Mosque architecture has a rich history spanning centuries and different regions of the world. The earliest mosques were simple structures with no elaborate decorative features, constructed during the time of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina and Mecca in the 7th century.
With the spread of Islam, mosque architecture evolved and changed based on the regional and cultural influences of the different areas in which it developed. In the Islamic world, a mosque is not just a place for prayer but also a community hub where people gather for religious education, social and cultural events.
Some of the most famous and influential examples of mosque architecture are found in the Islamic golden age that took place during the Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th-13th centuries, where the architecture flourished with elegant domes, minarets, and intricate geometric designs.
In the later Ottoman Empire, mosque architecture took on a distinct style, featuring grand domes with elaborate calligraphy and turquoise tiles, with the Selimiye Mosque in Turkey being one of the most famous examples.
Mosque architecture in modern times has also continued to evolve, with new styles and innovations fitting them into the context of contemporary cities, while still maintaining the Islamic architectural principles and aesthetics.
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