Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer DABANLI
Received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (2005) and architecture (2007), also MSc. (2008) and PhD. (2016) degrees at Istanbul Technical University (ITU). He is a member of ICOMOS and founding president of Blue Shield Türkiye. Currently he works as an Associate Professor at ITU, Faculty of Architecture and holds vice dean position of the faculty. He has several publications such as articles and book/ chapters and has experience in several international research projects and conservation-restoration implementations. His major research interest is traditional architecture, Islamic architecture, architectural heritage, historic structures, restoration and conservation.
Paper Abstract
The Kaaba, located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, known as “Umm al-Kura - Mother of Cities” in the Arabian Peninsula, is the most sacred place on earth by Muslims all over the world. According to Islamic sources, Mecca, which has assumed an exceptional role in human life as it was chosen for the first settlement and construction of mankind on earth, is a very interesting settlement in terms of geography and climate. Compared to Mecca, it is quite thought-provoking that the “Valley of Tears”, a barren and arid place located in the middle of a desert in the Hijaz region, was chosen for the construction of the Ka'bah, a building defined as the house of Allah (Baytullah), while there are regions on earth where various beauties are seen and which are considered wonderful in terms of nature, climate, vegetation, ecology and geography. Why is Mecca the place on earth where the Baytullah was built? In other words, why was Mecca chosen for the residence of mankind? What is special about this barren and arid valley that is not suitable for agriculture and therefore not suitable for human life? What makes this region different? The answers to these questions need to be pondered, but questions about settlement and architecture are not limited to these.
The Kaaba is a building that is considered sacred in terms of Islamic belief and contains very important symbolic values. So how should the form of the Kaaba be interpreted in terms of Islamic architecture and art? What are the symbolic meanings of the architecture of the Kaaba? How has the architecture of the Kaaba changed since it was first built? How should the architectural form of the Kaaba be interpreted? Why is the geometric form and architecture of the Kaaba, which is the first building and the first house built on earth for the worship of Allah according to Islamic belief, designed in this way? This study seeks answers to these questions and presents the thoughts on this subject.
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