Question -
Answer -
Islamic Architectural Forms
All buildings used for Islamic worship, instruction and commemoration form a part of the Islamic architecture. The three most important forms of the Islamic architecture are the hypostyle mosque, the four-iwan mosque and the centrally planned mosque. Let’s discuss each of them.
• Hypostyle mosque: The basic unit of the hypostyle mosque was the bay. The bay is an area covered by four columns. In a hypostyle, the bay could be expanded so as allow the mosque to grow along. This enabled the growing community to find space for prayers. These mosques had an inner courtyard surrounded by riwaqs or arcades on three sides. The courtyards usually had a fountain to conduct wudu. Minarets also made their appearance in mosques in this form. The most famous hypostyle mosque is the Great Mosque of Kairouan, Tunisia.
• Four-iwan mosque: The four-iwan style of mosques developed in the 11th century. Iwan was a vaulted space opening on one side of the courtyard. Of all the iwans, the principle one was well decorated. This style was highly influenced by the Persian architecture. The Masjid-i-Jami at Isfahan is an important example of the four-iwan mosque form.
• Centrally planned mosque: This form of mosque was popular among the Ottomans. The earliest example of this form was the mosque built by the Ottomans by converting the Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia. This mosque became the prototype for several other mosques built by the Ottomans in the times to come. These mosques usually had large spherical domes and four distinct minarets. The Selimiye Cami in Edime is an example of the centrally planned mosque.
Roman Architectural Forms
Romans were great builders. They introduced several new building methods and techniques that replaced the previously used techniques of post and lintel. Roman builders introduced the use arches and columns. On the basis of the types of columns used, Roman buildings can be classified into three main forms: Doric, Ionic and Corinthian. Let’s discuss each of them.
• Doric style: The Doric columns are the simplest of all forms of columns. They have a circle-shaped capital at the top and a square at the top of that. The Doric form does not have any base. The Parthenon of Athens belongs to this order.
• Ionic style: The Ionic style is more graceful but less imposing compared to the Doric style. This form has a more ornamented capital and a slender and fluted shaft. The Colosseum in Rome has the Ionic style of columns.
• Corinthian style: This style of columns is often referred to as the king of all columns. The bell-shaped capital with acanthus leaf motifs makes these columns highly elegant.