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Minaret as a Watchtower and Call to Prayer: The minaret of the mosque is for a double
purpose. It functions as a means of calling the faithful to prayer, beyond its traditional role

as an observation tower providing a strategic point of view. The practical considerations
involved in the mosque architecture, together with its religious character, are emphasized by

these two functions.

Inference: The Great Mosque of Kairouan, sometimes referred to as the Mosque of Uqba, is
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
a prime example of early Islamic architecture, fusing historical significance, innovative
design concepts, and spiritual holiness. The mosque's architectural splendor is apparent in

its hypostyle prayer hall, marble-paved courtyard, and recognizable square minaret, all
within its approximately 405-meter perimeter. The mosque, which was the first to employ

the horseshoe arch, brought in a new wave of Islamic architecture that had an impact on

buildings all over the world. The striking porches, buttresses, and ribbed domes that adorn
the nine gates that punctuate its enclosure serve as an example of the rich visual and

structural diversity seen in Islamic architecture. Beyond its conventional use as a
watchtower, the minaret represents a harmonic fusion of spirituality and practicality by

symbolically calling the faithful to prayer. Essentially, the Great Mosque of Kairouan is a
living example of human ingenuity, commitment, and the continuing legacy of Islamic

architectural tradition in addition to being a physical structure.

3.2.4.2 Second Millennium (1000-2000 CE)

Mosque architecture changed significantly, reflecting the thriving affluence of Islamic

societies. The Jerusalem Dome of the Rock, which was first constructed in the 7th century
and then altered, is a perfect illustration of this progression. It features beautiful tilework

and a domed structure that eloquently combines architectural charm with religious
significance. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul represents the height of mosque opulence

throughout the Ottoman era, especially in the 17th century. Wide domes, tall minarets, and
elaborate tile patterns define this architectural masterpiece, which also represents the

Ottoman Empire's imperial grandeur and the creative spirit of mosque building during this

era. As a characteristic of artistic expression, the elaborate use of tilework turned mosques
into vivid canvases of color and design. The Blue Mosque is a symbol of the cultural

identity and architectural creativity that characterized mosque construction in the second
millennium. Its ageless elegance makes it stand out against the cityscape of Istanbul.

3.2.4.2.1 Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Located in the center of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound on the Temple Mount in the Old