The Effects of the Modern Architecture Style on the Evolution of Mosques: A Case Study of Contemporary Mosques in Sulaymaniyah Governorate

1. Introduction

Islamic religious architecture has transformed in recent decades due to cultural evolutions, technological advancements, and artistic innovation. Mosques, as symbols of spiritual sanctity and communal identity, have also been influenced by modern architectural styles. This research focuses on understanding the impact of these trends on mosque design in Sulaymaniyah Governorate in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The Kurdistan Region, particularly Sulaymaniyah, has seen significant mosque construction over the past thirty years, driven by economic and political developments since 1991 and then 2003. This construction boom has raised questions about the alignment of new architectural features with the religious objectives of mosques design, providing a unique opportunity to study the relationship between tradition and modernity in mosque design.

This study examines the diverse manifestations of modern architectural style in contemporary mosques, considering the multifaceted dimensions affecting their essential features. By analyzing mosques in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, the research aims to understand how traditional Islamic architectural elements and modern design principles intersect, raising questions about religious legitimacy, historical symbolism, and the role of architecture in shaping religious values.

Several recent studies explore the influence of modern architectural trends and technologies on mosque design, highlighting the contemporary developments to maintain the spiritual essence and cultural identity of mosques. AL-Ammar & AL-Atabey [1] and Toorabally, Sieng, Norman, & Razalli [2] examine the impact of contemporary technologies on the mosque architecture. In addition, Niknam, Rezaei, & Zehtaban [3] examine the influence of contemporary architecture on Islamic motifs in mosques. Furthermore, Ra’ouf & Al-Muqram [4] propose hypotheses focusing on functional, aesthetic, and symbolic religious factors as primary drivers of contemporary mosque architecture, contrasting with traditional and environmental influences. Al Tal [5], Hoteit [6] and Mahdavinejad [7] also examine how modern architectural theories and trends impact mosque design. The reviewed studies collectively underscore the importance of balance between modern architectural trends and traditional elements in mosque design to uphold the spiritual essence and cultural identity.

Further studies delve into the evolution of contemporary mosque architecture, exploring the interplay between modernization, symbolism, and technological advancements. These studies highlight the complex dynamics shaping contemporary mosque designs. Hamzehnejad & Amirabadi Farahani [8] identify authenticity criteria for contemporary mosques in the Islamic world, and Awad [9] and Mahmoud & Abobakr [10] explore contemporary mosque design trends in northern UAE cities and worldwide respectively. In addition, Al-Bukhari, Alsabban, & Shehata [11] emphasize how modern mosques reflect technological advancements, societal needs, and economic status while preserving cultural and spiritual identity. Furthermore, Alkhaled [12], Alhefnawy & Istanbouli [13] and Toman [14]examine the contemporary mosque architecture in Turkey, Italy and Riyadh respectively. Asfour [15] also examines mosque architecture’s evolution from historical to contemporary styles, highlighting the tension between modernism and symbolism.

In addition, several studies explore different aspects of mosque architecture in the Kurdistan Region. Mustafa & Rashid [16] and Abdulhamid, Qadir, & Ali [17] focus on the proportion in mosques in Erbil, and Mustafa & Ismael [18] conducted a typological study of historical mosques in Erbil as well. Furthermore, Qaradaghi & Qadir [19] investigated the influence of cultural aspects on mosque architecture, particularly those built between 1970-1990 in Erbil. Sadiq [20] explored the impact of architectural conservation on the Great Mosque in Duhok. The only study, that examined the mosques in Sulaymaniyah, is Qaradaghi [21] which studied the architectural and spatial configuration of mosques, emphasizing their unique styles compared to global Islamic patterns. The researchers conclude that cultural and natural factors played a pivotal role in shaping the distinct architectural features of Sulaymaniyah mosques.

Despite the extensive research on mosque architecture evolution and contemporary trends, a research gap exists regarding the specific impact of modern architectural styles on mosque evolution, particularly in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. While previous studies have explored various aspects of mosque design, including structural elements, decorative features, and cultural influences, few have focused on the nuanced interplay between traditional Islamic architecture and modern design principles in this specific regional context. Additionally, while some studies have addressed the need to balance tradition with innovation in mosque design, there is limited research on the religious legitimacy and historical symbolism of contemporary mosques, particularly in relation to modern architectural indicators and achieved design objectives. Therefore, a research gap exists, calling for a dedicated exploration of the transformative impact of modern architectural styles on mosque evolution in this region, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary mosque architecture.

The research hypothesis is that the adoption of modern architectural style principles will have a significant impact on the evolution of contemporary mosque design in Sulaymaniyah Governorate influencing design objectives related to specifically indoor environment of musalla and external symbolic features.

1.1. Historical Evolution of Mosques

The evolution of mosques through different periods and regions reflects diverse architectural styles and influences. Initially, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions constructed a simple mosque with a covered prayer shed, which later expanded to include arcades [22]. This model served as a spiritual type for mosque architecture, allowing for flexibility and diversity in design [23]. During the Umayyad period, mosques became more specialized, serving various purposes beyond prayer, while the Abbasid era saw further development and the establishment of mosque-palace complexes [24] (pp. 4 & 8). In Morocco and Andalusia, mosques followed the hypostyle type, influenced by Syrian architecture, with later innovations including complex vaulting and domes. In Yemen, mosques integrated elements from pre-Islamic temples. Anatolian and Kurdistan mosques, influenced by Iranian and Arabic traditions, featured pillared designs and emphasized arches and vault coverings [22]. In Egypt, mosques evolved from simple structures to more elaborate designs under the Fatimid, Ayyubid, and Mamluk periods, with distinct features such as keel arches and intricate minaret shapes [25,26]. Iranian mosques, influenced by pre-Islamic traditions, incorporated domes and iwans, with developments seen in Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, and Safavid periods [22]. Ottoman mosques, shaped by various cultural influences, evolved from simple hypostyle plans to more complex domed-square structures, reflecting the Ottoman concern for integrating large spaces with minimal vertical supports across successive stages of development [27] (pp. 19 & 29).

The evolution of mosques over history in different regions resulted in shaping basic elements contributing to their architectural form and function. These elements can be classified into basic and additional components. Basic elements include the musalla (prayer hall), sahn (courtyard), mihrab (niche), and minbar (pulpit). While, additional elements encompass the minaret, dome, ablution facilities, riwaq (arcade), maqsurah (enclosure), reading desk, mosque furniture, and gate. The musalla serves as the main prayer area, typically adopting a rectangular shape parallel to the Qibla wall for optimal alignment. The sahn, an open central area, offers space for congregation and passive cooling purposes. It is surrounded by covered arcades called riwaq. The sahn enhances the mosque’s aesthetic appeal and functionality. Minarets, which are vertical features, historically symbolize Islam’s presence and solemnity, evolving in shape and style over time. Domes, prevalent in mosque architecture, symbolize the sky and aid in lighting, acoustics and ventilation [15] (pp. 2) and [6] (pp. 13548). The mihrab, resembling marks the direction of prayer, while the minbar, positioned nearby, is a stepped pulpit to facilitate the Imam’s sermon delivery. Enclosures like the maqsurah, once reserved for rulers, underscored their status and protection [22]. Ablution facilities, is integral to Islamic worship, ensure ritual purity before prayer, evolving from fountains to designated rooms within mosque complexes. These elements, with their historical, functional, and symbolic significance, collectively shape the architectural identity and experience of mosques worldwide [6] (pp. 13551).

Various types of mosques have emerged across different regions, each influenced by local architectural features and climatic conditions [6] (pp. 13551). While fundamental elements like arches, domes, minarets, and mihrabs are common throughout the Muslim world, regional variations have led to distinct styles [28] (pp. 1). Six traditional typologies include the hypostyle or Arabic type, Turkish or Ottoman type, Iranian or Persian type, Indian type, and Chinese type. The hypostyle mosque, originating in Arabia, features a large courtyard and a covered prayer hall, often with dome variations and diverse minaret forms [15] (pp. 5). The Persian style, characterized by four iwans surrounding a courtyard, exhibits bulbous domes and colorful ornamentation [6] (pp.13552). Ottoman mosques boast centralized domes and slender minarets, influenced by Byzantine architecture [15] (pp. 6), while Indian mosques feature triple domes and spacious courtyards. Chinese mosques resemble traditional Chinese buildings, with walled complexes, timber structures, and distinctive roof forms, exemplified by the Great Mosque of Xi’an [6] (pp. 13553 & 13553). These variations reflect the diverse cultural and architectural influences shaping mosque design across regions.

Certain functional and symbolic requirements that are considered as essential in mosque design:

• Orientation to the Qibla: The most important aspect of the mosque is the orientation of the musalla to the Qibla [29] (pp. 54), [30] (pp. 138) and [15] (pp. 7). It is also confirmed by the Holy Quran in Surat al-Baqarah, Verse 144.
• Avoiding cutting off rows by excessive number of columns or walls and eliminating view restrictions [15] (pp. 7) and [6] (pp. 13554).It is confirmed by Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) as follows: “…Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah; and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah”[31] (pp. Hadith 101).
• Use plan forms allowing longer rows, especially the first row [15] (pp. 7). This is due to the virtue of the first row which is confirmed by Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH) such as follows: “If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges” [31] (pp. Hadith 93).
• Providing a quiet environment for concentration, reverence, and piety during prayer [6] (pp. 13554). The Quran describes the believers during prayer, stating: “Successful are the believers. Those who are humble in their prayers. Those who avoid nonsense” [32] (pp. 126, Verses 1, 2 & 3).
• Avoiding over-decoration that may interrupt prayer’s concentration [15] (pp. 7). It is confirmed in the Hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) as follows: “The Hour (Judgement Day) will not come until people boast (to each other) with (the construction and decoration of) mosques” [33] (pp. Hadith 135).
• Using the recognizable form as a mosque. Incorporating symbolic features into new mosque designs maintains cultural continuity and fosters a sense of Islamic identity within communities. Fethi [29] (pp. 54 & 60) introduced these symbolic features as minarets, domes, arches, vaults, and decorative elements. They hold deep symbolic meaning rooted in Islamic tradition and contribute to the aesthetic harmony of mosque architecture. By respecting tradition and honoring past generations, new mosque designs can create a spiritually conducive atmosphere while also embracing environmentally sustainable practices.

1.2. Contemporary Mosques

Contemporary mosques have been influenced by modern architecture, altering traditional forms due to Westernization, urban growth, and societal changes. This has created tension between modern design and traditional religious symbolism, resulting in diverse architectural styles [29]. Contemporary mosque design trends are categorized into vernacularism, modernism, and postmodernism. Vernacularism preserves historical styles, modernism explores new forms, and postmodernism blends historical styles with modern contexts. Debates exist about the necessity of elements like domes and minarets, with some arguing their overestimated spiritual significance and others emphasizing their evolved role in Islamic architecture. These elements are seen as complementary rather than essential, with some schools of thought considering them optional in modern mosque design [15].

Contemporary mosques have been designed under the effects of dominant architectural approaches and styles throughout the 20th century and the last two decades. The impact of the modern architectural style on these mosques can be examined by tracing the indicators of modern style in contemporary mosques. The main indicators of modern architectural styles are as follows:

a)

Simplified geometric shapes: Modern architecture often features basic geometric forms like rectangles, squares, and circles. Emphasizing simplicity and abstraction, this style is epitomized by Mies van der Rohe’s slogan “Less is more” [34]. It rejects traditional aesthetics in favor of innovative creativity, focusing on simplicity, abstraction, and rational solutions to location, purpose, and technological challenges [35].

b)

Use of new technology: Modern architecture incorporates materials like steel, glass, and concrete, offering structural flexibility and creative opportunities [34]. This approach emphasizes the visible use of technology and materials, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation [35].

c)

Emphasis on function over form: Modern architecture prioritizes functionality, designing buildings to serve specific purposes. This approach centers on human usability, encapsulated by L. Sullivan’s slogan “Form follows function” [34].

d)

Minimalist design: Modern architecture features a minimalist aesthetic with clean lines, simple surfaces, and no ornamentation [36]. It prioritizes simplicity, pure material colors, and natural textures for decoration. This approach, which is epitomized by Adolf Loos’ slogan “Decoration is a crime”, reflects the Chicago school’s use of cladding for decoration [34].

e)

Open floor plans: Modern buildings often feature open floor plans with large, flexible areas for various activities. This style, characterized by the release of external walls from load-bearing functions, allows for a ‘free plan’ where interior walls can be arranged as needed [35] (pp. 13).

f)

Emphasis on natural light: Modern buildings often make use of natural light, with large windows and skylights that provide daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting [35] (pp. 8).

g)

Flat roofs: The adoption of flat roofs became a feature of modern architecture, driven by a desire to align architectural form with evolving needs, materials, and industrial techniques [36].

h)

Extroverted building: Modern buildings became extroverted, featuring open floor plans and large external windows to align with the extrovert paradigm of modern capital society [37].