UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST

Samson Road, Caloocan City

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

FAR 2105 - History of Architecture 3
1st Semester

A Research Work:

MUGHAL OR INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE,

SINO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE AND
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

Submitted By:
DE GUZMAN, JOHN VINCENT M.

Bs Architecture / Second Year

Arch / 2A

Submitted to:
AR. Marvin E. Butchayo
FAR 2105 - History of Architecture 3

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 MUGHAL OR INDO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Mughal or indo-islamic architecture are architectural style which is a fusion of Arabic,
Persian, and Hindu elements. India's architectural details underwent significant advancements
during the Midieval Ages. Muslims arrived in India, which led to the introduction of numerous
novel features and construction methods. This development of architectural style was then
called the indo-islamic architecture because of the influence of islamic art on indian
architecture. Moreover, the architecture of the medieval period is divided into two major
categories which is the Delhi Sultanate or Imperial Style architecture and Mughal architecture
which means that mughal architecture is a type of indo-islamic architecture. The Sultans of
Delhi supported the development of the Imperial Style. On the otherhand, Mughal architecture
was a synthesis of Islamic architecture from Central Asia and Hindu architecture from India.

Mughal architectural style reached its pinnacle during Shah Jahan’s reign wherein the
Taj Mahal, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, and the renovated Lahore

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Fort was constructed. High-ranking officials beneath the emperor also erected significant
structures such as the Wazir Khan Mosque.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
● Vaulted Embellished Ceilings : Mughal architecture featured either pyramidal or domed
roofs made of baked bricks which are covered in terracotta tile with intricate patterns.
Moreover, The dome-roofed structures were crowned with finials. The walls of Mughal
structures were built with baked bricks and stucco was also used to cover the walls of
some structures.
● Bulbous Domes : The bulbous domes are a feature shared by all Mughal structures.
● Expensive Ornamentation : Details of ornamentation were applied because of the
application of embellished and glittered tiles, as well as its distinctive painting styles,
which are both hallmarks of the late Mughal era.
● Magnificent Gates and Tall Minarets : During the time of Mughal, mostly of the gates are
can be seen with magnificent and ornamented design.
● Gardens and Water Features : Mughal structures are frequently accompanied by
meticulously designed gardens with flowing water features.
● Symmetry and Proportions : The emphasis on symmetry and balanced proportions in
Mughal architecture creates a sense of harmony and grandeur.
● Red Sandstone and White Marble : Red sandstone was frequently used for structural
components and white marble for elaborate decoration, creating a striking visual
contrast.

EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURES:
THE SHAH MOSQUE / THE ROYAL MOSQUE

Architect: Ali Akbar Isfahani

Construction Date: 1611-1638
Location: Isfahan, Iran

The Shah Mosque is a prime example of Mughal

architecture because of its symmetry, geometric
patterns, and ornate decorations. Its design incorporates

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traditional Persian architectural elements as well as Islamic and Central Asian influences. The
mosque's exterior and interior are decorated with vibrant blue tiles, intricate mosaic works and
calligraphies which covers the walls, arches, and domes. The intricate tilework is known for its
blue, turquoise, and gold colors, which create a stunning view of colors.

TAJ MAHAL

Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori

Construction Date: 1632-1639
Location: Indian City of Agra

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum. The

structure is a great example of Mughal architecture because
of its utilization of white marble , symmetrical form and
detailed and intricate ornaments. The Taj Mahal's design is
recognizable for its central dome that has is topped by a finial. The dome is balanced by the
four minarets at the four corners of the main platform, which are also made to lean slightly
away from the main building in the event of an earthquake.

The Red Fort

Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori

Construction Date: 1638 -1648
Location: Old Delhi, India

The Red Fort or Lal Qila is a historic fort in the Old Delhi.
The fort, which mixes Persianate palace design with
Indian traditions, is a prime example of Shah Jahan's
Mughal architecture. "The zenith of Mughal creativity" is
represented by the Red Fort. The fort combines Islamic palace architecture with regional
customs.

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 SINO-ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Sino-Islamic and also refered as Chinese-Islamic Architecture refers to the architectural
style that emerged from the interaction between islamic and chinese influences. It first emerged
and developed during the Tang Dynasty on 618-907 AD. However, it rose to prominence during
the Yuan empire on 1271-1368 AD wherein the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan established the
empire and introduced Islamic architectural elements into Chinese architecture. The infusion of
Islamic architectural elements into Chinese architecture increased throughout the Yuan Dynasty
due to the presence of Muslim inhabitants and the patronage of Islamic monuments. Mosques
and tombs built during this time period are especially renowned for their blend of styles. The
style become famous because of the many notable monuments, such as mosques,
mausoleums, and palaces that have erected that displayed intricate designs and elaborate
decorations.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:
● Symmetry : Symmetry notes a sense of grandeur which applies to every architectural
forms from palaces to mosques.

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 ● Roof Style : Sino-Islamic architecture has a unique roofing design that mixes Islamic
domes and Chinese curved and slanted roofs.
● Courtyards and Gardens : Sino-Islamic architecture also features courtyards and
gardens just like the traditional chinese architecture.
● Decorative Elements : The architectural style usually features geometric shapes and
Islamic calligraphy, and ceramic tiles are widely used. These elements are combined
with traditional Chinese designs and motifs.

EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURES:
GREAT MOSQUE OF XI’AN

Architect: Unknown architect, but founded by

arabian settlers under Emperor Xuanzong of the
Tang Dynasty.
Construction Date: Constructed in 742 CE
Location: Xi An Shi, Shan Xi Sheng, China

Traditional Chinese and Islamic design elements are

both combined in the mosque's architectural form and design. The structure has a courtyard
design, which is typically seen in Chinese architecture. Moreover, a number of courtyards,
halls, and pavilions are positioned around in its main axis. It has spaces which is provided for
social activities and prayer. The mosque's unique architectural details include traditional
Chinese wood carvings, Islamic geometric designs, and elaborate Arabic calligraphy. These
components work well together to produce a distinctive and aesthetic appeal on the structure.

DONGSI MOSQUE

Architect: Unknown specific architect, but was know to

be built by Arab Muslims
Construction Date: Constructed in 1346
Location: Beijing, China

The Dongsi Mosque exemplifies how Chinese and Islamic

architectural traditions coexist. It mixes Islamic design
elements with traditional Chinese architectural elements.

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Because it features courtyards, halls, and prayer rooms, the mosque's design is similar to that
of other Chinese temples and complexes. In addition, it also features minarets designed to
resemble traditional Chinese pagodas.

QINGJING MOSQUE

Architect: Unknown
Construction Date: Believed to be built
during Tang Dynasty
Location: Quanzhou, China

The Qingjing Mosque is also a great example of

how Chinese and Islamic architecture can
coexist together in an architectural design. It
depicts Sino-Islamic architecture since it has
chinese architectural elements such as courtyards, prayer rooms, and pagoda-style minarets.
The Qingjing Mosque is one of China's oldest mosques which means that it is significant
historically because it reflects China's long history of contact with Islamic culture.

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 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Sub-Saharan African Islamic architecture refers to an architectural styles and forms
affected by the expansion of Islams in Africa's south regions of the Sahara Desert. Through
commerce, migration, and cultural connections, Islam spread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa,
blending with native construction traditions and materials, resulting in a distinct architectural
expression that mixes Islamic and indigenous African components. As Islam spread throughout
Sub-Saharan Africa, local communities started incorporating Islamic practices and beliefs into
their existing cultural and architectural norms. This led to the development of the peculiar
Sudano-Sahelian architectural style, which is distinguished by the use of mud-brick
construction and ornamental embellishments. Sub-saharan african islamic architecture is
distinguished by characteristics including the use of intricately patterned wooden beams and
sticks, conical towers, and ornamental accents that combine Islamic and regional African
architectural elements. The historical spaces and economic hubs of Sub-Saharan Africa, like
Timbuktu in Mali, were crucial to the trans-Saharan trade routes and cultural exchanges. These
cities' architectural legacy started to be acknowledged as they developed into hubs of trade,
learning, and religious activity and so on.

KEY CHARACTERIKEY CHARACTERISTICS:

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 ● Use Of Materials : Islamic architecture in Sub-Saharan Africa frequently makes use of
regional materials including mud bricks, wood, thatch, and stone. Due to its
accessibility and efficiency in controlling interior temperatures, mud-brick building in
particular is a distinguishing feature of the area.
● Towers: Conical towers or minarets are can be seen on the mosques and other
buildings. These towers, which rise above the main prayer hall, are frequently
constructed of mud brick. In addition to acting as architectural focal points, they can be
elaborately ornamented.
● Wooden Elements: Beams, sticks, and screens with intricately patterned wood are
frequently used to add aesthetic interest and support structural features. These wooden
accents are frequently carved and act as a defining design component.

EXAMPLE OF STRUCTURES
Great Mosque of Djenné

Architect: Ismaila Traoré

Construction Date: Constructed around 13th century
Location: Djenne, Mali

A stunning example of Sudano-Sahelian is the architecture

that is seen in Djenné, Mali, in the Great Mosque of
Djenné. It is one of the largest mud brick constructions in
the world and was mostly built with sun-baked mud bricks. The mosque has three high
minarets rising from its corners, giving it an impressive cubic shape. Its covered pathways,
which have wooden support beams, surround the interior courtyard.
Agadez Mosque:

Architect: Imam Bakhili

Construction Date: Established in 1515
Location: Agadez, Tchirozerine Department, Niger

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 Agadez Mosque is a well-known mosque in Agadez, Tchirozerine Department, Niger.
The highest mud-brick building in the world which was composed of clay. This mosque is
renowned for its unusual conical-shaped minaret. The structure is a significant place of worship
and cultural heritage in Niger which is distinguished by its exquisite ornamentation and use of
mud bricks. Its distinctive structure includes several key elements that define its unique
appearance and cultural significance. The mosque's impressive minaret is its most defining
feature. The tapering shape of this conical minaret serves as a focal point for the architecture of
the mosque and the skyline of the city. It distinguishes itself from other mosques in the area
with its unique architectural design.

Sankore Mosque:

Architect: Unknown
Construction Date: Build in 988 AD
Location: Timbuktu, Mali

The structure is a is a monument to the city's historical

importance as a hub of study and culture and a famous
example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The mosque
is largely built out of mud brick which is a traditional local building material on the location.
Thick walls, simple rectangular designs, and an emphasis on horizontal lines are some of its
distinguishing architectural features. The intricate geometric designs and decorative motifs
carved into the mud walls to embellish the facade reflect the creator’s' artistic and architectural
abilities.

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