From Heritage to Modernity: Transformations in Contemporary Jordan Mosques Architecture in the 21st Century

Abstract

The history of Islamic architecture in Jordan is characterized by its influence from heritage of traditional Islamic architecture, in which architects at the beginning of Islam distinguished themselves by building mosques with a set of emphasized elements, the foundations of which are based on the oneness of God (monotheism), and all Ornamentations are inspired by the characteristics of the Holy Quran. This was based on the views of a group of philosophers, including Ibn Sina, Al-Faruqi, Ibn Arabi, Al-Ghazali, and Al-Farabi. This style remained followed for many decades, until change began with the scarcity of professional architects and engravers and the high cost of construction, and changes in the nature of the environment and raw materials. until construction and decoration turned to the contemporary with the use of all modern technology. And the development of new methods for creating materials resistant to effects of time and humidity. This study focuses on the visual transformation in use of elements and Ornaments in 21st century, and with visual analysis and a comparative case study of two mosques in Jordan, traditional Grand Husseini Mosque, and modern Al-Hamshari Mosque, which proves that Islamic construction and Ornaments has turned into an explicit form that cares about modern aesthetics instead of using the old familiar elements and decorations. The study revealed that Ornament decorations and elements retain the spiritual meaning and the relationship to Creator and monotheism, and translate a modern aesthetic viewpoint that mimics developments in form and content in a smooth and easy way.