Explain the main features of Islamic …

By the tenth century, a mamie world had emerged which was easily recognisable by travellers. Religious buildings were the greatest external symbols of this world. Mosques, shrine3 and tombs from Spain to Central Asia showed the same basic design-arches, domes, minarets and open courtyards and expressed the spritual and practical needs of Muslims.

i. In the first Islamic century, the mosque acquired a distinct architectural form (roof supported by pillars) which transcended regional variations. The mosque had an open courtyard (sahn ) where a fountain or pond was placed, leading to a vaulted hall which could accommodate long lines of worshippers and the prayer leader (imam).

ii.  Attached to the building was the minaret, a tower used to call the faithful to prayer at the appointed times and to symbolise the presence of the new faith. Time was marked in cities and villages by the five daily prayers and weekly sermons.

iii. The same pattern of construction - of buildings built around a central courtyard (iwan)- appeared not only in mosques and mausoleums but also in caravanserais, hospitals and palaces.