Building the Muslim World

The first architecture designed for and by Muslims reflected new religious, social, cultural and political needs. Building the Muslim World explores these incredible architectural traditions and spaces that emerged across the centuries, revealing how faith, culture, environment and community have shaped the built landscape of the Islamic world. With beautiful images throughout, the book showcases a diverse range of buildings and sites including homes, schools, markets, gardens, hospitals, monuments and contemporary community centres.The authors trace how people living in Islamic lands have adapted local materials, climates and inherited traditions to create spaces that are regionally distinct yet spatially connected. Examples span from the emergence of Islam until today and from across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. This highlights how knowledge, trade, sustainability, philanthropy and community life have existed and evolved over time and location. It also demonstrates the preservation of architecture and the continuing evolution of Muslim spaces today.