Author: Abu Raef
The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 53)
The Art and Craft of Architecture
Islamic architecture possesses its own unique identity and style—instantly recognizable at first glance, whether in its overall design, distinctive architectural elements, or decorative features.
Muslim architects made remarkable contributions to the art of architecture. They designed detailed plans, construction models, and three-dimensional layouts required for building. They also performed initial estimates—undoubtedly requiring mastery in disciplines such as engineering, mathematics, and mechanics—fields in which Muslims had already excelled, as previously shown.
Below are some of the major technologies and achievements in Islamic architecture, highlighting its significance and the pioneering role of Muslims in its innovation and development:
1. Dome Construction Technology
Muslims had exceptional skill in constructing large domes, successfully performing the complex calculations involved—based on shell structure analysis. Intricate domes such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and those of mosques in Istanbul, Cairo, and Andalusia, are examples of this mastery. These domes not only had precise engineering but also added aesthetic beauty to mosques. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul is a vivid testament to the grandeur of this art and the greatness of Islamic civilization.
Domes are among the most prominent symbols of Islamic architectural advancement, having evolved over time into various geometric forms, such as the domes of Kairouan Grand Mosque, Zaytuna Mosque in Tunisia, and Cordoba Mosque. The effects of this development became evident in European architecture during the 11th and 12th centuries. [1]
2. Pillars Technology
Columns (Pillars) were central features in Islamic art, often with ornate capitals, pointed arches, and wooden joinery. This led to the development of a dedicated science called the science of architectural arches.
The horseshoe arch (حدوة الفرس) became a hallmark of Islamic architecture. While arches existed before, their forms were transformed and perfected by Muslims.
3. Muqarnas Technology
Muqarnas—stalactite-like decorations hanging from ceilings—are a signature element of Islamic architecture. They are categorized into interior muqarnas (used in mihrabs and ceilings) and exterior muqarnas (used in minarets, palace entrances, and iwans).
4. Mashrabiya (Latticed Window) Technology
Mashrabiyas—latticed wooden windows—were iconic in Islamic homes. They could be plain or decorative. Circular ones were called qamariyya, while non-circular types were known as shamsiyya or sometimes shay’ā. Carved from wood and placed over windows like a screen, mashrabiyas reduced light intensity, improved ventilation, and allowed women to see outside without being seen—eventually becoming a symbol of Islamic domestic architecture. [2]
5. Architectural Acoustics Technology
Muslims, who pioneered the field of acoustics, applied it in architecture. They realized that sound, like light, reflects off concave surfaces and converges at specific points. Using this, they designed large spaces—especially grand mosques—to ensure the imam’s or preacher’s voice could be heard clearly during Friday and Eid prayers.
Examples include the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, Adiliyah Mosque in Aleppo, and old mosques in Baghdad—all with concave ceilings and walls to evenly distribute sound.
These achievements, showing Muslim scholars’ leadership in architectural acoustics, still endure today as evidence of Islamic architectural brilliance. In contrast, the Western scientist Wallace Sabine [3] only began his acoustic research around 1900 while studying poor sound quality in lecture halls at Harvard University.
To appreciate the Muslim contribution to acoustic technology, consider how their understanding of sound focusing now underpins modern architectural acoustics—like concave rear walls in theaters that reflect and clarify sound. [4]
6. Arch Technology
Historical sources confirm that the first inflated arch (قوس منفوخ) in Islamic architecture was used in the Great Mosque of Damascus in 87 AH / 706 CE. It rapidly spread across the Islamic world and became a defining feature—especially in North Africa and Andalusia. Later, European architects adopted these arches in building churches and monasteries.
Muslims also invented triple arches based on precise geometric and mathematical principles. Researchers confirmed this from patterns found on a wall in the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra.
7. Lobed Arch (Muqassasa) Technology
Researchers, studying remains in the ruins of Madinat al-Zahra in Andalusia, discovered early triple and lobed arches. These lobed or scalloped arches, featuring chains of semicircles or lobes—possibly inspired by shell edges—first appeared in the early 2nd century AH (8th century CE). A complete example can be seen in the dome of Kairouan Grand Mosque from 221 AH / 836 CE. Over time, these arches became more intricate, decorated with floral patterns—especially in minarets and mihrabs.
8. Dams and Qanat Technology
Islamic architectural aesthetics extended to the construction of qanats, bridges, and canals, which added beauty to flowing water and reflected the civilization’s prosperity and urban planning skill.
9. Wall Engineering Technology
Islamic architecture emphasized practical mechanical applications in constructing tall mosques, lofty minarets, qanats, and massive dams, such as the Nahrawan Dam, Al-Rastan Dam, and Euphrates Dam.
Advanced technologies were also used in constructing the “Majri al-‘Uyoon” Wall in Cairo during Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi’s time, which transported Nile water to a fortress atop Muqattam Mountain. This system included waterwheels powered by animals, lifting water 10 meters to reach the castle via canals. [5]
10. Castle Construction Technology
Arab castles were among the greatest contributions Muslims made to the West—something noted by Sigrid Hunke. Before Muslim influence, the West only knew circular castles, but after Muslim entry into Andalusia, Sicily, and the Crusades, castle architecture in the West adopted Islamic patterns—favoring square designs with corner or side watchtowers. [6]
The splendor of architecture reflects the grandeur of the civilization that produced it—a historical principle. As Ibn Khaldun said: “Government and civilization are to each other what form is to matter—one cannot exist without the other. Civilization is unimaginable without government, and government is unthinkable without civilization. Therefore, the fall of one inevitably leads to the fall of the other.” [7]
This intrinsic value of architecture in the advancement of any civilization led Muslims to devote special care to architectural endeavors. Present-day mosques, minarets, recreational centers, and tourist sites in Islamic countries—as well as Islamic religious centers in non-Muslim lands like Andalusia and parts of Europe—all attest to the high esteem Muslims have held for architecture.
Continues…
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References:
[1] Ahmad Fuad Basha, Al-Turāth al-‘Ilmī al-Islāmī: Legacy of the Past or Provision for the Present?, pp. 39–40, 1st ed., 1423 AH, Dar al-Fikr al-‘Arabī, Cairo.
[2] Ibid., p. 41
[3] Wallace Clement Sabine (1868–1919), American physicist and founder of architectural acoustics.
[4] History of Islamic Civilization in the Middle Ages, pp. 278–286
[5] What Did Muslims Give the World? p. 603
[6] Sigrid Hunke, The Sun of the Arabs Shines on the West, p. 440, Dar al-Jil, Beirut, Lebanon
[7] What Did Muslims Give the World? p. 603
