Abstract
Abstract
Old Mosul –like other Islamic cities- is characterized by the architectural heritage, in particular Mosques with their towering Minarets. While analyzing the architectural characteristics of minarets, those related to their mosques and locations, and syntactical characteristics, most of the mosques have no minarets. Among the 32 old mosques, there are only 13 with minarets (40%). In accordance with architectural characteristics, they could be classified into: those derived from local minarets of previous ages, and those affected by Turkish minarets.
This research aims to examine and interpret these two phenomena. The research hypothesis is that they related to Islamic Law restrictions, and to the local identity related to political and cultural conditions. Islamic Law has restricted the existence of minarets in locations where there is no impacts on housing privacy. Thus, minarets were in markets, near city wall or in locations that were previously public areas. Minarets with local characteristics were built when native rulers ruled the city and local culture rooted from old ages. As for minarets affected by Turkish minarets; they were built when Mosul was directly ruled by Ottomans.
Key Words: Islamic Architecture, Minarets, City of Mosul
