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Zachary Hargrove Dr. Ann Malloy Art 1113 April 1, 2013 Architecture of Sacred Places Religion is a staple of Mankind and its history. In almost every culture we can find an attempt to house a holy place of worship. I want to look at three very deep rooted religions and what architectural design they incorporated that set them apart from the rest. From temples to tombs, these examples are full of symbolism and mystery. By taking a look at Christian, Islamic, and Hindu architecture, we can gain a better understanding of the history and ideals of these ancient religions. Christianity might be the most architecturally elaborate religion in Mankinds rich history. There are also many different forms of Christianity and each have their own customs particular to themselves. We will look at classic example of Roman Catholisism. Early Roman churches were usually houses that were
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modified to become places of worship. According to the Wikipedia article Church Architecture, These early house churches had several main components. First was an Atrium, which was a walled entry courtyard and was a common place for reflection and prayer. It would often house a centerpiece such as a

1; St. Peters Basillica, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_St_Peters_Basilica_plan.png

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fountain or statue. Next was a Basilica, which was a large interior room with lots of open space and vaulted ceilings. This was often used as more than a church utility, simply for the fact that early Roman churches used to be the biggest building in town. The Basilica would usually include one extended semicircle room referred to as an Apse, which would usually be the focus of the whole room and included an Altar. Often times the whole Christian church served as a meeting place for more things than church. The religion of Islam is also is a very detail oriented religion. In the middle east, the Mosque still serves more purpose than just one weekly meeting place. There are more Mosques spread throughout urban and rural areas, because they serve as a place for prayer five times a day, and often serve as a place for school. The Architecture for these places can be somewhat shocking to see for someone who isnt used to middle eastern architecture. According to the Islam Religion website, each mosque has a mihrab, which is a small niche in the wall which points to Mecca, so active worshippers know in which direction to pray. It may be surprising to some, but Islamic Scholars also deliver their sermon from a Minbar, which is similar to a pulpit from which a Catholic
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priest or bishop may deliver their own sermon from. Perhaps the most notable point of Islamic architecture are Minarets. These are tall towers that reach high above a Mosque. They are used to call the Mosques congregation to pray. Architecturally, Hinduism might very well be the most intricate religion ive ever witnessed. Rooted in Southern Asia, it holds strong ties with nature and many animal like deities
2; Modern Mosque, http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/images/What_is_a_Mosque_1_.docx_001.jpg

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and Gods. Hinduism is the only one of these three religions that doesnt require a visit to a temple for worship. Temples are usually only used for special occasions. According to the article All about the Temple, by
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Subhamoy Das, there are

several main parts to the Hindu Temple. First is the Dome and Steeple, which symbolizes the Mythological highest peak Meru. Next is the Inner chamber, in which normal visitors cannot gain access. It is only open to priests, and symbolizes a human womb. The Temple Hall is the largest room in the temple. It is open to the public and is where most worship takes place. The Front Porch is a front area which houses a large bell that visitors ring to notify their arrival and departure from the temple. In closing, we can see that housing places of worship is very similar in Humans no matter what religion they believe in. The intricacy and detail in all three of these examples shows their importance in culture.

3; Hindu Temple, http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5i8ti27Wl1rysvqyo1_500.jpg

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Works Cited "Church Architecture." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_architecture>. Stacey, Aisha. "What Is a Mosque?" - The Religion of Islam. Islamreligion.com, 21 Sept. 2009. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. Das, Subhamoy. "All About the Hindu Temple." About.com Hinduism. About.com, n.d. Web. 01 Apr. 2013.

2; Modern Mosque, http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/images/What_is_a_Mosque_1_.docx_001.jpg