monumental entrance [4]. In some examples, many iwans have been used in different sides of the mosque courtyard.

Hypostyle mosques: Location
The

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Mosque architectural elements disc have been used in different ways and com a common language to produce differ styles. This was a result of local and region (e.g. the effect of the climatic conditions o the courtyard). According to Frishman & K possible to classify mosque architectura five broad styles according to their geogr as depicted in Figure 3. Hillenbrand [1] cla under three main categories: the hypost style, the Turkish or Ottoman style, and t Persian style. He said that the rest of style similarities with them. For example, mos the Indian subcontinent is a successful co these three main styles. In these styles discussed geometrical elements o architecture are maintained but varied another.
This diversity in mosque elements different ears of Islamic history can be re dynamic concept of mosque, which is simp perform prayers. This means that the simp mosque is a defined enclosure, usually c its floor used for prayer. As an examp shows an open-air simple prayer area, w marker indicates Qibla, Makkah directio basic functional requirements in mosque are [6,7]  scussed above ombinations as erent mosque onal conditions s on the use of Khan [4], it is ral styles into graphical zone classified them style or Arabic the Iranian or les have major osque style in ombination of es, the aboveof mosque d in a way or ts during the related to the mply a place to mplest form of covered, with ple, Figure 4 where a stone ion. Thus, the e architecture -Providing a sufficient and pure -Orientation towards Makkah.
-Reducing or eliminating int interrupt prayer rows.
-Avoiding over decoration that -Using plan forms that allow especially the first one which in Islamic traditions. Other facilities may be adde the functions of community welfa in mosque buildings in addition to Some spaces that are commo contemporary mosque are: femal teaching facilities, meeting ro facilities. Figure 5 shows a zoning example of a typical contempora the above-mentioned elements.  One main reason of this div the necessity of some historical e architecture. Some argue that som such as domes, were not origi Muslims, therefore they should no architecture. However, this is how to develop the work of others in Moreover, Islamic architecture ha building types, elements, prop ornaments [14].
Journal of Islamic Architect rchitectural mosque d from the historical gnificant changes. y mosque from these odernism, where the orms possibly with an l elements of mosque styles but in a modern ostmodernism, which roach. In this case, sque architecture are ut in modified forms, , and materials. in Copenhagen [13] tinguished for mosque t of architecture iversity is questioning l elements in mosque me of these elements, ginally developed by ot be used in mosque w architecture works: in an innovative way. has developed special portions, and even Some also argue tha been used in the first mo Thus, their claimed spiritu Accordingly, mosque spir from its simplicity and pur in prayer while maintaining this context, the spiritual ro considered as complemen [6]. In this context, dom considered as optional ele the modernism schoo underestimates the functio as discussed below.
One of the historical rows of praying people structural elements in the maintaining connected vis the prayer hall and the Friday speech, Khotba. It benefits are achievable systems like frames or othe However, it has been fou point of view that do environmental potential buildings. This includes en currents. They also help en to the fact that they have likely to be trapped. Ano building materials. Dome h less surface area when building [16].
Regarding the minar minaret is also a topic of ar The question of this argum behind minaret use in performing prayer call or always a person allocated the minaret top. Nowad anymore because of th systems. Therefore, it coul need for this large struc However, circumstances minarets in Islam tell that t have a symbolic value mor Also, the analysis of the wo gives another dimension t Arabic is named in one of t three words, which indicat apart from prayer call: hat these elements have not odel, the Prophet s Mosque. itual value is overestimated. iritual impact should come urity that promote spirituality ing the aesthetic principles. In role of these elements can be entary rather than essential me and minaret have been lements of mosque design in ool [15]. However, this tional role of these elements l roles of the dome is to keep le connected by reducing e prayer hall. This also helps vision lines between people in pulpit while delivering the t could be argued that these using advanced structural her types of space structures. ound from an environmental domes have a significant l that justify their use in enhancing vertical ventilation energy savings in cooling due ve no corners where heat is nother benefit is saving on has approximately one-third n compared to a box-style aret, the historical role of the argument between historians. ument is whether the reason in mosques was originally or not. In the past, there is d to perform prayer call from days, this is not applicable the use of sound speaker uld be argued that there is no cture just for this function. s of establishing the first t they might were intended to ore than a functional one [1]. ord origin in Arabic language to this argument. Minaret in f the following most common ate that it has other functions s a place of light. ns a seclusion cell, usually for e is still used in North Africa. ans a prayer call place. f this argument, Nofal [17] ectural elements in different own in Figure 7. He claimed ve their preferences from the he earliest mosques in Islam, tial fictional requirements. In classification is a subject of it includes the minaret as one ile it excluded the dome. This is despite of the fact that dome is a common architectural element that has been used in the earliest mosques and reached its peak in mosque of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem built in the Umayyad dynasty in the seventh century. In this century, minarets started to be used in mosques [18], and were not popular until the fourteenth and fifteenth century [2]. In general, historical elements of mosque architecture have achieved their validity by being in use for centuries of the Islamic civilisation. The fact that they have not been used in the first model didn t prevent their use later on as there is no particular Islamic text in this regard. This means that historical elements of mosques should be maintained and enriched to provide the required symbolism. This has to be done in an innovative way that harmonises with the context of contemporary architecture without being put into rigid moulds. This strikes a balance between the need of preserving mosque identity and the need of keeping the door open for innovation in mosque architecture in a way that considers the local and regional requirements. -The modern structural system in in King Faisal mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. This system allowed space enclosure similar to the dome and possibly free of internal columns.

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The use of foldable structure to cover the courtyard of the Central Mosque in London.

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The new proportions implemented in the design of the dome and minaret in the famous Island Mosque, Jeddah, KSA. This means that designers nowadays have wide margins to deal with mosque design in a contemporary way without compromising its historical reference. The author recommends that mosque architecture and its constituent elements need to be perceived in the contemporary context of architecture as:

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Linking tools between the past and the present: Muslims are used to see mosque buildings in specific styles or characters for several centuries. This has created a spiritual link between them and the spirit of the Islamic history and civilisation. The current diverse trends of modern architecture confirm the need to contextualise mosque architecture. Considering the need to revitalise the historical architecture of mosques, modern architecture of Muslim societies needs to be integrated in this regard [19].
-Identity elements of the Islamic city: In fact, architecture is the most tangible physical manifestation of our societies, which have the ability to add a sense of civilization to their own habitat [20]. This is critical considering that within the context of globalization and contemporary architecture, preserving city identity has become an essential issue. Mosque architecture in this regard should be perceived not only as a technique of forming the space but also as a chance to create a system of meanings and expressions [22].

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Identity tools utilised to distinguish mosques among adjacent buildings: When somebody looks for a mosque, he/she will try to find a building with specific characteristics and architectural elements. This in fact shows the advantage of mosque historical elements, especially dome and minaret which are the two most powerful symbols of mosque architecture [23]. Al-Qaradawi, an Islamic scholar, mentioned that one of the characteristics required in mosques is the uniqueness of its architecture among other buildings [7]. This has the advantage of guiding people to this kind of buildings. Thus, mosque should be designed in a way that makes mosque identity unquestionable.
-Microclimatic modifiers: As argued above, the traditional architectural elements are still used in the contemporary mosque design. One way to give their existence more value is to use them for serving design sustainability. Sustainability is a comprehensive term that encompasses several good causes that are consistent with the mission of mosques. In its core, sustainability means preserving resources for the future generations and providing thermal comfort for building occupants. Considering the latter notion, several elements have been used in mosque architecture to response to the local climatic needs [24,25]. This includes the courtyard, possibly with a fountain in the middle to create a microclimate, domed and vaulted

CONCLUSION
This study highlighted the and its main constituent element analysis of the historical deve elements. Despite the great div mosque architecture, designers dilemma when it comes to the co design. Some tend to copy prototypes, while others try to d from the historical models in orde models. In fact, both tendencies another underestimated the imp historical preference on one han functional and aesthetic potent elements on the other hand.
Journal of Islamic Architect ventilation and provide ashrabeya to provide hall and provide ading. Unfortunately, ted the thermal and sques in depth [26]. ifference between a d the one that hasn t. ioned issues related to f natural ventilation, ading are lost in the penings placed at the ave been found to be the building [27]. This in fact explains implementing the con contemporary green mosque . The role of promoting sustainab community and enha substantial [28]. Cont be designed in a way energy. This is achieva techniques. The des integrated with the located within walk neighbourhoods.
(b): Islamabad: using modern structures and several minarets in King Faisal mosque [15] (c): London: the sheltering in the Ce (e): Jeddah: the Island Mosque [5] (f): Karachi: using con whole prayer area of Figure 8: Examples on different contemporary mosques concept of mosque nts. It offered a brief velopment of these diversity observed in rs nowadays face a ontemporary mosque from the historical delink their designs der to introduce new ies have in a way or portance of mosque and, and the modern ntial of its historical To develop a mo architecture, spiritual and elements as well as their fu role should be recons contemporary mosque de our architecture today wit Islamic architecture in orde Islamic city. The presented is a possible practice in con Referring to the historical the new designs is achieva mosque elements to be c architectural inputs. This language in mosque a regional diversity, on the o loss of mosque identity on Omar S. Asfour cture, 4(2) December 2016 | 83 the growing trend of ncepts of sustainability in the en mosque or sustainable of such type of buildings in ability awareness in the hancing the quality of life is ntemporary mosques should y that minimises the usage of vable using passive and active esign should also be welle existing landscape, and lking distance of adjacent e use of courtyard with light Central Mosque of London [15] oncrete shell dome to cover the of Defence Officers mosque [15] odern theory of mosque d symbolic values of mosque functional and environmental sidered. This means that esign should be used to link ith the spirit of the history of der to maintain identity of the ed examples showed that this ontemporary mosque design. al models in order to validate evable through reintroducing consistent with the modern is helps forming a common architecture that respects one hand, and prevents the n the other one.
In this context, mosque historical elements need to be perceived in the contemporary context of architecture as:

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Linking tools between the present and the spirit of the Islamic history and civilisation -Identity elements of the Islamic city -Identity tools utilised to distinguish mosques among adjacent buildings -Microclimatic modifiers that emphasise the role of mosque in promoting the concepts of sustainability and green architecture.