Page 16 - 19BAR0038

Great Mosque. The mosque is, in particular, to be commended for its role in the creation of
Muslim architecture innovation. It has just introduced a sharp arch for the first time. The

unique use of the Arch was seen as a distinguishing characteristic of Islam's design and
influenced structures in different regions and epochs.

Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT

fig.12: Interior view of the hypostyle prayer hall fig.13: View of the square minaret
(Source: Wikipedia)
(Source: Wikipedia)

Architectural Elements and Gates: Nine gates mark the mosque enclosure, each one

playing a different role for its own location. Salient porches, flanked by buttresses and
crowned with ribbed domes resting on square tholobates and supporting squinches with

three vaults, enhance the visual and structural richness of these entrances. The Bab AlMa,

which is a water gate in the west facade, has particularly caught my attention.

fig.14: The outside has many buttresses. Here is the northwest corner. (Source: Wikipedia)