When it comes to visiting a new destination, travelers focuses on the iconic buildings, and the reasons of it’s creation. Sometimes it becomes difficult to accept the exceptionalism of the designs of building architectures that we come across because of their unachievable triumph of archeology. The structuring of building is going bigger, taller, broader and mind-boggling enormous and there is no doubt about it that all of them are stunning and astonishing.
There is no limitation of imagination and hence the development of incredible and spectacular masterpieces cannot be ceased.
It is said that the earliest Islamic style monument was constructed in Jerusalem. After that, this style spread to various regions in the world through different Muslim rulers. Islamic architecture is greatly influenced by the traditions of the Muslim populations from Middle East, North Africa and East Asia since the seventh century. These structures have an extremely rich heritage and include a wide variety of styles and designs. While some of these structures are religious, others are secular. Whatever the case be, die fact Is that all of these architectural masterpiece have some unique characteristics. Accurate geometric designs and interlace patterned ornaments are some of the distinctive features of this architectural style. The most popular Islamic architectural designs are mosques, tombs, palaces, and forts, and they are some sites you definitely want to see and experience for yourself. Lattice Nepal have listed out some of the best historically significant architecture that we think all of us should visit at least once in our lifetime.
TAJ MAHAL, INDIA
It is one of the best examples of Indo-Islamic or Mughal architecture. Emperor Shah Milan built this wonderful monument in the memory of his beloved wife. Mumtaz Mahal who died while giving birth to their 14th child. She was a Persian princess. People who have been to Taj Mahal say that its beauty is unparalleled and you are overwhelmed by the massive structure as soon as you enter from the main gate. Despite the chaos that Taj Mahal usually sees due to the footfall it gets, you will actually be able
to examine each beautifully carved tile up close and you can take your time as well. This UNESCO World Heritage site is recognized all over the world for being the jewel of Muslim art in India. While most Mughal infrastructure comprised of red sandstone, Shah Jahan was more interested in promoting white marble and precious jewels. The false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are placed at the center chamber of Taj Mahal. How-ever, their real graves are at a lower level.
SELIMIYE MOSQUE, TURKEY
The Selimiye Mosque is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. This form of Islamic structure, popularly known as the Otto-man architecture, developed after the capture of Constantinople by the Ottomans. It is said that some of the fantastic Ottoman architecture were designed by Mimar Sinan, a civil engi-neer, for Sulans Sulaiman, the magnificent, Selim II and Murad III. This mosque is located in the city of Edirne, Turkey. The mosque was designed by Mimar Sinan and it was commissioned by Sultan Selim II. It is surrounded by four tall minarets and has a huge dome at the center. The mosque has hospitals, markets, cemetery. kitchen for the poor, and schools around it. While, the exteriors of the building proudly display the wealth of the Ottomans, the building’s majestic and soothing interiors were designed to help every heart connect with God.
SHRINE OF ALI, AFGHANISTAN
Popularly known as the Blue Mosque. Shrine of All is situated at the center of Mazar-i-Sharif in Afghanistan. Sultan Husayn Mirza Baykarah commissioned it to be built in the 15th century. It is said that, over the years, various rulers and religious leaders added the tombs of different dimensions that can currently be seen at the Blue Mosque. Many believe that Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed, was
buried here. However, many Muslims also believe that that he was buried at the Imam All Mosque in Iraq. But this mosque is so beautiful that many refer to it as the oasis of peace. While there. you will see thousands of white doves surrounding the mosque. It is believed that the feathers of colored doves actually become white after entering the premises of the Blue Mosque.
ALHAMBRA, SPAIN
This is a palace and a fortress located at Granada in Andalusia, Spain. Originally, it was a small fortress and was constructed on the remains of Roman fortifications. In the 13th century, it was rebuilt by Nasrid emir Mohammed ben AlAh-mar of the Empire of Granada. In 1933, it was converted into the royal palace of Yuduf I, Sultan of Granada. Currently, Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the beauty of this palace is a popular topic among many poets and songwriters. Many Moorish poets describe this place as ‘a pearl set in emeralds’ and that is because beautiful green woods surround this marvel of a building.
DOME OF THE ROCK, ISRAEL
This is a shrine located at the Old City of Jerusalem. The extraordinary beauty, astonishing architecture, and elegance of this building will captivate you and leave you marveling at the wonder people are actually capable of crafting. The wooden roof of this dome is embellished with glazed ceramic tile, gilt aluminum, and bronze. This dome is situated at the highest point in old Jerusalem and it was built in the seventh century as a testament of the power of Islam. Although this building does have religious significance, it is not a mosque. Many scholars and historians still debate on the actual purpose of this building. It is located on Haram al-Sharif, which is an open-air platform. This place has a mosque and many other religious buildings. Very few places on this earth are as sacred as the Haram al-Sharif for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike.
From apartment buildings to ancient masterpieces, these structures offer glimpses into city life around the world.
As travelers, when we stop to consider the simplicities or intricacies of architecture, we gain a completely new perspective of a place’s aesthetic and culture. And sometimes, timing can change the story—unexpected patterns, shadows, and colors can transform the plainest building into a work of art.
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