The minaret is .... What is a minaret?

Islamic architecture is usually easily recognizable due to characteristic arches, specific domes and, of course, minarets, which we briefly discuss below.

Term meaning

The meaning of the word "minaret" goes back to the Arabic word "manara", meaning "lighthouse". In addition, this structure is also called mizana or saum. Architecturally, the minaret is fairly easy to define - it is essentially a conventional tower. But what exactly does the tower do with the minaret?

What is a minaret

The minaret is not just a tower, it's a building that is being erected near a mosque. Its functional purpose is somewhat similar to the Christian bell-towers - to inform believers about the beginning of prayer and to call them to perform a common prayer. But unlike the Christian counterparts, the minarets do not have bells. Instead, people call the muezzins by special cries to the prayers of believers at certain times. The word is derived from the Arabic verb, which can roughly be translated into Russian using the words "screaming in public". In other words, the minaret is, in a sense, an elevation for the speaker.

Types of minarets

Architecturally distinguish at least two types of minarets - round or square in the base and section. Multifaceted constructions are encountered more rarely. In all other respects, the minaret is a semblance of a customary lighthouse or bell tower. Just like on them, on the upper tier of the saum, a special platform is set up, where the muezzin rises. It has the form of a balcony and is called a sheref. Crowns the whole structure, usually a dome.

Square, that is, tetrahedral at the base of the minarets are most often found in North Africa. Kruglostvolnye, on the contrary, are rarely found there, but they prevail in the Near and Middle East.

In ancient times, to rise to the top, the minarets were equipped with an external spiral staircase or ramp. Therefore, they often had a spiral design. Over time, the stairs were increasingly made inside the structure. This tradition has spread and prevailed, so it is now difficult to find a minaret with an external staircase.

Like the building of the mosque, the minaret is often decorated in a characteristic Islamic style. It can be brickwork, carving, glaze, tracery ornaments of the balcony. Therefore, the minaret is not just a functional structure, it is also a subject of Islamic art.

If the mosque is small, it is usually attached to it, as a rule, one minaret. Medium-sized buildings are supplied with two. Particularly large can have four or more. The maximum number of minarets is found in the famous mosque of the prophet, which is located in Medina. It is equipped with ten towers.

Minarets in our time

Technical progress is making its own adjustments to the way of life of Muslims. Often today it is no longer necessary for the muezzins to climb to the top of the minaret. Instead, on the balcony of the tower, speakers, like on poles, are installed, which simply translate the voice of the muezzin.

In some countries, minarets are completely banned. Of course, this is not about Muslim countries, but about regions and states of the West. The first among such countries was Switzerland. In 2009, according to the results of a nationwide referendum, the construction of mizan was banned. Therefore, the minaret is a prohibited building in this European country.