Marble color variations in the architecture of Abdul-Fay Mosque in Mosul: a field study

Abstract

Mosul's buildings are distinguished by the variety of marble colors used in their construction, reflecting the city's rich history and diverse culture. The marble colors in Mosul's buildings range from white, black, gray, lead, and beige. The use of marble is a fundamental element of Mosul's architecture, contributing to the aesthetic appeal of buildings and reflecting the skill of local craftsmen.

These colors appear in mosques, churches, and traditional houses, reflecting the influences of the various civilizations that have passed through the city. The color variations in marble are a symbol of Mosul's cultural and ethnic diversity and also reflect the historical and social transformations the city has witnessed over the ages. The study of marble color contrast is an important part of understanding Mosul's architectural heritage and helps preserve the city's urban and cultural identity. It has been applied to many of the architectural elements found in Mosul's mosques and congregations, most notably the Sheikh Abdul Mosque, which relies on marble for its construction, the most widely used material in architecture and construction in Mosul. Indeed, it has become Mosul's distinctive artistic and architectural character, due to its availability in the city. Islamic architecture is characterized by the diverse use of natural materials, including marble. The marble of the Abdul Mosque in Mosul is a prominent example and living model of this aesthetic contrast. The variety of marble colors in this mosque is evident through a harmonious blend of colors, such as gray, lead, beige, black, and white, which adds visual depth to the architectural design. This contrast is attributed to the use of different types of marble extracted from various regions, reflecting local culture and available natural resources. This diversity also contributes to enhancing the mosque's visual identity.