Gaziantep Mosque

Designing a contemporary neighborhood mosque in Gaziantep necessitates a careful exploration of its relationship with traditional mosque typologies and its specific location. This examination should inform the spatial configuration, integrating Islamic values and worship practices alongside contextual considerations and reinterpretations of traditional elements.

When conceptualizing the mosque, a foundational exploration into the etymology and conceptual framework of Islamic worship serves as a starting point. “Worship,” which denotes submission, humility, obedience, servitude, adoration, and reverence, encapsulates behaviors intended to express respect, love, and obedience to Allah, seeking divine approval. This term also encompasses related thoughts, feelings, and expressions, primarily within religious contexts.

Throughout history, various scholars have defined worship differently. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi regards it as the pinnacle of respect, Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya emphasizes the fusion of love and obedience, and Raghib al-Isfahani underscores its profound humility. These concepts of obedience, respect, and humility were foundational in shaping the spatial character of our design process.

The proposed mosque in Gaziantep, situated in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, aligns with the historical context and traditional mosque characteristics prevalent in the area. Gaziantep’s religious architecture has evolved over periods, influenced by economic dynamics, artistic sensibilities, and the aesthetic preferences of ruling powers. The design process draws inspiration from historic mosques like Karagöz Mosque, Kozluca Mosque, Tahtani Mosque, and Kozluca Mosque, characterized by rectangular layouts and a neighborhood scale typical of Ottoman-era Gaziantep.

Our design aims not to replicate these traditional forms but to reinterpret their spatial elements, ensuring historical continuity while integrating them respectfully into the contemporary context. The mosque’s design features a harmonious blend of simplicity and modesty, reflecting its context’s values of respect and humility.

The mosque’s architectural elements include a rectangular prayer hall and a narthex, echoing historical precedents but adapted conceptually for today’s needs. The prayer hall, integrated into the topography with a semi-buried structure, maintains a modest profile that respects human scale. A novel interpretation of the traditional dome is achieved through a half-dome structure supported by beams, with skylights enhancing its ethereal quality.

Natural light, crucial for the worship space, filters through skylights and an outdoor area aligned with the qibla direction on the southeast façade. This semicircular space complements the semi-dome inside, creating a serene atmosphere that softens the underground feel typical of such designs.

To control sunlight and enhance aesthetics, a brick solar shading system adorns the southeast façade, allowing bricks to pivot based on sunlight angles. This not only regulates solar exposure but also creates a symbolic contrast against the worship space’s solid brick mass.

On the northwest façade, the integration of a horizontal cover element mitigates the massiveness of the structure, ensuring a harmonious scale and inviting atmosphere. The addition of community spaces like a tea house and Quran course further integrates the mosque into the neighborhood fabric, fostering social interactions.

The overall design emphasizes material continuity and contextual sensitivity, ensuring the mosque’s relevance and functionality while respecting Gaziantep’s rich architectural heritage.