There emerges from Islamic architecture a particular poetry. Fine mosaics, sumptuous sculptures, complex engravings, majestic gilding, mashrabiya and admirable stained glass windows...
Introduction
So many extremely rich architectural details that invite you to daydream... Discover 7 wonders of Islamic architecture that bear witness to a true creative genius.
The Pink Mosque in Iran “Nasir-ol-Molk”
This mosque is extremely rare. Located in the city of Shiraz in Iran. It hides behind its facade, which may seem ordinary, a real kaleidoscope when you go there in the early morning. The mosque is decorated with unique stained glass windows and several traditional elements. The floors, walls and ceilings are covered with a very unique colored mosaic, tiles in pink tones, which gives it its name. It was erected on the order of Lord Mirza Hasan Ali Nasir al Molk, its construction lasted 1 year and it was finalized in 1888.
The Blue Mosque in Türkiye
The Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, is the second Mosque in the world to have six minarets, after that of Mecca, which forced the construction of a seventh minaret at the Mosque of Mecca, so that it could remain the mosque with the most minarets in the world. The interior decorations of the Blue Mosque are stunning. Indeed, more than 260 windows and 20,000 blue tiles from Iznik make up the Blue Mosque. The Mihrab of the Blue Mosque of Istanbul is made of white marble from Marmara... learn more
The Alhambra in Spain
Better known as the Alhambra, the palatial city of Granada is a masterpiece of Islamic civil, military and artistic engineering. Its walls house palaces and gardens that have inspired poets and continue to amaze visitors from around the world. The main feature of the site is undoubtedly the famous Courtyard of the Lions (in Spanish Patio de los Leones). Its name comes from the fountain with twelve water-jet lions, which is located in the middle of the patio. With its countless sculptures, engravings and paintings, Al-Ḥamra is one of the most beautiful jewels of Islamic art.
Great Mosque of Kairouan in Tunisia
Named Oqba Ibn Nafi Mosque in particular, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the main mosques in Tunisia. Built in 650, in Kairouan, this mosque is the oldest and most prestigious in the Muslim West. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, it is considered the ancestor of all the mosques of the Maghreb. The mosque is built of hewn stone and appears as a fortress with 8 gates, towers and bastions. It contains many archaeological remains such as its ancient columns or the oldest minbar in the Muslim world. Its prayer room is decorated with old earthenware tiles, but also with doors in cedar from Lebanon.
The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali
Built in 1907, the great mosque of Djenné is the largest building in the world built from raw earth. It is considered to be the supreme representation of the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. The enclosure wall is decorated with numerous carved wooden pieces arranged perpendicularly, which gives it this very particular volume. They have a role of scaffolding and their function is to evacuate rainwater to avoid damaging the raw earth.
Mosque on the water “Masjid Selat Melaka” in Malaysia
Located between land and sea on an artificial island called Pulau Melaka (Melaka Island) in Malaysia, the Selat Melaka Mosque seems to float at every high tide, hence its name Floating Island. Inaugurated in 2006 by the sovereign of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it is at the crossroads between Middle Eastern architecture and Malaysian craftsmanship. The most striking feature of the mosque is its 30-meter-tall minaret which also functions as a beacon, as well as its solid gold dome with blue trimmings visible from afar which sits above its main prayer hall.
Taj Mahal in India
Taj Mahal, which means “the crown palace” in Persian, is considered the flagship of Mughal Islamic architecture. Its recognized architectural beauty is based on a rhythmic combination of solids and voids, concave and convex elements, shadows and lights, where arches and domes enhance the artistic aspect. The marble sculptures with inlays of precious and semi-precious stones give the building all its originality.
This architectural masterpiece in terms of design, treatment and execution of the building has unique aesthetic qualities of balance, symmetry and harmony between its various elements.
