The architecture of the mosque in Algeria between the identity of Islamic civilization and contemporary developments

Redjem, Meriem; Mazouz, Said

doi:10.21608/mjaf.2019.11810.1128

The architecture of the mosque in Algeria between the identity of Islamic civilization and contemporary developments

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Meriem Redjem ¹
Said Mazouz ²

¹ Senior Lecturer, department of architecture, university of Annaba, PhD student university of Mohamed Khider - Biskra- Algeria.

² Architecture Department, Larbi Ben Mhidi University - Oum El Bouaghi- Algeria.

10.21608/mjaf.2019.11810.1128

Abstract

The cultural heritage represents the most important foundation for creating and maintaining identity; “Heritage is what contemporary society inherits and passes on; thus, it does not represent only the past but also the present use of the past” (Laura Di Pietro et al, 2018, p. 97).
Identity and Contemporary are the problems of every civilization. Identity is defined as consisting of “customary practice and of beliefs, values, sanctions, rules, motives and satisfactions associated whit it” (Jensen et al, 2011, p. 286). Life can never be satisfied in the old past, despite its origin and originality separate from his present, and impossible to live and grow outside the womb of his assets without identity; therefore, it was necessary for The genius civilization to live its present depends on its authentic identity in a modern and sophisticated spirit that takes from its past to lead its future.
The research discusses the problem of loss of identity in the designs on the Arab and Islamic architecture and especially on contemporary mosques in Algeria characterized by an architectural weakness on their spatial organization, mihrabs, minarets, domes and others; where non-observance of values and aesthetic design of proportions and dimensions and measurements at simulation Heritage styles which could lead to loss of identity design.
Importance & problem of the research: Therefore the search problem defined in:
- The need to disclose the impact of the Islamic art in the ideology and philosophy.
- The rare of studies that clearly link between identity and developments in contemporary mosques in Algeria.
Objectives of the research: the research aims to:
- Determine the most important characteristics of Islamic art and architecture.
- Taking of conscience by future generations, of the singularity and the beauty of Islamic art in order to preserve it.
- The discovery of the original aspect of Islamic architecture in order to combine "Authenticity" and "Creativity" when designing new mosques in Algeria.

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