Image-Bearing Role of Dome in Traditional and Modern Arabic Architecture

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of image-bearing nature of Arabic architecture that is realized through symbolic dome’s form. The dome is one of the most informative forms in the world culture including universal images within the national pecularities. Practicing dome forms for the constructions of social importance and for the constructions presenting predominant ideology proves their universal image-bearing nature and their symbolic archetypical background. In Arabic architecture the dome form belongs to the forms molding mega-images. Metaphorically creating a shroud the dome specifically symbolizes broad expanse of heaven. It has a great attracting power fixing the center, creating the vertical that joins all the levels of the Universe into one integral whole. In modern architecture the dome, even adopting new forms which correspond advanced technologies, preserves its image-bearing qualities.

Keywords: dome, image, symbol, mosque, Arabic architecture