Blog 3: The Meaning Behind Islamic Architecture

Ever since I first stepped into a mosque, I have always wanted to understand how Islamic architecture came about. How did architects come up with such intricate geometric designs and how did they repeat similar patterns for every mosque? I have tried to re-create these geometric configurations with the most basic materials (paper and pencil) and am still unable to get remotely close to my reference pattern of repeating shapes. In this text, I will explore the process and meaning behind these amazing geometric patterns!

In Islam, the concept of heaven, spirituality, and the eternal nature of God (Allah) is highly regarded, as it highlights the main points of the religion. These qualities are reflected through the geometric patterns and colors in many mosques.

For example, the colors blue and white are used very frequently in mosque designs as they represent the sky and the idea of heaven and the eternal world after death. These shades can also represent tranquility and calmness, as mosques are a place to connect with God and stay calm. In almost all of these designs, God’s name, the prophet’s name, and the names of the prophet’s family members and also written throughout each pattern. This further emphasizes the extent of spirituality in the designs.

The repeating shapes in these designs have a very similar meaning. They represent the concept of infinity (life after deathO and teh eternalness of God. This is very similar to the colors blue and white and their symbolism.

These geometric patterns are formed from a series of basic shapes, such as circles or squares. These circles and squares are layered over each other, creating new shapes inside them. This process is repeated multiple times to create the signature Islamic patterns. Then, various colors, such as blue, purple, yellow, and white, are used to color the patterns.

The process of layering various shapes to create new shapes results in endless unique patterns that I find beautiful.

Image from IslamicIllumination.com

Citations

A, Esra. “How to Learn Islamic Patterns? - Art of Islamic Illumination.” Patterns & Illumination, Patterns & Illumination, 4 May 2021, www.islamicillumination.com/blog/how-to-get-started-with-islamic-art-and-islamic-patterns.

“A Manifestation of the Divine: Islamic Geometry.” Bayt Al Fann, Bayt Al Fann, 27 May 2023, www.baytalfann.com/post/a-manifestation-of-the-divine-islamic-geometry#:~:text=Geometric%20patterns%20and%20designs%20in,while%20also%20conveying%20spiritual%20meanings.&text=The%20repetitive%20nature%20of%20Islamic,the%20eternal%20nature%20of%20God.

“Islamic Art in Blue Color - Modern Islamic Wall Art.” Thecontemporarycanvas.Com, 25 Apr. 2024, thecontemporarycanvas.com/islamic-art-in-blue-color/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20beautiful%20blue,thought%20to%20have%20mystical%20qualities.