The Enduring Values of Light Architecture in Iranian-Islamic Mosques

Abstract

God describes Himself as the Light of the heavens and the earth in the Quran (Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth) (Quran 24:35). The concept of light holds significant importance, as evidenced by the existence of an entire surah dedicated to it (Surah 24). Despite the crucial role of light in mosque architecture, contemporary mosques often neglect this essential element, which plays a key role in their design. The current focus on quantitative aspects and the disregard for the semantic dimensions of natural light in mosque spaces highlight the need for further study to create more qualitative spatial experiences. Accordingly, the present study aims to assess the qualitative presence of light and propose practical strategies for integrating high-quality lighting in contemporary mosque architecture. This study identifies the qualitative characteristics of light based on Quranic texts, extracted through the interpretations provided by Islamic philosophers regarding Quranic verses and an analysis of the implicit meanings within these verses. Based on these attributes, seven fundamental principles of qualitative light have been derived: the principle of existential authenticity, the principle of existential hierarchy, the principle of justice, the principle of abstraction, the principle of permanence, the principle of guidance, and the principle of signification. The corresponding architectural messages in Iranian-Islamic mosque architecture include unity, movement, homogeneity, ascension, endurance, guidance, and implication. To examine the relationship between the quality of daylight in mosque spaces, the study selects Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Imam Mosque, Hakim Mosque, Rahim Khan Mosque, and Seyyed Mosque—mosques distinguished for their design emphasis on natural light in creating a spiritual atmosphere. This research follows a descriptive-analytical method based on both field studies and library resources.