Domed Ceiling designs

Welcome Monday! Today we will be discussing Domed ceilings, which I typically associate with mosques because that is where I have seen them. But not anymore!

Islamic architecture is mostly represented within the design of Mosques (Islamic prayer halls). Muslims excelled in designing and decorating mosques under Umayyad and Ottoman reign, and continue to excel until the present day. There are several features that constitute a mosque, such as Minaret, Mihrab, and Minbar. Domes can also be considered part of mosques but they don’t have to be.

Domes are an architectural element that the early Muslims borrowed from Byzantium architecture. The first Muslim built dome is the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, Palestine that was completed in 691 during Umayyad reign. Aesthetically speaking, the most remarkable thing about this dome is the golden exterior.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of visiting one of the most remarkable mosques in the world. When I first walked into Hagia Sophia in Turkey, I was taken by a sense of awe!! The domed ceiling added height, increased spaciousness, and amplified sound. It was lavishly decorated with calligraphy, mosaics and arabesque patterns. It was Majestic!!

Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, UAE is a modern day example of a magnificent mosque with several domes. Don’t be distracted by that marvelous chandelier, we’re just exploring domes today. 🙂