Architectural Splendors of Sharjah

The grand civic structures dotted throughout the emirate are for sure the crowning jewels of Sharjah’s architectural splendor. These public edifices include souqs, museums, universities and government buildings. They are the public and official face of the emirate, embodying Sharjah’s ideals and values. These public buildings, besides being impressive

and fulfilling various specific functions, also convey a strong sense of Islamic history and tradition.

Sharjah has constructed a myriad of public buildings that thrills with their visual beauty. Within the city of Sharjah, the structures worth watching are the Ruler’s Court, Cultural Palace, Petroleum Council, Sharjah electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Post Office. The impressive structures built using traditional elements create a perfect symphony between traditional Islamic architectural styles and modern architectural techniques. Acutely aware of the traditional elements of Islamic architecture, design teams have incorporated literally thousands of references to famous buildings into their projects in Sharjah.

The Muslim faith, beyond doubt, is the guiding force for Sharjah’s values. Therefore, the mosque architecture receives such care and attention. Many attractive mosques of Sharjah astound with their superb rhythmic designs of stonework and ornamentation. The Al Qasba Mosque looks elegant with slender columns and minarets. The light coloration of stone used in this mosque reflects a golden hue during sunsets. The Magferah Mosque is a great example of architectural skills. Its minarets rise in four distinct stages. The square base rises to an octagon becoming circular and finally to an octagonal cap. The architecture of the King Faisal Mosque is a marvel in itself. The mosque attains height in three different levels. Each level seems to have been rotated to create a multi-pointed star pattern. The Al Khan Mosque is built in Asia Islamic architectural traditions. The intricate detailing of the Ahmed bin Hanbal Mosque are delight to watch. The contrast of white and yellow tan of the Abu Bakr Al Siddique Mosque is a visual treat.

The bustling souqs echoes of the vast historical bazaars of Damascus or Isfahan. The pleasing Blue Souq serves as a central meeting place. Built in 1979, it has become a landmark of Sharjah. The grand barrel vaults and excessive decorations of the souq make it festive and welcoming. Blue tiles adorn the front face of the main arch and the façade of the mall thus giving it the name of the Blue Souq. It was designed with an abstract linear motif. The tiles are modern interpretations of traditional craftsmanship.

Souq Al Majarra was built in Moorish style with multi-colored stone blocks in 1987. The stunning golden dome is graced with enlacing design. The base of the dome exhibits impressive tile work. Multiple pinnacles on the dome and at regular gaps along the roofline helps in creating an illusion of the upward motion of architecture.

Understanding monumental civic architecture of Sharjah is the first step towards appreciating the time-tested values of the emirate. Attending to details and consciously promoting such architectural splendors in its municipal developments, goes a long way towards fostering the civic pride that makes Sharjah so noteworthy.</