Symbolism and meaning in old masjid architecture of Malay archipelago: a case study of Masjid in Kerinci, Jambi, Indonesia

Abdul Rahim, Zaiton and Mohd Nawawi, Norwina and Denan, Zuraini and Abdul Majid, Noor Hanita and Abdullah, Fadzidah (2019) Symbolism and meaning in old masjid architecture of Malay archipelago: a case study of Masjid in Kerinci, Jambi, Indonesia. In: MAMUR CEVRE VE GELECEK - The Future and the Built Environment. Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University Publication, Istanbul, Turkey, pp. 71-86. ISBN 978-605-2386-17-0

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Abstract

Masjid (mosque) plays a significant role in the life of a Muslim. Throughout history, the old masjids of the old cities and towns reflect the acculturation of Islamic faith with the local culture that embraced the religion. This paper demonstrates through experiential learning how acculturation of Islamic faith and culture of the people in the Malay Archipelago gives symbolic meanings to the masjid architecture and enhances the spatial as well as the spiritual experience of the people. The old masjid in the Kerinci region of Sumatra, Indonesia, was selected as the case studies. In the process of the research, important aspects of the religion and culture were encoded, presented and communicated in the form of architectural features of the masjid, giving meanings and heightened the spiritual experience of the users. The symbolic meanings made through architectural manifestation, in physical form, both structural and non-structural components of the masjid, enriches and gives a distinctive and unique character to the masjid architecture. The old masjid architecture of Kerinchi are simplified abstractions to manifest the worldview of the local people based on the spirit of Islam. The paper concluded that incorporating symbolism that does not impede Islamic teachings or the shariah but can enhance and even exalted the religious spirit of users while providing the distinct character to the masjid.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Additional Information:	2517/74623
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Symbolic meanings, old masjid, culture, Islamic faith
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NA Architecture N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA2695 Architectural drawing and design N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA2835 Details and decoration N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA4100 Special classes of buildings N Fine Arts > NA Architecture > NA4100 Special classes of buildings > NA4590 Religious buildings N Fine Arts > Islamic art and architecture > Architectural components N Fine Arts > Islamic art and architecture > Islamic decoration
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
Depositing User:	Ar Dr Norwina Mohd Nawawi
Date Deposited:	10 Dec 2019 09:50
Last Modified:	10 Dec 2019 09:50
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/74623

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