Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

Winter 11-14-2022

Abstract

This research paper claims that among important phenomena of several forms of contemporary mosques, there is a blurring of a clear distinction between their related popular/low cultural and formal/high-cultural status. For many centuries, high cultural mosques that are following what so called “formal architectural aesthetics” exist, which shaped by specific sets of well-established design principles and elements, trends, styles, tastes, designs, etc. Parallel to that, mosques in a context of popular cultures are shaped by folkloric signals, signs, and symbols, producing what can be called “Informal aesthetics”.

The popularization of mosque architecture in various contexts of cultural communities has different expressions that blend and reflect that culture into mosques’ architectural language and vocabularies. Consequently, the popular practice of mosque architecture is predominant, making concessions to the public’s imagination and spreading various hybrid forms through folkloric practices, eclectic styles, populist architecture, hybrid architecture, kitsch architecture, among other popular types.

The popular taste of mosque architectural aesthetics, with all of their vitality, reflections, expressions, and sometimes their discrepancy, vulgarity, and use or misuse of signs and symbols “..expresses growing dilemmas to the contemporary mosque architecture.”. While they seem have appeal to many people, who enjoy their informal aesthetics, they may embody a superficial, flashy, or exaggerated discourse to others.

Through a literature critical review, and through analyzing and examining case studies of contemporary mosque architecture in popular culture communities, this paper attempts to explore the emerged popular architectural design approaches of mosques in the Muslim World.

Download

Share

COinS