A Brief Introduction to Mosques and Islamic Architecture

Dr. Nassim Tabatabai works at Beauty MD International as the New Yorkbased health and wellness companys medical director. In her free time, Dr.
Nassim Tabatabai pursues an interest in fashion, jewelry design, and
Islamic architecture.
Islamic architecture is most associated with buildings and environments
constructed for religious worship, including mosques, mausoleums, and
shrines. However, it also encompasses secular structures -- marketplaces,
public baths, inns, and houses -- that have been created by patrons and
builders who follow Islamic teachings or live in an area that is
predominantly Muslim.
Perhaps the most recognizable Islamic architectural type is the mosque,
which is a place of worship and a social site for education and discussion
for those of the Islamic faith. While the earliest mosques were simple open
spaces, todays mosques are often ornate structures that share Islamic
architectural features such as arches, domes, and minarets.
Despite their similarities, mosques vary from one region of the world to the
next because they were usually inspired by the architectural styles and
techniques already in use in the area. Included among the most famous
mosques in the world is Al-Aqsa in Israel, Hagia Sofia in Turkey, Jama
Masjid in India, and Masjad al-Haram in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.