Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Manner of the Presence of the Spiritual Matter in the Formation of Architecture (Islamic Architecture: from Negation to Affirmation)

https://doi.org/10.22034/jaco.2025.477050.1422
Volume 13, Issue 48
Summer 2025
Pages 6-15
Journal of Art and Civilization of the Orient

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Seyyed Ameen Seyyedein

Architecture Department, Astara Branch, Islamic Azad University, Astara, Iran.

Abstract
This article investigates the concept of Islamic architecture and criticisms of the orientalistic attitudes that have developed during the last two hundred years. The research aims to analyze the necessity of the presence of spirituality in architecture as a phenomenon, which instead of focusing on final answers and forms, pays attention to the process of problem-solving and fundamental needs. The theoretical framework of the article is in line with the criticism of the conventional discourse on Islamic architecture, the incomplete interpretation and application of which has led to the loss of the capability of this concept as an intellectual tradition and historical bio-experience. This view merely emphasizes the final product rather than the process and path. The main question of the research is how can Islamic architecture be redefined as a spiritual and problem-oriented process in a way that contributes to indigenous development and collective self-awareness. The present research attempts to put aside the rigid and ineffective meanings that have been added to the concept of Islamic architecture by adopting a philosophical approach in the form of an interpretive paradigm. The method of this research is phenomenological. This study drew upon external signs and sought to discover the meanings and inner meaning of Islamic architecture. The findings show that architecture, as one of the manifestations of civilization, needs to invoke spirituality in directing the development path; particularly to create a space that can meet the spiritual needs in the form of a container for meaning-based activities.

Keywords

Architecture
Spirituality
the Concept of Islamic Architecture
Space
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