The Dazzling in Islamic Architecture

Ahmed Abdulwahid Dhannoon Taha (University of Mosul, College of Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering)
Oday Qusay Abdulqader Alchalabi (University of Mosul, College of Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering)
Amer Abdullah Alazawi (University of Mosul, College of Engineering, Department of Architectural Engineering)

Journal of Islamic Architecture
Vol 8, No 1 (2024): Journal of Islamic Architecture

Buildings in Islamic architecture are distinguished by dazzling features in general, especially religious buildings such as mosques, schools, and shrines. The literature could not find a clear identification of reaching the dazzling concept. Moreover, researchers in the Islamic architecture discipline did not focus on determining sufficient knowledge of the design methods of applying the dazzling approach in Islamic architecture, and they did not clarify a specific detailed vocabulary of Islamic dazzling concepts. However, the problem of the study was identified by observing the literature and buildings. Therefore, the formulated question encompasses “the unclear knowledge of applying designing procedure of dazzling characteristics in Islamic Architecture buildings.” The study raised an important question: “What is the design methodology of dazzling features in religious buildings within Islamic Architecture.” The study aims to identify the practical design elements, principles, and rules of the dazzling characteristics in religious buildings in Islamic architecture to draw out a guideline that designers can apply in contemporary Islamic Architecture. The theoretical framework of the dazzling concept was constructed to achieve this aim, with variables and sub-variables highlighted to identify the design methodology that can actualize dazzling concept in Islamic architecture by reviewing previous studies. The abstracted variables used in designing the checklist were applied to analyze the cases formally. Selecting cases from religious buildings from Islamic style depends on specific criteria. However, the results analyzed statically showed that dazzling concept in Islamic architecture applied in five major levels (structure, form, architectural elements, interior space, and ornamentation) with seven main principles (richness, exaggeration, uniqueness, complexity, proportion, and ambiguity). Richness is the most affected factor in applying clear dazzling concept, while exaggeration and uniqueness are second-rated factors that can impact the value. Dazzling concept is an essential characteristic that designers should apply in contemporary Islamic architecture.