Editing Mosque (section)

===Domes===
[[File:201 Dome Mosque 06.jpg|thumb|The [[201 Dome Mosque]] in Tangail District, Bangladesh]]

Domes have been a prominent feature in mosque architecture for centuries, evolving both in form and function. Traditionally placed above the main prayer hall, they symbolize the connection between the earthly and divine, often representing the vaults of heaven and sky.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Symmetries of Nature: A Handbook for Philosophy of Nature and Science |last=Mainzer |first=Klaus |date= 1996 |isbn=978-3-11-012990-8 |page=124 |chapter=Art and Architecture |quote=the dome arching over the believers like the spherical dome of the sky |publisher=Walter de Gruyter |location=Berlin}}</ref> Initially, domes were small structures above the mihrab, but over time, they expanded to cover the entire roof of the prayer hall. The shape of the dome evolved from simple hemispherical forms to more complex designs, with the Mughals in India popularizing the onion-shaped dome, which became a hallmark of South Asian and Arabic mosque architecture.<ref>{{harvnb|Asher|1992|p=256}}</ref> The design and function of domes have been influenced by various cultures, including Persian, Byzantine, and Central Asian traditions, each contributing to the techniques and aesthetics used in their construction. Today, domes continue to serve both structural and spiritual purposes, with modern innovations further enhancing their functionality and sustainability.

'''Structural and functional roles'''

Domes not only serve as architectural focal points but also enhance mosque acoustics, amplifying the sound of the prayer and the sermon. Structurally, they allow vast interior spaces with minimal internal supports and they make the mosque appear bigger on the inside. Their placement above the prayer hall symbolizes the connection between the earthly and the divine, reinforcing the mosque's spiritual purpose.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Dome |url=https://referenceworks.brill.com/display/entries/EI3O/COM-26080.xml |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=referenceworks |doi=10.1163/1573-3912_ei3_COM_26080 |language=en}}</ref>

'''Origin of mosque domes'''

The origin of domes in mosque architecture can be traced back to the early Islamic period, particularly under the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 AD). The Umayyads, played a key role in incorporating domes into mosque architecture, drawing heavily from pre-Islamic Byzantine and Sassanian traditions. One of the earliest and most significant examples is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, constructed in 691 AD by the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik. This structure was not a mosque but a shrine, yet it set a precedent for the use of domes in Islamic architecture, symbolizing the vault of heaven and the connection between the divine and earthly realms.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Grabar |first=Oleg |date=December 1963 |title="The Islamic Dome, Some Considerations." |journal=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians |volume=22 |issue=4 |pages=191–198 |doi=10.2307/988190 |jstor=988190 }}</ref>

Initially, domes in mosques were modest in size and positioned above the mihrab, emphasizing their symbolic function as markers of spiritual focus.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}  As the Islamic empire expanded, architects incorporated techniques from different regions.

'''Persian and Byzantine influences'''

Whilst squinches and pendentives were not first used in mosques, they were later incorporated in dome design and were essential in transitioning from square rooms to circular domes.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Blessing |first=Patricia |date=15 March 2022 |title=Squinch and Pendentive |url=https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/khamseen/terms/2022/squinch-and-pendentive/ |website=Khamseen: Islamic Art History Online}}</ref> Squinches, which originated in Persian and Roman architecture, fill the corners of a square space to support a dome, while pendentives, a Byzantine innovation, allowed smooth transitions from a square base to a circular dome.<ref name=":2" /> These techniques are exemplified by the Dome of Soltaniyeh.

'''Domes in South Asian mosque architecture'''

Domes became a defining feature of South Asian mosque architecture during the Delhi Sultanate and reached their peak under the Mughal Empire. Influenced by Persian and Central Asian traditions, the Mughals introduced the iconic onion-shaped domes, seen in landmarks like the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} These domes were not only visually striking but also represented remarkable engineering, using techniques such as iron dowels for strength and timber centering for precision. The Mughal architectural style still influences mosque design today.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}

'''Modern innovations'''

One prime example of modern innovation is the Masjid Raja Haji Fi Sabilillah in Malaysia, which features a Low-E (low emissivity) glass dome. The use of Low-E glass allows for significant energy efficiency by reducing heat gain while still allowing natural light to illuminate the interior space.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lasindu |first=Gamage |date=10 December 2023 |title="The Evolution of the Islamic Architectural Dome Feature" |url=https://www.majournal.my/index.php/maj/article/view/184/96 |journal=Malaysia Architectural Journal |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=38–41}}</ref> This technique helps to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the mosque, minimizing reliance on air conditioning, and promoting sustainability.