The Expressive Aesthetic Values in the Painting of Islamic Architecture: The Muzaffariya Minaret in Erbil as a Model

Abstract

 The aim of this study is to reveal the aesthetic and expressive values in the painting of Islamic architecture, taking the Al-Muzaffariya Minaret in Erbil as a model. Then, the problem and significance are identified, and the basic concepts of the research are defined, where the aesthetic values in Islamic philosophical thought are discussed, and the reflection of these values on the artistic paintings of Islamic minaret architecture. The study also includes a brief history of the Seljuk-style Al-Muzaffariya Minaret, with a focus on how it inspired a group of artists in Hawler to express architecture in their paintings. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive and analytical method was used to analyze three artistic models. The results of the study showed that the aesthetic values in Islamic architecture, as embodied in the Al-Muzaffariya Minaret, represent a historical and spiritual symbol reflected in the paintings of Erbil artists, which helped in representing the cultural and archaeological identity. The aesthetic values of balance, simplicity, harmony with nature, and avoidance of exaggeration in decoration also appeared, which are among the philosophical aesthetic characteristics in the Islamic religion. The study illustrates the close relationship of the minaret with religion, heritage, spirit, and history, as reflected in the paintings, considering it part of the collective memory of the Erbil community. Its influence appears in Kurdish painting art, considering it a living witness to the integration of Islamic architecture with beauty, spiritual values, and civilizational identity. Therefore, the researcher recommends that artists focus on architecture as a source of inspiration for contemporary visual arts and work on developing their artistic works in line with current changes and developments.