SYMBOLISM

Muram Samir Mohammed Hassan

2nd Year
History of Architecture Presentation
Supervised by: Prof. Adil
SYMBOLISM:

-is defined as the use of symbols to

represent ideas or qualities.
-It originated in late 19th century as an
artistic poetic movement or style using
symbolic images and indirect
suggestion to express
 Types of Symbolism:
- Symbolism participate in many fields
such as literature, art, architecture,
movies and other fine art fields.
- Symbolism in Architecture : it creates
differences in planning, distinguish the
forms of architectural types ( the house
from mosque, etc) .
- Symbolism in architecture is used as
a way of communication, because
builders put unfamiliar creative forms
but just the structure of language
permits new meanings but retains
constant vocabulary.
- Colour Symbolism: the use of colours
to express symbolic meaning.
 Symbolism in Architecture:

- Plan symbolism remained in the sphere of religion after antiquity and its tradition disappeared
in 19th century. Modern plan is determined by the practical demands of use and space-mass
relationship.
- In elevation the most consistent symbolic forms have been the dome, tower, stairway, portal
and colonnade.
- Generally symbolism is what defines architectural styles.
Religious symbolism:

- Elevation symbolic architecture.

- A symbolic interpretation of religious
ritual and mythology.
- Religious symbolism (iconography)
is an iconic representation intended to
represent a specific religion
 Symbolism in Islamic Architecture :

- Various symbols featured Islamic architecture

throughout history, these symbols are represented
in natural elements such as light, water and plants.
As well as geometric figures and colour.
- Mosques has many features such as (Arches,
arcades, prisms, etc)
- Arches : A metaphor for revelation.
Symbolism in Islamic Architecture :

- Symbolism also is used in decoration because it

is the most easily recognized medium of content,
communicates meaning either through
architectural elements or through figural arts
(sculpture, painting, mosaic, stained glass and
much more).
- Most mosque feature one or more domes, called
qubba in Arabic, qubba is a symbolic
representation of the vault of heaven
Symbolism in Islamic Architecture :

- Maizena is also a feature in mosques.

- Minaret (maizena) is the tower from which the

faithful are called to prayers, such tower is always
connected with a mosque and has one or more
balconies or open galleries.