Kumburgaz Mosque
‘We came from the earth, and to the earth, we shall return.’[1]
This understanding, symbolising the interconnectedness of our lives through a single primary ‘source’, has inspired the fundamental concept of the mosque design. By defining ‘the essence’ of life on Earth, the vital coexistence of all living beings, and the foundation of life, the above perspective links the essence of creation as mentioned in the Quran to a cycle of presences returning to the earth- the Source. This life cycle has been associated with the earth, which comes to life and departs from life. Here, while emphasising a common origin, the earth also carries the characteristic of being the most fundamental earthly element belonging to ‘worldly life’ within the construct of religious belief bonds. The main idea stemmed from the architects' initial sense based on this thought and their reflection of spirituality in architecture.
The primary and sole material of the project is the earth naturally found in nature. The belief that the earth is our essence, naturally being present everywhere, and being associated with nature, is based on the modest perception of a simple structure like the Masjid al-Nabawi, which is one of the most sacred mosques, and its association with nature.
The project designers consist of a team that has been contemplating and researching Islam, Sufism, humanity, existence, the mathematics of the universe, and nature for many years. In a readiness where all these strands of knowledge converge, the possibility of creating a space that harmonises with the human soul and nourishes it is truly exciting. As the project materialises as evidence of a shared humanity uniting everyone, it aims to be a sanctuary for spiritual growth. On a social level, the design team believes in promoting an inclusive space that establishes a connection with social consciousness and transcends cultural boundaries. By offering a space embracing the universal principles of love, peace, and harmony to individuals, it hopes to create a warm, embracing, and enduring legacy reminding us of our inherent connection to ourselves, each other and to the universe.
Design Process
The Kumburgaz Mosque project is a local mosque project located in the new development area of Istanbul. The project area sits on a rectangular plot with a natural slope extending along the northeast-southwest axis. During the design process, the mosque aims to be transformed into an urban structure that promotes public interaction by merging with the vacant land in front and turning it into a park area.
The design uses the natural slope of the land to gradually perceive the mosque structure; then, the park created by steps expands towards the sea. In this context, the structure establishes a strong relationship with urban public space. Additionally, through its narrative emphasising modesty, it exhibits a calm and tranquil stance.
A green spine has been created throughout the landscape design, harmonising with the sloped topography, to facilitate social and cultural interactions of the urban dwellers. This spine starts with the main prayer hall structure and continues with ablution facilities, reflection pools, tranquil and contemplative gardens shielded by trees, and walking paths. While the traces in the landscape become an extension of the qibla direction, they gently diverge from each other as reflections of the ‘cycle’ concept.
When considering the typology of the mosque, a familiar cultural and structural approach has been adopted. Taking into account traditional elements, a design has been created that does not create a sense of alienation and refers to the image of a mosque in memory but offers a new interpretation. Emphasising the relationship between mass elements, the aim was to create a contemporary mosque project considering factors such as the needs of the day, materials to be used, and potential challenges.
While designing the mass movement, architects aimed to both clearly reveal the structure and create a sense of mystery. The structure, noticed through the main entrance taken from the road level, is designed to reflect the domed prayer area and is also enveloped by a shell rising from the park side. The rising shell allows the main structure to be presented in a concealed manner. This design approach features a characteristic that highlights ‘the rising and falling’ phenomenon in shell design. This shell occasionally dissolves in a solid, sometimes semi-permeable form. It moves gently and welcomely towards the entrance. It is an invitation. As one enters this entrance, they experience a feeling of being embraced by the extending walls and this mentally prepares them for the experience they will soon encounter. Thus, the fluidity between the interlocking inner and outer shells ensures continuity both in the plan and in the vertical axis.
In the constructed framework- where there are no decorations- the mere feeling of being alone with the Creator stands out; a simple and modest design language has been adopted, and meaning has been attributed to the details.
In the Kumburgaz Mosque project, the concepts of gathering, unity, plurality, and singularity, which implies the origin of the word ‘mosque’, have been considered by applying different forms, textures, and color intensities through a single material. This repeated structural technique echoes the concept of unity. Starting from this conceptual idea, the unity carried by two basic mass parts embraces each other around the core in spiral forms, which emphasises embrace and returning to the essence, or Source.
The circular movements in the core reflect individual and transcendent consciousness within the mosque, symbolising one's inner balance and search for meaning. The act of turning signifies a shift from directionlessness to singularity: "To Allah belongs the east and the west. So wherever you [might] turn, there is the Face of Allah. Indeed, Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (Quran, 2:115) There is repetition and harmony in the universe. Spirituality is then a transition from the material world to the world of meaning. Trying to understand the subject with contemplation and deep thoughts requires developing a practice of thinking. Within the scope of the project, the use of a single material based on these thoughts is to bring together different forms and appearances from singularity to unity.
The life cycles, climate effects, and sustainability conditions of the selected earth-based materials have been considered in the design process. The earth blocks within the space will continue to mature and maintain their natural echoes throughout their life cycle. In addition to offering a visual and physical connection with nature, these blocks have also been thought in terms of their behavior, maintenance needs, durability, and emotions. While drawing inspiration from the context of the design, the selection of materials has been in accordance with contemporary architecture.Importance has been given to the interior design that aims to see the sky, with a ceiling window opened in the prayer area. This represents the descent of light onto humans and symbolises the entry of light into the mosque as a divine presence. Light illuminates the space and the individual, providing the symbolic representation of the spiritual enlightenment and guidance sought during prayers. Within this design, light serves as the source of inspiration, clarity of mind, and heart.
Conclusion
The Kumburgaz Mosque Design Project is a project that seeks to transform the aforementioned philosophical and spiritual concepts into an architectural concept. Designed within a framework where earth is used as the fundamental material, the design emphasises the duality in the universe and mutual dichotomies expressed with different forms, textures, and colours.
Through interaction with the religious space, the design aims to deepen both individual and spiritual consciousness. Thus, it provides a ground for individuals to explore their connections with themselves, nature, and the universe, to remember the fact that they come from the earth, and to better understand their life experiences.[1] "From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time." Surah Taha (20:55) in the Quran. On the other hand, the concept of returning to the Source, God or earth is present as an overarching theme in various religions and spiritual traditions.
