I am fascinated not just by this object (and I am in love with these korannic lamps that I brought one home) but by how lighting itself is integrated into the religious interior architecture. I noticed several hanging lamps in mosques that I have recently visited in Egypt. From what I've learned, designing a space for prayer and meditation depends essentially on lighting as praying can take place at every point inside the mosque or church; therefore the illumination on the floor surface should be uniformly distributed, should provide balance, and give a sense of peace - not just aesthetics.
Koranic hanging lamps with engraved scripture from the Koran are typically found in mosques throughout Egypt. In the Islamic scripture, light is the most fundamental metaphor, and lighting is integrated into the interior architecture to create an environment where the worshipper can fulfil his religious needs. In Islamic spaces, light is the symbol of the unity, “enlighting” bringing together and connecting people with the sacred.
I also observed that in the mosques there are no representations, pictures or statues. This is why light is used to accentuate the building (oftentimes very beautifully), provide general illumination and assist in the performance of the worship.
Hanging lamps at the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo. (Note: This photo is posted with permission from www.traveladventures.org which is the exclusive proprietor of this image).
The lamp I bought from the Khan al Khalili Bazaar in Cairo, now hanging in my bedroom, provides me with comfort and gentle reminder of my recent trip to Egypt.
Photo of the lamps taken at the temple of Alexander the Great in Aghurmi, near Siwa Oasis, Egypt.
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