The evolution of architectural style of mosques in Bangkok (1782-2010)

Abstract

The main purpose of the thesis is to study the evolution of architectural style of mosques in Bangkok during 1782-2010. A number of local and foreign factors have influenced the architectural style of mosques in Bangkok including ethnic groups, identity, the urbanization of Bangkok, development of construction materials, architectural style from the foreign countries in particular Islamic countries and European countries. The architectural style of mosques in Bangkok can be according to the evolution of the architectural technique and social development process into three periods. Such periods are: 1. The Mosques during the Early Rattanakosin Period (1782-1855). During this period, there were many mosques were built by the vernacular architecture such as wood and bamboo following the tropical climate and Thai traditional architecture. Some prominent mosques were merely constructed by the brick which were similar to the Buddhist monastery in order to represent the mosque as the sacred place for worshipping Allah as well. 2. The Mosque during the Modernization Period (1855-1932). According to the colonialism and the Bowring Treaty, there were many Muslim from the colonial nations migrated to Siam. This and a technological development in terms of transportation, material and construction have resulted in the fact that mosques were built in various styles. Such styles are: the applied Thai style, the European style, the style of West Asia and the colonial nation style. 3. The Mosques in Bangkok during the Contemporary Period (1932- 2010).During this time, there are various styles according to social, architectural development and function. Some mosques are mostly renovated from the old ones. They have been used for additional functions including being the Islamic center and the head office of the Islamic Affair administration. However, many mosques were designed by the West-Asia architectural style which is dominated by dome and minarat.