The Islamic architectural orders.

Islamic architecture is renowned for its exquisite beauty, intricate designs, and profound symbolism. At the heart of this architectural style lies the concept of architectural orders, which serve as the guiding principles for creating harmonious and visually stunning structures. In this blog, we will delve into the world of Islamic architectural orders, exploring their origins, characteristics, and significance in shaping the Islamic architectural landscape.

Origins of Islamic Architectural Orders:

Islamic architectural orders trace their roots back to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, where the concept of architectural orders was first introduced. However, Islamic architects adapted and transformed these orders to reflect their unique cultural and religious values. The Islamic architectural orders are deeply influenced by Islamic teachings, blending elements of geometry, calligraphy, and symbolism to create a distinct visual language. These orders provide a framework for architects to create visually appealing structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The most commonly used orders in Islamic architecture include:

The horseshoe arch:

The pointed arches:

There are 4 types: Tlati arch (1/3 arch), Khmassi arch (2/5 arch), Sdassi arch (2/6 arch) and Sbaii arch (3/7 arch). The difference between them is the proportions chosen to draw the 2 arches that produce the pointed result.

The muqarnas: decorative element consisting of small niches or cells. In Morocco exists 7types:

Stiya Messdouda (opened Stiya)

Stiya Mehloula ( closed Stiya)

Louza (the almond-shaped: one leg form)

Denbouk (has the same shape as “Louza” but a little wider)

Serwaliya (the pants-shaped one: with two legs)

Shiira ( Barley seed: with 3 short legs and a long middle one just like the line that parts the barley seed)

The last one is The Little Shiira

Islamic architectural orders serve multiple purposes beyond their aesthetic appeal. They provide a sense of unity and coherence to the overall design of a structure, ensuring that every element is in harmony with the whole. Moreover, these orders often carry symbolic meanings, reflecting the spiritual and cultural values of the Islamic faith. For example, the horseshoe arch is believed to represent the gateway to paradise, while the muqarnas symbolize the complexity and diversity of the Islamic world.