Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | Online Publication Date: 24 Feb 2011
The Distinct Morphology and Essence of the Islamic Built Environment
The Distinct Morphology and Essence of the Islamic Built Environment
Page Range: 207 – 214
The purpose of this research note is to describe the importance and understand the essence of the distinct features of Islamic space. With the integration of guidelines for the spiritual dimensions of life, planners of the early Islamic cities recognized the vital importance of the intangible aspects of the built space, along with three-dimensional objects, and founded lively cities with a reflection of an archetypal world. Umayyads, Abbasids, Alghabids, Almohads, Fatimids, Ottomans, Safavids, and Mughals synthesized a spectacularly refined and celebrated architecture, unequalled in scale and beauty. From AD 800 to 1450, the craft of mathematics found its home in the Muslim world and was able to satisfy civilized man's desire for logical subtlety and for intellectual games. Artisans learned mathematics related to geometrical figures and could produce intriguing ornamental patterns in the architectural monuments. Every society has an intimate relationship with its physical environment, which is cherished through generations; it is important to relate the built environment to the specific architectural as well as social and religious attributes of a particular region. Architects and students of architecture in the Islamic world need to evaluate scientifically the traditions of the Islamic built environment and seek to incorporate what is still useful into contemporary practice.
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