A Survey of the Impact of Shiite Convictions on the Spatial Relations in Shiite Mosques

The Shite faith is based on the Quran and the sunna of the Prophet Mohammad and his twelve successors, calling for justice, awareness and ijtihad. It has given direction and richness to Iranian culture. Combination of Shiite beliefs and Iranian culture gave Iranians a distinct identity, and has led to the flourishing of their culture. Iranian artists and architects have created pieces of art imbued with Shiite spirituality. This has been reflected particularly in Shiite mosques, whose design cannot be understood but through appreciating Shiite beliefs. Various elements in the structure of a mosque such as its spatial relations, decoration and lighting reflect such beliefs. In this study, the authors compare twelve Shiite mosques with twelve Sunni ones, mainly from the spatial relations point of view, in order to investigate the different impacts of the two Muslim denominations on the design of their worship places.