A morphological and geometrical study of historical minarets in the North of Algeria

Said Beldjilali

said.beldjilali@univ-mosta.dz
Department of Architecture; University of Abed hamid iben Badis of Mostaganem; (Algeria)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2987-0205

Naima Benkari


Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering; Sultan Qaboos University; (Oman)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9082-3582

Zahir Namourah


Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho; (Portugal)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1436-1363

Humberto Varum


Department of Civil Engineering; Faculty of Engineering; University of Porto; (Portugal)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0215-8701

Abstract

The Islamic heritage constitutes a very precious treasure in Algeria, especially the places of worship (mosques), which reflect the symbol of this heritage. They are considered important landmarks in cities through architectural elements such as the dome and the minaret. Minarets are used by the muezzin to invite people to pray; they were previously built near the mosque or inside it, next to the prayer room. Later, they appeared as angular towers of mausoleums. This research is part of an analytical study of the minarets in Algeria during the medieval period (Bani Hamad, Moravid, Zayyanid, Marinid, and Ottoman) which were selected and then classified according to their various typologies (dimensions, forms, designs, etc.), and evolution over time. The main objectives of this work are to search for the forms that determine the typology of the minarets of each period. It also examines the correlation between dimensions and geometric parameters employed in the design conception of these minarets. The research followed a monographic method that relies on field observation and documentation, while including a thorough reading of history. The results show that the constant form of the vertical section of the minaret, with the same dimensions between the top and bottom, represents two-thirds of the main tower of the minarets. We also conclude that the square shape of the horizontal section of the minaret represents two-thirds of the main tower of the minarets, which expresses the most earthquake-resistant form. These dimensions play a pivotal role in enhancing the minaret's visual allure and architectural equilibrium, in addition to their earthquake resistance virtues.


Keywords:

architectural style, Islamic heritage, minarets, geometric analysis, morphological analysis, mosque

Amboro J. L. et al., “Employing the Elements of Artifacts in the Sunan Pandanarang Great Mosque, Indonesia to improve Kendhi Bayat Design,” International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements, vol. 9, no. 5, (2022), pp. 33–47.
  Google Scholar

Szołomicki J. and Szołomicka H. G. “Contemporary architecture of high-rise buildings in Doha – the capital of Qatar,” Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 16, no. 4, (2017), pp. 15–33. https://doi.org/10.24358/Bud-Arch_17_164_02
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24358/Bud-Arch_17_164_02   Google Scholar

Zerari S. et al., “Morphological Diversity of Ancient Minarets Architecture in the Ziban Region (Algeria): the Question of Form, Style and Character (1)”, Metu Journal of the Faculty of Architecture, vol. 37, no. 2, (2020), pp. 127–152. https://doi.org/10.4305/METU.JFA.2020.2.6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4305/METU.JFA.2020.2.6   Google Scholar

Astrini W. et al., “The Characteristic of Minaret Based on Community Preference for the Composition of Mosque Architecture in Malang City”, in Proceedings of the International Conference of Heritage & Culture in Integrated Rural-Urban Context (HUNIAN 2019) vol. 195, no. Hunian 2019, (2020), pp. 112–118. https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.200729.018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/aer.k.200729.018   Google Scholar

Leila B. et al., “Identite morphologique des minarets ziyanides”, Sciences & Technologie D Université des Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, vol. 51, (2020), pp. 23–32.
  Google Scholar

Ishrat A. et al., “Climate and Seismic Responsive Vernacular Architecture of the Old Settlement of Srinagar, India”, International Society for the Study of Vernacular Settlements, vol. 10, no. 7, (2023), pp. 106–121.
  Google Scholar

Szostak B. and Trochonowicz M., “Historical reinforced concrete structures – used materials and calculating algorithms”, Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 14, no. 2, (2015), pp. 105–112. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.1656
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.1656   Google Scholar

Kazaz İ. et al., “Numerical Assessment of Cracks on a Freestanding Masonry Minaret”, International Journal of Architectural Heritage, vol. 15, no. 4, (2021), pp. 526–547. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2019.1629046
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2019.1629046   Google Scholar

Jahić E., “The Neighbourhood Mosque with Wooden Minaret in Bosnia And Herzegovina From 16th And 17th Century: Four Examples of Restoration in Tuzla Region”, METU Journal of the Faculty of Architecture, vol. 36(1), (2019), pp. 1-22. https://doi.org/10.4305/METU.JFA.2019.1.6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4305/METU.JFA.2019.1.6   Google Scholar

Ortiz-Cordero R. and Hidalgo Fernández R. E., “Multivariate study and proportion study for classification and dating of Islamic Al-Andalus’ minarets: A first approach”, Journal of Cultural Heritage, vol. 24, (2017), pp. 117–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2016.11.007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2016.11.007   Google Scholar

Tabales Rodríguez M. Á. et al., “Quels Impacts des Festivites sur la durabilite du Patrimoine Archeologique: cas de la Qal’a des Benni Hammad en Algerie”, Journal of Archaeology Architecture and Arts, vol. 4, no. July 2019, (2017), pp. 51–57. https://doi.org/10.14195/2182-844X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14195/2182-844X   Google Scholar

Almagro A., “Surveying world heritage islamic monuments in north Africa: experiences with simple photogrammetric tools and no previous planning”, 2013, vol. II, no. September, pp. 13–18.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/isprsannals-II-5-W1-13-2013   Google Scholar

Ivashko Y. and Kouider R., “Specific features and issues of preserving the historic cities of Algeria – centres of islamic construction”, Journal of Heritage Conservation, vol. 58, (2019), pp. 143–147. https://doi.org/10.17425/WK58ALGERIA
  Google Scholar

Sesigur H. et al., “Repair and retrofit of Ketchaoua Mosque in Algeria”, Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions: Anamnesis, diagnosis, therapy, controls - Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions, SAHC 2016, no. January, (2016), pp. 1824–1831. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315616995-267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315616995-247   Google Scholar

Ivashko Y. and Rezga K., “Specific features of the compositional construction of historical mosques of Algeria as the basis for their preservation and restoration in the original form”, Journal of Heritage Conservation, (2020), pp. 80–84. https://doi.org/10.48234/WK61ALGERIA
  Google Scholar

Rofiq A. C., “Moderation and Civilization (A Historical Analysis on the Moderate Policy of the Rustamid Dynasty)”, Aristo, vol. 6, no. 2, (2018), p. 373. https://doi.org/10.24269/ars.v6i2.1031
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24269/ars.v6i2.1031   Google Scholar

Nabila Chérif, “L’inventaire du patrimoine architecturale de la période ottomane en Algérie :du recensement à l’étude”, in Nabila Chérif, Hermann ed., 2015. https://doi.org/https://patmagh.hypotheses.org/174
  Google Scholar

Kouider R. and Ivashko J., “Study Methodology of the Architectural Periodization of Algerian Mosques and the Ritual Role of Elements (Mihrab, Minbar, Qibla, Bath for Ablution) in the Islamic Worship Service”, Środowisko Mieszkaniowe – Housing Enviroment, vol. 22, (2018), pp. 28–36. https://doi.org/10.4467/25438700SM.18.025.8706
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4467/25438700SM.18.025.8706   Google Scholar

Redjem M., “L’évolution des éléments architecturaux et architectoniques de la mosquée en vue d’un cadre référentiel de conception. Cas des mosquées historiques de Constantine”, Université de Annaba-Badji Mokhtar, 2014.
  Google Scholar

Redjem M., “Une nouvelle vision créative de conception sur les bases identitaires islamiques des mosquées en ALGÉRIE”, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 21–38. https://doi.org/10.21608/mjaf.2018.20827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12816/0044830   Google Scholar

Chebaiki-adli L., “On drafting a new architectural syntax: case study of the great mosque of ALGIERS”, vol. 3, no. 3, (2015), pp. 106–114.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/jia.v3i3.2740   Google Scholar

Rossi M. et al., “Performance-based assessment of the Great Mosque of Algiers”, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, vol. 13, no. 1, (2015), pp. 369–388. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-014-9682-1
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-014-9682-1   Google Scholar

Marcos Cobaleda M., No Title Los almorávides: arquitectura de un imperio. Imperio [Granada : Universidad de Granada, 2015.
  Google Scholar

Almagro A., “The Great Mosque ofTlemcen and the Dome of its Maqsura”, Al-Qantara, vol. 36, no. 1, (2015), pp. 199–257. https://doi.org/10.3989/alqantara.2015.007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3989/alqantara.2015.007   Google Scholar

Sidi Mohammed El-Amine BOURDIM, “XII Congresso Internacional sobre Patologia e Reabilitação de Estruturas XII International Conference on Structural Repair and Rehabilitation 26-29 October, 2016, Porto, Portugal”, 2016, no. May 2020, pp. 1–19.
  Google Scholar

Hamdaoui K. and Benadla Z., “Dynamic analysis of a historical monument: retrofit using shape memory alloy wires”, Smart Structures and Systems, vol. 13, no. 3, (Mar. 2014), pp. 375–388. https://doi.org/10.12989/sss.2014.13.3.375
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/sss.2014.13.3.375   Google Scholar

Benkhedda M. and Aoul K. T., “Polychrome ceramics, artistic diagnosis and resulting ambiences in a Marinid Mosque, Algeria”, Conservation Science in Cultural Heritage, vol. 17, (2017), pp. 27–44. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1973-9494/7937
  Google Scholar

Iles S. M., “The zianide mosques in TLMECEN: An architectural study”, International Journal of Human Settlements, vol. 3, no. 2, (2019), pp. 18–26.
  Google Scholar

Merzoug N. A., “Minarets des mosqués : Étude architecturale et artistique”. 2012.
  Google Scholar

Hamma W., “Geometric proportions in Islamic architecture: case of the Sidi El Bena mosque in Tlemcen”, Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, vol. 9, no. 3, (Sep. 2017), p. 1435. https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v9i3.12
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/jfas.v9i3.12   Google Scholar

Hamma W. and Petrisor A. I., “Assessing the restoration of Sidi El Benna mosque in Tlemcen (Algeria)”, International Journal of Conservation Science, vol. 8, no. 4, (2017), pp. 589–598.
  Google Scholar

Nassereddine A. et al., “Analysis of the restoration of mosque Ali Betchine of Algiers”, MATEC Web Conf. Vol. 149, 2018, paper 02060. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201814902060
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201814902060   Google Scholar

Belakehal A. et al., “Daylight as a Design Strategy in the Ottoman Mosques of Tunisia and Algeria”, International Journal of Architectural Heritage, vol. 10, no. 6, (2016), pp. 688–703. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2015.1020458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2015.1020458   Google Scholar

Djamel A. and Mokhtaria C., “Minarets dar essoltane : identité et originalité Cas de la mosquée des pécheurs, mosquée si abderrahmane et la mosquée d’el djich”, Cahiers de géographie de Québec Courrier du Savoir, (2017), pp. 115–124.
  Google Scholar

Said Beldjilali, “Study of the Heritage Ottoman in Algeria”, International Journal of Architectural Heritage, vol. 1, no. 2, (2018), pp. 1–4.
  Google Scholar

Gleń P. and Krupa K., “Comparative analysis of the inventory process using manual measurements and laser scanning”, Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 18, no. 2, (2019), pp. 21–30. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.552
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.552   Google Scholar

Eilouti B., “Sinan and Palladio : A comparative morphological analysis of two sacred precedents”, Frontiers of Architectural Research, vol. 6, no. 2, (2017), pp. 231–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.03.003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2017.03.003   Google Scholar

Prokop A. et al., “Digitalization of historic buildings using modern technologies and tools”, Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 20, no. 2, (2021), pp. 83–94. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.2444
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.2444   Google Scholar

Solarczyk M. T., “Geometry of the cycling track”, Budownictwo i Architektura, vol. 19, no. 2, (2020), pp. 111–120. https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.1621
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.1621   Google Scholar

Download


Published
2024-03-29

Cited by

Beldjilali, S. (2024) “A morphological and geometrical study of historical minarets in the North of Algeria”, Budownictwo i Architektura, 23(1), pp. 055–071. doi: 10.35784/bud-arch.5557.

Authors

Said Beldjilali 
said.beldjilali@univ-mosta.dz
Department of Architecture; University of Abed hamid iben Badis of Mostaganem; Algeria
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2987-0205

Authors

Naima Benkari 

Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering; Sultan Qaboos University; Oman
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9082-3582

Authors

Zahir Namourah 

Department of Civil Engineering, ISISE, Institute for Science and Innovation for Bio-Sustainability (IB-S), University of Minho; Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1436-1363

Authors

Humberto Varum 

Department of Civil Engineering; Faculty of Engineering; University of Porto; Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0215-8701

Statistics

Abstract views: 176
PDF downloads: 22


License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Budownictwo i Architektura supports the open science program. The journal enables Open Access to their publications. Everyone can view, download and forward articles, provided that the terms of the license are respected.

Publishing of articles is possible after submitting a signed statement on the transfer of a license to the Journal.