Author(s)

AYMAN FATHY ASHOUR

Abstract

Islamic architectural heritage is often distinct in its construction and designation. Its elements were designed to respond effectively and dynamically to the psychological, physical, social, environmental, and religious requirements of the time and place in which they appear. The present article discusses Islamic architecture, demonstrating that the elements of Islamic architectural heritage were created under a number of psychological, social, environmental, and religious forces and constraints. The paper then explores the individual forces and constraints that shaped one traditional Islamic architectural element called “mashrabiya,” a type of oriel window enclosed in carved wooden latticework. The mashrabiya has been a popular feature of traditional Arabic and Islamic architecture since the Middle Ages, appearing in the built environment all the way up to the mid-20th century.

Keywords

Islamic architecture, Islamic heritage, Islamic design, mashrabiya