Search Results (53)

Hatay (Ancient Antioch), one of Türkiye’s most historically significant and seismically active provinces, experienced extensive damage during the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence (Mw = 7.7 and Mw = 7.6) and its aftershocks. Among the affected structures, masonry mosques and minarets suffered critical damage, revealing significant seismic vulnerabilities. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the seismic performance and structural vulnerabilities of masonry mosques and minarets in Hatay following the devastating 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence. By integrating extensive field observations with advanced numerical analysis, the research documents widespread damage to both traditional kiosk-style and classical minarets, identifying critical factors such as poor local soil conditions, insufficient material strength, and lack of engineering services that contributed to structural collapses, including that of the historic Habibi Neccar Mosque. Through finite element analysis (FEA) using ABAQUS, the study compares different material configurations to assess nonlinear dynamic responses under representative seismic excitations, revealing that recorded ground motions in Hatay significantly exceeded current design-level spectra. The findings offer vital insights for the seismic assessment, retrofitting, and preservation of irreplaceable cultural and religious heritage structures in seismically active regions. This study addresses the enhancement of seismic resistance to historical structures not merely as a safety issue, but also as a social sustainability element that ensures the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. Full article

Climate change has intensified the need for adaptation in urban environments, yet its integration into historic urban squares, where recreational activities were heavily concentrated, has remained underexplored. In this context, the study examined the square located between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which is also defined as an urban recreation area and a focal point of culture-based tourism, during periods of extreme weather conditions and high flows of both local (n = 152), and international tourists (n = 236), evaluating it through different spatial activity typologies. A total of 388 participants were surveyed at 25 survey points within the square, while meteorological parameters were obtained from meteorological stations. The findings showed that the lowest level of heat stress across all typologies corresponded to “slight heat stress,” while user responses varied according to spatial characteristics. In movement spaces, the absence of shading elements increased both heat stress and shade demand, whereas in stationary spaces, the presence of trees reduced heat stress but preferences for lower air humidity persisted even under shaded conditions. Sky openness was not identified as a direct determinant of thermal sensation, with meteorological and perceptual factors proving more influential. PET explained approximately 65% of the variation in MTSV among tourists, compared to 55% among local residents. Across typologies, only increases in air temperature negatively affected thermal satisfaction. Moreover, tourists perceived the square more holistically and reported higher satisfaction compared to locals, whose environmental demands were distinct. These results highlighted the importance of spatial activity typologies in shaping thermal experience and underlined the necessity of design strategies that extended beyond heat-mitigation measures. Holistic and flexible approaches that accounted for user profiles, activity types, and intensity of use were found to be essential for improving thermal comfort in historic urban squares with diverse spatial configurations. Full article

Religious buildings such as synagogues, churches, and mosques, which are central to religious, cultural, and social life, have served important purposes throughout history as sacred spaces where art, architecture and performance converge. Although these sacred spaces offer unique spatial contexts that deepen individuals’ spiritual experiences through their physical, symbolic, and atmospheric qualities, empirical studies examining this relationship remain limited. This study aims to investigate the impact of biophilic design features within the Yivli Minaret Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Antalya, constructed during the 13th-century Anatolian Seljuk Period, on the spiritual experiences of congregation members, and to identify the key psychological mechanisms shaping this relationship. The methodology of the study is based on a mixed-methods approach that combines expert assessments conducted using the Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M), which integrates proven scientific data with artistic perspective within a historical and symbolic religious structure, with survey data obtained from 359 mosque congregation members. The findings indicate that the mosque exhibits medium-to-high levels of biophilic design characteristics and that the relationship with nature is established indirectly through historical, cultural, and ecological contexts and symbolic representations rather than directly through natural elements. In this respect, the biophilic characteristics of sacred spaces are not merely an artistic and aesthetic approach, but an element that supports individuals’ relationship with nature and their restorative and spiritual experience. Overall, the study reveals that spiritual experience cannot be considered independently of its spatial context and that sacred spaces related to nature support spiritual experience. Full article

Mosque architecture often exhibits distinct identities, elements, and forms associated with geographical locations or dynastic patronage in the Islamic world. However, there has been a significant paradigm shift in mosque architecture over the past century, with external factors influencing the construction and sustainability of contemporary mosques. This study examines the evolution of mosque architecture in Nigeria, concentrating on the Ilorin Central Mosque as a pivotal case study connecting the northern and southern regions. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing descriptive approach, historical research, architectural analysis, and field observations to examine the architectural language, urban context, and socio-historical factors shaping the mosque’s development. Although geographical settings have always influenced traditional religious designs in Nigeria, the findings reveal a transformation from simple mud structures to grand modern edifices. The Ilorin Central Mosque exemplifies this shift, with its Ottoman-inspired domes and minarets contrasting with the traditional vernacular mosques of the 19th century. The study highlights the challenges of globalization, sustainability, foreign architectural influences, and the tension between local identity and contemporary trends in mosque architecture. The study concludes by arguing that future mosques must reintegrate regionalism, local materials, and climate-responsive principles into contemporary aesthetics while considering the quintessential principles of the Prophet’s Mosque and the religious and social significance of mosques within the urban fabric. The Ilorin Central Mosque exemplifies a microcosm of the transformations in Nigerian mosque architecture, highlighting the necessity of a balanced approach that embraces both cultural heritage and contemporary needs. Full article

Mosque buildings have symbolic significance, which makes them ideal candidates for implementing energy-efficient building design strategies. Mosques located in hot climates face several challenges in achieving thermal comfort while meeting energy efficiency requirements due to their distinct architectural features and intermittent occupancy patterns. Addressing these challenges requires integrating innovative energy-efficient retrofit strategies that cater to the characteristics of existing contemporary mosque buildings. Thus, this study provides a review of these approaches, considering both passive and active strategies. Passive strategies include thermal insulation, glazing upgrades, and shading improvements, while active ones include Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) zoning and smart control, lighting upgrades, and the integration of photovoltaic panels. The findings highlight the potential of combining both passive and active retrofitting measures to achieve substantial energy performance improvements while addressing the thermal comfort needs of mosque buildings in hot climates. However, more research is needed on smart control systems and advanced building materials to further enhance energy performance in mosque buildings. By adopting these strategies, mosques can serve as models of energy-efficient design, promoting sustainability and resilience in their communities. Full article

Recent investigations at the Cortijo de las Mezquitas complex (Antequera–Campillos–Sierra de Yeguas, Province of Málaga, Andalusia, Spain) have focused on clarifying the construction history of the monument and on contextualising the presence of an early medieval rural mosque, a rare example within the Iberian Peninsula. The reassessment of the complex, conducted within the methodological framework of Building Archaeology, has made it possible to describe the constructive characteristics of the building with greater precision, both in terms of its architectural design and its construction process. This approach has enabled a more detailed definition of the technological context employed in the original construction phase, as well as of the chronological range to which it belongs, spanning between the late ninth and early tenth centuries. Subsequent phases of reoccupation and transformation, particularly from the sixteenth century onwards, were also documented, although the dating of some interventions remains uncertain. This research provides a fundamental framework for the historical contextualisation of the monument within the history of al-Andalus and highlights the urgent need for its conservation, restoration, and valorisation. Full article

This study evaluates and compares the sustainability performance of selected historic, commercial, and institutional buildings in Istanbul to identify effective climate-responsive and energy-efficient design strategies. The objectives are to assess performance using LEED-based criteria, examine variations across building typologies, and outline implications for future sustainable design. Using an evaluation matrix, responses from 175 experts were analysed across key LEED categories for seven case study buildings. The comparative assessment reveals notable variations in sustainability performance across the seven evaluated buildings. ERKE Green Academy consistently achieved the highest mean scores (≈4.40–4.60), particularly in Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, and Indoor Environmental Quality. This strong performance reflects its integration of advanced green technologies, optimised daylighting strategies, biophilic elements, and smart system controls. Modern commercial towers, such as the Allianz Tower and Sapphire Tower, recorded strong mean scores (≈4.20–4.50) across categories related to Integrative Design, Energy Efficiency, and Materials and Resources. Their performance is largely driven by intelligent façade systems, double-skin envelopes, automated shading, and high-performance mechanical systems that enhance operational efficiency. In contrast, heritage buildings including Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed Mosque demonstrated moderate yet stable performance levels (≈4.00–4.40). Their strengths were most evident in Indoor Environmental Quality, where passive systems such as thermal mass, natural ventilation, and inherent spatial configurations contribute significantly to occupant comfort. Overall, the findings underscore the complementary value of combining traditional passive strategies with modern smart technologies to achieve resilient, low-energy, and user-responsive architecture. This study is novel as it uniquely demonstrates how traditional passive design strategies and modern smart technologies can be integrated to enhance climate-responsive and energy-efficient performance across diverse building typologies. The study recommends enhanced indoor air quality strategies, occupant education on system use, and stronger policy alignment with LEED standards. Full article

Violence against women remains one of the most persistent social problems in Türkiye, often reinforced by patriarchal interpretations of religion and cultural traditions. This study investigates the role of religious institutions and values-based education in preventing such violence by analyzing national curricula, mosque sermons, policy documents, and reports of the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Using a qualitative design based on document analysis and literature review, it examines how religious education reflects or omits gender-related themes and how institutional practices shape public awareness. The findings reveal that while formal and non-formal types of religious education promote moral values such as compassion, justice, and respect, they rarely address gender-based violence explicitly. Religious discourse tends to emphasize general moral development rather than specific strategies for preventing violence against women. The study concludes that integrating gender-sensitive content into religious curricula, promoting authentic Qur’anic teachings on equality and mercy, and providing professional training for religious personnel are essential to transforming societal attitudes. Strengthening cooperation between educational institutions, religious authorities, and policymakers will ensure that religion functions as a constructive moral resource rather than a tool for legitimizing inequality. Full article

This study advances visitor research by examining how visitors interact with and derive meaning from Bahrain’s Historic Site Interpretation Centres (HSICs). Using a mixed-methods ethnographic approach, we collected data from four sites (Qal’at Al Bahrain, Shaikh Salman Fort, Bu Maher Fort, Al Khamis Mosque) through 113 surveys and 22 interviews. The findings confirm that architectural context and curatorial techniques significantly influence visitors’ meaning-making. While many valued the dual-interpretation formats, issues such as decontextualization and misalignment with local identity sometimes disrupted the intended narratives. HSICs are identified as essential centres for information and cultural identity, fostering emotional connections among visitors. This study confirms the connection between architectural design, display strategies, and user expectations, providing insights into how these factors shape visitors’ experiences. It provides implications for curatorial design and inclusive engagement strategies in similar settings. The VE-HSIC model introduced here serves as a framework to enhance visitor engagement, deepen understanding of visitor interactions, and explore how museum practices influence the creation of meaning. Full article

The Djebel Amour region, located in the Western Saharan Atlas of Algeria, hosts a vernacular mosque heritage that remains largely unexplored. This study presents the first comprehensive typo-morphological analysis of fourteen mosques dating from the 11th to the 20th century. Their original architectural state was reconstructed through the triangulation of field surveys, archival documentation, iconographic sources, and oral testimonies. A reference model based on four recurrent components—the prayer hall with its mihrab, courtyard, portico, and minaret—enabled the identification of typological constants, contextual variations, and vernacular constructive logics. The results reveal the persistence of sober and functional forms, marked by the frequent absence of a courtyard and the presence of skiffa-inspired porticos and staircase minarets. A complementary quantitative component strengthens cross-regional comparisons and situates the Djebel Amour corpus within wider North African, West African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian vernacular mosque traditions. Beyond architectural reconstruction, this study develops an operational framework for conservation and transformation management, supported by a structured database that systematises typological, material, and construction data. While the analysis relies primarily on photogrammetric documentation, the proposed framework is compatible with international digital standards and can be expanded through methods such as 3D laser scanning, drone-based surveys, or geospatial modelling. By integrating qualitative, quantitative, and digital perspectives, this research offers practical tools for heritage authorities, local administrations, mosque committees, architects, designers, and conservation practitioners, positioning the Djebel Amour mosques as a reference model for sustainable heritage management and contextual adaptation in arid and tribal environments. Full article

This study takes the Phoenix Mosque (fenghuangsi 凤凰寺) in Hangzhou as a representative case to explore the localization patterns and profound cultural connotations of colour application in Chinese Islamic architecture. The findings reveal that the architectural colour scheme of the Phoenix Mosque not only skillfully integrates traditional Islamic symbolism with Chinese cultural aesthetics but also emphasises simplicity and purity in its overall design, vividly reflecting the unique Jiangnan (Lower Yangtze) regional aesthetic distinct from other styles of Chinese Islamic architecture. This distinctive chromatic system carries significant implications for cultural heritage preservation, artistic aesthetics, and tourism development. However, it also faces multiple challenges, including insufficient preservation techniques, risks of cultural misinterpretation, and a shortage of specialised professionals. In response, this study systematically proposes a set of comprehensive strategies that combine scientific conservation and technological innovation, deepen cultural education and communication, and strengthen talent cultivation and academic research. The aim is to provide robust theoretical foundations and practical pathways for the preservation, inheritance, and innovative development of colour traditions in Chinese Islamic architecture. Full article

This thorough study looks at the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to forecast energy usage in buildings, with an emphasis on mosques. As energy use has a greater impact on both the environment and the economy, it is becoming increasingly important to optimize energy usage in buildings, especially for religious organizations such as mosques. The study goes into a variety of ML methods and models, including neural networks, regression models, decision trees, and clustering algorithms, each customized to a distinct difficulty in energy management. The paper evaluates the efficacy of several ML techniques, noting their merits, shortcomings, and potential applications. Additionally, it investigates the impact of climate, mosque design, occupancy patterns, and geographical variables on energy use. To achieve accurate energy consumption projections, rigorous data collecting, pre-processing, and model validation procedures are required. The paper also discusses important data sources and methodologies for mosque-specific energy analysis. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the practical benefits of applying ML in energy prediction, such as cost savings, increased environmental sustainability, and better resource allocation. This study’s ramifications extend beyond mosques, providing useful insights into energy management in buildings in general. By summarizing the current state of ML applications in mosque energy prediction, this study is an important resource for researchers, decision-makers, and energy management practitioners, paving the way for future advancements and the adoption of more sustainable energy practices in religious institutions. Full article

Reinforced concrete (RC)–masonry hybrid systems are commonly found in both historical renovations and modern constructions, particularly in seismic regions. While combining the ductility of RC with the mass and stiffness of masonry offers potential advantages, these systems often exhibit complex and unpredictable seismic behavior due to the differing mechanical characteristics of the two materials. This study aims to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of RC–masonry hybrid systems by performing a comparative numerical analysis of three structural configurations. As a representative case study, the historical İsa Divanlı Mosque in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey—severely damaged during the 6 February 2023 earthquakes—is modeled under three scenarios: (Configuration A) full RC structure with shear walls, (Configuration B) unreinforced masonry, and (Configuration C) the existing hybrid form with an RC dome and slabs over masonry walls. Finite element models were developed for each case, and their seismic responses were analyzed under identical loading conditions. The maximum spectral displacements were 55.3 mm, 45.8 mm, and 59.5 mm for the RC, masonry, and hybrid configurations, respectively. The Normalized Displacement Index (NDI) values reached 0.666 mm/MPa for the RC and hybrid systems, while the masonry configuration remained at 0.528 mm/MPa, reflecting its brittle behavior. The findings highlight the influence of structural typology on seismic vulnerability and demonstrate the potential risks and disadvantages of hybrid systems. This study contributes to the understanding of hybrid structural behavior and offers recommendations for the design and retrofit of such systems in seismic regions. Full article

The mashrabiya is a key element that characterizes Islamic architecture, and in recent years it has been reintroduced into public building designs, partially due to its strong symbolic significance. Focusing on the application of mashrabiyas in historical public buildings, this work aims to contribute by examining the use of this architectural element in traditional Islamic public architecture. This area has received comparatively less attention in the existing literature, which predominantly focuses on residential applications. While the functions and applications of mashrabiyas in the residential context are well documented, their role within public structures remains less explored. This study investigates their functions in eight case studies from Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and India, spanning four public building types: mosques, Quranic schools, bimaristans, and caravanserais. The methodology considers the mashrabiya within four categories of public buildings in Islamic architecture across diverse geographical contexts, trying to understand possible unique characteristics in its form, material, and function. The choice of this method is based on the need to identify possible analogies or specific differences among the various examples of mashrabiya analyzed within their respective typologies. The results show that the mashrabiya in Islamic public buildings has transcended its functional aspects to hold a symbolic meaning in Islamic culture. Over the centuries, it has been a significant and constant presence in Islamic public buildings. The choice of materials—wood and stone—reflects geographical and technological influences; however, despite design variations, all refer to abstract geometric motifs central to Islamic decorative tradition. Full article

The accelerating pace of urbanization and population growth has increasingly disrupted the relationship between the built environment and nature, contributing to a decline in individuals’ psychological and spiritual well-being. Religious buildings—particularly mosques—have the potential to serve as restorative environments that support spiritual reflection and emotional balance. Within this context, the integration of biophilic design principles into sacred architecture has emerged as a significant area of contemporary research. This study investigates how biophilic elements in mosque interiors influence individuals’ perceptions of spirituality and the restorative quality of the space. Mosque interior images were generated using artificial intelligence tools (Midjourney V6.1 and DALL·E 3), informed by biophilic design theory. Grounded in Attention Restoration Theory (ART), the study utilized a quantitative research framework to explore how biophilic elements influence spiritual and restorative perceptions in sacred architectural spaces. Data were collected from 390 individuals in Türkiye with prior worship experience in Republican-era mosques—structures marked by ideological and spatial transformations. Two instruments were used, the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS) and the newly developed Biophilic Spiritual Perception Scale (BSPS), which demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.981). Analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Findings suggest that biophilic design in mosque interiors positively influences both spiritual experience and perceived environmental restorativeness. These results support the view that biophilic design should not be seen merely as an esthetic or ecological approach but as a multidimensional strategy that enhances the emotional and spiritual quality of sacred spaces. Implications for future mosque design in Türkiye are discussed. Full article