الميدان الحضري والقيمة العمرانية للمسجد الجامع في المدينة الإسلامية

Abstract

A distinguished relationship between the jame'a mosque and the urban structure of the Islamic city started since Prophet Mohammed established the first mosque in Madina. This relationship developed in large cities like Baghdad and Basra where the mosque was the principal component in the main urban square connected to the palace and house of government. It was also connected to the social activities in the city through this spatial and functional setting and this contributed greatly to the enhancement of its urban value. Unfortunately, this distinguished role began to deteriorate gradually and the relationship between the mosque and the urban space was damaged and its urban value was seriously affected. This study investigates the relationship between the Jame'a mosque and the urban space in order to highlight the active role that the urban space plays in enhancing the value and function of the mosque in the urban structure of the Islamic city with special reference to Gaza Strip, Palestine. It has been found that the urban functional and spatial values of the mosque crucially depend upon its relationship with its urban space. Although most of new mosques in Gaza strip are built without any concern for the importance and needs for urban space, there are some promising projects like Annor mosque in Gaza city. There is an increasing need for directing more attention to this important planning principle in order to safeguard the active role of the mosque in the urban structure of the Islamic city especially in Gaza strip where the large population and high built up densities necessitate the establishment of such urban mosque spaces. : . . .