Abstract:
Statement of the Problem: Since the advent of Islam, the design of mosques have been really
important to the Islamic architects. Its importance is well-evident in the designing of all
its elements which has introduced the mosque as the most outstanding edifice in Islamic
architecture. Since long time ago, mosque architectures and designers have esteemed
certain principles regarding the preservation of an orientation towards the God from the
beginning of an individual’s entry to the mosque till facing towards the Qibla as well as the
maintenance of hierarchal movements. Thus, the most important problem of the present
study is the role played by Qibla in spatial organization of the mosque. Based thereon, the
issue has been investigated in the architecture of the traditional mosques in Dezful in terms
of the spatial axis and movement hierarchy considerations so that the ground could be set
for the designing and constructing of the contemporary mosques.
Purposes: According to the importance and role of Qibla in the mosques’ spatial structures,
the present study elucidates the role of Qibla in the architecture of the traditional mosques
in Dezful in terms of the orientation influenced by Qibla axis, Qibla-aligned entry to the
building, movement hierarchy and spatial axis.
Study Method: In terms of the method, the present study is recounted as an interpretationalhistorical
research. The current study is also a case study that has been conducted relying
on the library-documentary studies. The information and data have been collected based
on a field research using maps and sketches.
Conclusion: The analyses are indicative of the idea that Qibla has been a notable
consideration in the design of the majority of the mosques in this city. This way, the spatial
axis and movement hierarchies have been carefully observed in respect to the visitors from
the very beginning of the entering to the mosque to taking a Qi bla-facing position.