The Realization of “Islamic Architecture” from the Perspective of the Theory of “Religious Science” (In Search of Theoretical Foundations for “Islamic Architecture School” as One of the Components of the “New Islamic-Iranian Civilization”)

Noghrehkar, Salman; Ebrahimi, Mahdi

doi:10.22034/bagh.2025.462241.5625

The Realization of “Islamic Architecture” from the Perspective of the Theory of “Religious Science” (In Search of Theoretical Foundations for “Islamic Architecture School” as One of the Components of the “New Islamic-Iranian Civilization”)

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2025.462241.5625

Volume 21, Issue 141
March 2025

Pages 43-60

The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Salman Noghrehkar ¹ ^¶

Mahdi Ebrahimi ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Rajaee teacher training University, Tehran, Iran.

² 2. Ph.D. Student in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Problem Statement: “Religious science” has ancient roots. However, its modern form, known as the theory of religious science, emerged following the advent of modern sciences. This theory was introduced and debated after the Islamic Revolution in Iran with the aim of Islamizing sciences and producing knowledge in line with the realization of the “New Islamic-Iranian Civilization,” eventually reaching a considerable degree of coherence. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the application of this theory in various fields of knowledge. On the other hand, the discourse on Islamic architecture and its realization in contemporary and future Iranian architecture is one of the major challenges in the field. In this regard, the relationship between these two subjects has been examined through the research question: “What are the indicators of Islamic architecture from the perspective of the theory of religious science?”
Research Objective: This study aims to define the indicators, framework, and principles for the “realization of Islamic architecture” by utilizing the foundations of the “theory of religious science.”
Research Method: To achieve the research objective, the criteria of religious science were first identified, followed by an exploration of the dimensions of architecture from the perspective of Islamic wisdom through a library-based method. The extracted data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Subsequently, based on the obtained data and employing logical reasoning, a conceptual framework for the realization of Islamic architecture from the perspective of the theory of religious science was developed.
Conclusion: The research findings indicate that the realization of Islamic architecture from the perspective of the theory of religious science requires the Islamization of five key criteria: “subject, foundation, source, method, and application” within four architectural domains: “natural and fundamental sciences, humanities and social sciences, applied sciences and engineering, and art.” The combination of these elements has led to the identification of twenty indicators for “Islamic architecture.” These twenty indicators collectively establish a coherent epistemological system under the title of “Islamic architecture.” It is evident that architects’ understanding and their intention to adhere to Islamic teachings constitute the necessary condition for the creation of worthy architectural works. The sufficient condition, however, is the ability to transform theoretical knowledge into practice and tangible architectural outcomes. The architectural works resulting from this process are relatively “Islamic.”

Keywords

Religious Science

Islamic Architecture

Islamic Wisdom

New Islamic-Iranian Civilization

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