21st Annual Student Research Conference
Islamic Architecture and the Malay World
Krystle L. Bertoncin
Dr. Sara Orel, Dr. Julia DeLancey, and Dr. Dereck Daschke, Faculty Mentors
Traditional mosques in the Middle East are usually constructed in the hypostyle design, characterized by large open courtyards and a covered prayer hall, along with distinctive tower-like minarets. However, mosques in the Malay World differ from those in the Middle East. The body of literature on Malay mosques does not thoroughly account for these differences, but further study will help art historians to understand how their distinctive style developed. I propose that the indigenous cultures of Indonesia and Malaysia and colonization by the Dutch influenced the architectural style of mosques in the Malay World. Some Malay mosques have characteristics in common with Middle Eastern mosques, while a majority seems to differ significantly. This paper will show that these differences stem from the influences of indigenous cultures and European colonization.
Keywords: Malay World, Islamic mosques, Indigenous cultures, Indonesia, Malaysia, Dutch colonization
Topic(s):Art History
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 15-4
Location: OP 2210
Time: 10:30