The Imamah concept and its Symbolism in light of the Fatimid Mihrabs: A New Perspective in the Context of the Shia Culture

Abstract

Architecture attains important needs, among which are functional, aesthetic, and symbolic purposes. The latter identifies the the community needs and its individuals as well, and also illustrates these needs. This identity can be easily observed in the architectural and the artistic products of any civilization; like the prestige and the architecture of Temples. Islamic architecture is no exception, it was used to reflect various aspects of its owners as wealth, welfare, power, policy ... etc. in this context this paper focuses on illustrating the Imamah concept and its Symbolism in light of the Fatimid Mihrabs as an essential part of the Shia Culture.

Keywords

• islamic art
• mosques
• fatimid
• mihrabs
• shi'a culture