Islamic art is often characterized by the concept of religion and how much attached Moslems are to it. Each piece has a valuable connection to religion and culture; elements that matter so much in identifying the real value of Moslem living. Among the most celebrated works of art from the Islamic communities include the mosques that continue to adorn cities as well as rural areas where Moslem are high in population. Mosques, being the place of worship have a special place in the heart of the people recognizing the importance of Islam in their lives. Adorned with tiles and intricate designs, this particular place of worship does provide a clear indication on how much people recognize the importance of the culture and traditions of worship that such areas hold.
Built in 17th century, the mosque of Sheikh Lotfallah Esfahan features an intricately detailed arabesque pattern on the dome of the structure. This particular mosque was originally made for the royal court of Iran. The mosque in itself is grand and features several etchings of the wall that determine the highly artistic skills of the laborers and the architects who have worked together to complete this piece. The focus on the intricate design of the dome is however considered as an eye catching feature of the overall structure. Unlike other mosques, the dome of this structure is offset towards the south. Making it stand out through intricate designs was necessary to impose on the importance of the dome into the overall creation and value of the structure.
Meanwhile, the Sakirin Mosque, erected in 2009, is considered as today’s most modern structure of worship for the modern day Islamic communities. Located in Turkey, this mosque features large windows that let the sunlight in during prayer meetings. It is viewed that more than the dome, it is the prayer area that needs most attention as it where the worshipers would connect to Allah. The change in structural detail and focus on the religious value of the structure itself imposes that modern Islamic communities are even more specific about their worship other than the grandeur of the outer features of their places of worship.
References
Madden, Edward H. (1975). "Some Characteristics of Islamic Art". Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism 33 (4).
Mason, Robert B. (2010). "New Looks at Old Pots: Results of Recent Multidisciplinary Studies of Glazed Ceramics from the Islamic World". Muqarnas: Annual on Islamic Art and Architecture (Brill Academic Publishers) XII.
