A very informative book about the building of a mosque in the Middle Ages that can be appreciated by anyone from teenagers on up. Mosque explores the construction of a fictional, but typical, mosque in 16th century Istanbul.
The author and illustrator David Macaulay focuses on the architectural and social aspects surrounding these holy structures, so that even those with no knowledge of Islam can appreciate the significance that these buildings have in Muslim culture.
In his interview, he said that he was inspired primarily by the buildings themselves, particularly the work of the great Ottoman architect Sinan. In his own words
"The building complex in this story is fictional, as are its patrons and architect. The individual structures, however, are modeled directly on existing examples built between 1540 and 1580 in and around Istanbul, Turkey, by Sinan, the most famous architect of the Ottoman Empire....It seems to me that the best examples of religious architecture are among mankind's proudest accomplishments. When working in the service of some higher entity, we humans seem capable of surpassing our reach and perhaps even our expectations. Driven by faith, but guided ultimately by common sense, these constructions reveal a remarkable level of ingenuity, ambition, and craftsmanship rarely found in secular architecture."
-David Macaulay
This book is a definite treat for the eye and the mind.
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