Author(s)

AIZAN ALI MAT ZIN

Abstract

This article explores the history of mosques’ minaret design in Lembah Kelang. The aim is to categorize the minaret in Lembah Kelang and to document its typology. The lingering issue is fusion in designing minaret raised by experts who prefer to maintain the traditional designs and sustain the uniformity. One pertinent question in this research was: what are factors that contribute to the innovation. Samples of one hundred mosques in Lembah Kelang were observed and findings were recorded. Methods of data collection were twofold: documentation and observation. Collected data were analysed by deductive, inductive and comparative analyses. Findings exhibit that a minority of architects prefer to modernise the minaret according to the trend without neglecting the need and budget. On the other hand, the majority of architects sustain the traditional design answering the local community choice. It seems that accommodating needs and budget are two main factors in designing modern minaret of mosques in Lembah Kelang. In conclusion, fusion is inevitable.

Keywords

Islamic architecture, mosques, Islamic civilization, Islamic history, Malaysia