Islamic Minarets from unity to diversity

Abstract EN

The current study focuses on Islamic minarets that vary in form from a place to another.

At the same time, they share the same task that was posed by the Islamic doctrine.

The study adopts the descriptive approach as well as the analytical approach that handle their forms and raw materials such as stones, brick and mud brick.

In addition, it tackles their function, i.e.

unity and diversity.

If we have a look on the minarets in the eastern part of the Islamic world, especially in India, Bukhara, Samarqand, Afghanistan…etc., we will notice such circular structure.

It shares the same shape with the Ottoman minaret in Turkey, although the top takes a pencil-like form.

In Iran, it also takes a similar form, even if its body was covered with faience, allowing water or snow to slide in order not to affect its components.

When studying the minaret in Egypt and Levant, it may be noticed that its body is a little big because the architect was not afraid of that the snow or rain will harm the buildings.

In Morocco and Andalusia, it takes a high square form.

As the square base advances forming the body, and at the top the window dedicated for al- Muezzin is added.

Even in deserts, those minarets that were established from mud brick with weak financial resources perform the function of Adhan.

Therefore, I conclude that the Muslim architect respected the environment, leading to diversity in the form and raw materials of minaret, although the function was the same.