For over three decades, Kuysen has been the exclusive gateway for discerning Filipinos to experience the world-renowned innovation of AXOR. This enduring partnership brings the pinnacle of bathroom and kitchen design to the Philippines, and the latest marvel in this legacy is the AXOR ShowerSelect ID – a system that redefines the shower experience through […]
A Deeper Look at Islamic Architecture in Mindanao
In a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Mindanao has a distinct Islamic Culture evident by the architecture such as the mosques, and the strong Islam traditions.
Islamic civilization, shaped by a faith dating back thousands of years, gave rise to a unique architectural style. This style embodies the qualities of Muslim beliefs in a visible and tangible way. Its structure featuring striking details and a focus on experiences within enclosed spaces.
Not only do the buildings serve as places of worship and centers for community, but their designs reflect Muslim beliefs and morals, and reveal the rich history of Islam.
Cotabato Grand Mosque
Also known as Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, it currently stands as the second largest mosque in the country and in Southeast Asia. Felino Palafox, Jr. designed the mosque in 2011. It was built on the coastal tip of Cotabato, right by the mouth of the Tamontaka River, surrounded by the quiet countryside.
The height of the mosque is equivalent to a 15-storey building. With Crescent moons adorning the domes painted in gold, four towering minarets stand 43 meters high (141 feet). On top of which are pilot’s lights to avoid aerial accidents at night.
Elevated from the ground, the Cotabato Grand Mosque radiates elegance, letting natural light in with two courtyards on either side. An arcaded path acts as a breezeway for wind circulation. This leads to a rotunda with a water fountain in the middle. Large arch openings puncture the massive walls, making the imposing structure feel lighter. The gold strikes a perfect balance to the white building base, making the mosque gleam, especially during sunsets.
Marawi Grand Mosque
5 years after the fighting between the military forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-linked Maute group, the Muslim faithful in Marawi City had a chance for the first time since then to celebrate this year’s Eid al-Fitr at the city’s Grand Mosque.
The Jameo Mindanao Al-Islamie Islamic Center has always been a belowed place of worship among the Maranaos. The Pangarungan clan, who originally built the Grand Mosque of Marawi over half a century ago, rebuilt the mosque in the heart of the most affected area (MAA) or the Marawi Ground Zero.
Now, it stands as the country’s biggest place of Islamic worship. With a total area of 9,484 square meters, it consists of three floors with a basement and can accommodate 20,000 worshippers at any given time.
Islamic Architecture’s Spiritual Reflections
The mosque explores the combination of light and built form around a spiritual experience. Skilled artisans painted the domes in gold, adorning them with intricate motifs that frame the windows. The mosque’s elegant entrance features a rounded shape, with an open space lined by a row of pillars.
The mosque interiors display a symmetrical space adorned with Arabic symbols, pillars and windows. In the middle is a black, square minbar, bearing script as
Inside, the mosque’s interiors showcase a symmetrical space adorned with golden motifs and Arabic symbols, pillars, and windows. In the middle stands a black, square minbar bearing script, while a chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
While these mosques stand as a shining symbol in their own cities, it also showcase the grandness of Islamic architecture – a place that epitomizes the traditions, practices, and historical identities of the Islamic Culture in Mindanao.
Photo credits to the Presidential Communications and Philippine Information Agency.
Read more: Filipino Textiles: Magical Weaves of the Mindanao and Sulu People
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Optimism fosters positivity and inspires innovative ideas. Living Innovations Design Unlimited (LiDU) Inc., believing that design can help make society better, brings this ideal to life through Corner House, a residential project in Iloilo. It demonstrates how a user-focused approach and a celebration of local artistry can translate into a home that nurtures positive living […]
This beachside retreat in Punta Fuego, Nasugbu, Batangas is more than just a vacation home—it showcases the beauty of Filipino architecture tailored for contemporary coastal living. Designed by A. Mañosa + Architects, this abode was envisioned to be a party house for the client’s son, blending architectural fundamentals from the bahay kubo—the signature of the […]
The Grand Palais in Paris sets the stage for “Le Banquet des Philippines,” a remarkable exhibition of Filipino artistry, from May 21-25, 2025. This showcase takes place during the prestigious Révélations – Biennale Internationale Métiers d’Art et Création. Curated by Milo Naval and presented by the Design Center of the Philippines, the event promises a […]
Filipino architect and designer Edwin Uy opened a new atelier in Makati City, displaying and selling products from the Swiss company Röthlisberger. The first distributor of the brand in Southeast Asia, its uncommon mix of minimalist residential design and easy, no-frills construction makes it a singular addition to the Philippine market today. The Röthlisberger company […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]