The current trends in mosque architecture in the northern cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Abstract

PurposeThe main aim of this study is to identify the prevailing design trends in contemporary mosques in northern cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It highlights the key elements and features to categorize mosques.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review, four major stylistic expressions were identified, which formed the theoretical basis for a survey conducted to study 50 mosques in each of the four northern cities: Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. The 200 visited mosques were investigated and analyzed based on the four categories. The comparison between these mosques enabled the author to identify the key elements and features that can be adopted in classifying mosques in relation to the four main trends.FindingsThe study reveals that there is a strong attachment with local historic styles. In total, 86% of the mosques follow traditional and historic styles. While 74% of Sharjah mosques follow historicism, 64–72% in the other cities adopt local traditional. Almost all investigated mosques follow one layout, but with diverse stylistic expressions. Some major elements are common among all mosques, while other minor elements are found in all congregational mosques. The study identified key indicators that can be used to help classifying mosques in other cities and countries.Originality/valueThis is the first study to categorize mosques in the UAE. There are few studies on mosques in Sharjah and Ajman, focusing on typology and sustainability, with less emphasis on styles. The results of this study can be considered by architects as well as by authorities. It can also be used as a reference for other studies.

Towards identifying mosque architectural characteristics aligned with expert preferences: application on selected mosques in Assuit City, Egypt

“…The construction of both traditional and contemporary mosques has been influenced by the previously stated aspects of art and symbolism, as well as other elements including funding, legislation, public affinities and personal preferences [30,31,23,32]. Intrinsically, such characteristics are highly correlated with geographic location and period [31,33].…”

“…The construction of both traditional and contemporary mosques has been influenced by the previously stated aspects of art and symbolism, as well as other elements including funding, legislation, public affinities and personal preferences [30,31,23,32]. Intrinsically, such characteristics are highly correlated with geographic location and period [31,33]. Observation shows that although the fundamentals of mosque design are similar in different regions of the world, many mosques have developed unique aesthetic styles and design elements that correlate to the cultural and historical context of the area [9,31].…”

“…Intrinsically, such characteristics are highly correlated with geographic location and period [31,33]. Observation shows that although the fundamentals of mosque design are similar in different regions of the world, many mosques have developed unique aesthetic styles and design elements that correlate to the cultural and historical context of the area [9,31]. For example, mosques in the Middle East often showcase geometric patterns and elaborate domes [31], while mosques in Asia may incorporate vibrant colors and intricate woodwork, circular arches, pentagon-shaped minarets, Indo-Persian domes, and dual-minaret designs [34][35][36].…”

“…Observation shows that although the fundamentals of mosque design are similar in different regions of the world, many mosques have developed unique aesthetic styles and design elements that correlate to the cultural and historical context of the area [9,31]. For example, mosques in the Middle East often showcase geometric patterns and elaborate domes [31], while mosques in Asia may incorporate vibrant colors and intricate woodwork, circular arches, pentagon-shaped minarets, Indo-Persian domes, and dual-minaret designs [34][35][36]. Similarly, the mosques built during different time periods also exhibit distinct features [37,5,36], with older mosques often displaying more traditional and ornate designs, while contemporary mosques embrace modern materials, technologies, and minimalist aesthetics [8,[38][39][40].…”

New Mosques Architectural Platform: Digitalised Inventory and Analysis for Mosques Referencing

“…Research about the architectural typology of mosques is authentic and ongoing [1] in Algeria and elsewhere. This research explores the new mosques' architecture built by religious associations.…”