A prerequisite for mosque design is that the style of architecture should reflect its purpose, and incorporate both the tangible and intangible features. The former includes the main prayer hall, the mihrab (a semicircular niche), mimbar (pulpit), dikka (muezzin s platform), water troughs and various embellishments like arabesque geometric ornaments, colourful tiles and Quranic verses; the latter covers what is regarded as the seven principles of Islamic architecture unity, respect, sincerity, knowledge, balance, modesty and remembrance. An archetype model usually features a rectangular compound with minarets and a central dome topping a main prayer hall facing the direction of the Ka'aba. The shape and size of a mosque is also, inevitably, determined by the limitations of building materials and architectural knowledge. The colossal Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World is a celebration of the evolution and the refinement of mosque architecture throughout history and the world. The most apparent function of a mosque is as a place of prayer for Muslims, in addition to other multiple functions such as a centre of learning, a school to teach children about the Quran, a library and a place where local people got together and exchanged information, and a sanctuary where weary wayfarers may rest. The early mosques also served as a stronghold for Muslim political power. The word mosque, according to the book's author Azim Aziz, is derived from the French mosque e which in turn is derived from the Spanish mezquita. The Spanish term is a translation of the Arabic masdjid which originated from the Aramaic masgedha. As its title would indicate, Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World, compiles within its 800-plus pages, the various mosques from around the world, accompanied by hundreds of sumptuous exterior and interior photographs, architectural drawings (including original 3D and CAD drawings), floor plans, satellite maps, histories and architectural descriptions. Many of the mosques were chosen to be featured due to their design relevance in history and their various architectural styles: Arabian, West Africa/Sahara, Fatimid, Moorish, Mamluk, Iran & Central Asia, Timurid, Indian or Mughal, Anatolia and Ottoman, Chinese, Southeast Asia, Early Modern, Post Modern, Late Modernist and Sustainable Green. A total of 112 mosques from around the world are featured, beginning with the earliest, the Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah (Mecca) and concluding with several interesting futuristic models.

A prerequisite for mosque design is that the style of architecture should reflect its purpose, and incorporate both the tangible and intangible features. The former includes the main prayer hall, the mihrab (a semicircular niche), mimbar (pulpit), dikka (muezzin's platform), water troughs and various embellishments like arabesque geometric ornaments, colourful tiles and Quranic verses; the latter covers what is regarded as the seven principles of Islamic architecture unity, respect, sincerity, knowledge, balance, modesty and remembrance. An archetype model usually features a rectangular compound with minarets and a central dome topping a main prayer hall facing the direction of the Ka'aba. The shape and size of a mosque is also, inevitably, determined by the limitations of building materials and architectural knowledge. The colossal Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World is a celebration of the evolution and the refinement of mosque architecture throughout history and the world. The most apparent function of a mosque is as a place of prayer for Muslims, in addition to other multiple functions such as a centre of learning, a school to teach children about the Quran, a library and a place where local people got together and exchanged information, and a sanctuary where weary wayfarers may rest. The early mosques also served as a stronghold for Muslim political power. The word mosque, according to the book's author Azim Aziz, is derived from the French mosque e which in turn is derived from the Spanish mezquita. The Spanish term is a translation of the Arabic masdjid which originated from the Aramaic masgedha. As its title would indicate, Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World, compiles within its 800-plus pages, the various mosques from around the world, accompanied by hundreds of sumptuous exterior and interior photographs, architectural drawings (including original 3D and CAD drawings), floor plans, satellite maps, histories and architectural descriptions. Many of the mosques were chosen to be featured due to their design relevance in history and their various architectural styles: Arabian, West Africa/Sahara, Fatimid, Moorish, Mamluk, Iran & Central Asia, Timurid, Indian or Mughal, Anatolia and Ottoman, Chinese, Southeast Asia, Early Modern, Post Modern, Late Modernist and Sustainable Green. A total of 112 mosques from around the world are featured, beginning with the earliest, the Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah (Mecca) and concluding with several interesting futuristic models.

A prerequisite for mosque design is that the style of architecture should reflect its purpose, and incorporate both the tangible and intangible features. The former includes the main prayer hall, the mihrab (a semicircular niche), mimbar (pulpit), dikka (muezzin's platform), water troughs and various embellishments like arabesque geometric ornaments, colourful tiles and Quranic verses; the latter covers what is regarded as the seven principles of Islamic architecture unity, respect, sincerity, knowledge, balance, modesty and remembrance. An archetype model usually features a rectangular compound with minarets and a central dome topping a main prayer hall facing the direction of the Ka'aba. The shape and size of a mosque is also, inevitably, determined by the limitations of building materials and architectural knowledge. The colossal Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World is a celebration of the evolution and the refinement of mosque architecture throughout history and the world. The most apparent function of a mosque is as a place of prayer for Muslims, in addition to other multiple functions such as a centre of learning, a school to teach children about the Quran, a library and a place where local people got together and exchanged information, and a sanctuary where weary wayfarers may rest. The early mosques also served as a stronghold for Muslim political power. The word mosque, according to the book's author Azim Aziz, is derived from the French mosque e which in turn is derived from the Spanish mezquita. The Spanish term is a translation of the Arabic masdjid which originated from the Aramaic masgedha. As its title would indicate, Masjid - Selected Mosques from the Islamic World, compiles within its 800-plus pages, the various mosques from around the world, accompanied by hundreds of sumptuous exterior and interior photographs, architectural drawings (including original 3D and CAD drawings), floor plans, satellite maps, histories and architectural descriptions. Many of the mosques were chosen to be featured due to their design relevance in history and their various architectural styles: Arabian, West Africa/Sahara, Fatimid, Moorish, Mamluk, Iran & Central Asia, Timurid, Indian or Mughal, Anatolia and Ottoman, Chinese, Southeast Asia, Early Modern, Post Modern, Late Modernist and Sustainable Green. A total of 112 mosques from around the world are featured, beginning with the earliest, the Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah (Mecca) and concluding with several interesting futuristic models.

While all mosques stem from a common tradition of reverence, differing sects, regions and practices have led to many innovations and novel architectural forms. Mosques is the latest addition to the “Ultimate collection,” and is a journey though centuries and continents that brings readers to the threshold of 100 of the world’s most historically significant buildings that are home to worshippers of the fastest growing, and second largest, religion in the world.

- Monsoon Mosques presents a finely curated selection of beautiful mosques from South and Southeast Asia - One of the first such books, it traces the spread of Islam through the Indian Ocean littoral and the ways in which local communities responded by building their own local centers of worship - A unique style vernacular ensued, which is explored in detail in this volume for the first time - Featuring many previously unseen pictures For centuries, monsoon winds brought traders from the Middle East to India, and onward to Malaysia and the Indonesian archipelago. Once the new religion of Islam had been established in the land of Arabia, merchants carried their faith to the many ports of call around the Indian Ocean. As Islam peacefully spread through the Indian Ocean littoral, the coastal trading cities responded in extraordinary ways. Modifying the form of the local tropical buildings of timber and stone, communities created a stylistic hybrid for their houses of prayer, the ubiquitous village mosque. An exceptional vernacular ensued, reflecting the unique combination of environment, local materials and building skills, trade and the traders. This volume celebrates a finely curated selection of centuries-old mosques in Kerala, Sumatra, Java and Malaysia. Raised up high by the communities, the mosques are a marvel of timber, soaring spaces and traditional crafts. Since their creation, these local mosques have been kept alive and well as dynamic expressions of place. But the 20th and 21st centuries have brought numerous threats to their continued existence and vitality. Monsoon Mosques explores the fate of these vibrant symbols of the integration of Islam into local culture.

Published in paperback for the opening of the new Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art at the V&A, this fascinating introduction to Islamic art and culture draws on examples from its magnificent collections. It is an invaluable overview of a complex subject, exploring the cultural significance of objects in different media, from ceramics, miniature painting and textiles to wood-carving and metalwork, while the superb photographs highlight their unique craftsmanship. From the Middle East came the earliest astrological clocks, the finest ceramics and lustreware, the development of calligraphy and Arabic scripts, and the intricate skills of carpet-weaving, among many other profoundly significant cultural developments. This cradle of empires was also a vibrant commercial centre, exporting raw materials, skills and techniques to surrounding lands, and spreading its web of influence from Southern Spain to Northern India. Palace and Mosque distills a rich and vibrant culture, and will be of lasting value to all those interested in the glories of the Islamic world.