The Sultan Iskandar Mosque

B A N D A R D A T O ’ O N N , J O H O R B A H R UB A N D A R D A T O ’ O N N , J O H O R B A H R U

To give context to the story of the Sultan Iskandar Mosque, we will first outline the development of the township known as Bandar Dato’ Onn – the community that our mosque serves. Here, we will explain its importance in terms of its strategic

location, the neighbourhood concept upon which it is based and the Islamic principle of waqf that is the cornerstone behind the development of Bandar Dato’ Onn. With this understanding of the thinking behind the development of Bandar Dato’ Onn,

we will be able to appreciate the significance of the Sultan Iskandar Mosque.

Naturally, the focus of this book is on the mosque itself. The following pages will attempt to capture the essence of the mosque in both words and images. In addition, we will also explain how it has been influenced by Turkish architecture and

how minimalism has played a contrapuntal role in its design. This book will also discuss the role that the mosque plays in the community and how the idea of sustainability has been intricately woven into its design.

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03

Concept ofThe Sultan Iskandar Mosque

“History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity.”

~ Dexter PerkinsProfessor of American History

University of Rochester

This chapter will give the reader an overview of the mosque known as the Sultan Iskandar Mosque and will go on to briefly describe its salient features. This will provide the reader some insight into the history, design and philosophy behind the construction of the mosque.

This mosque was named after Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Sir Ismail Al-Khalidi (8 April 1932 – 22 January 2010). Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj was the 24th Sultan of Johor, and under Malaysia’s system of an elected monarchy, was elected as the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1984-1989. He was known to be a staunch disciplinarian and was ostensibly vocal regarding issues close to his heart. He was also much loved by the people of Johor for his legendary kindness and generosity.

“Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on the buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are a reflection of society.”

~ I.M.Pei

Architect

In this chapter, we will illustrate the design considerations behind the main elements of the Sultan Iskandar Mosque. Specifically, these elements are the dome, the main prayer hall and its aesthetics. An understanding of the thought processes behind its design will help the reader appreciates the uniqueness of this mosque and the reasons why it is special.

Domes have always been a salient design feature of mosques in Malaysia. However, incorporating a dome presents specific challenges: the ravages of time and weather. Thus, a high degree of craftsmanship is required in constructing a dome.

04

Design Considerations