What Influences the Delivery of Islamic Identity Using Ornaments in Contemporary Mosques in Jordan

Islamic architecture is characterized by its unique architectural style that embodies societal values, Islamic practices, and traditions. As architectural forms evolved, Western art influences began to appear, resulting in a fall of some elements within Islamic art. This research examines the incorporation of Islamic characteristics into the architectural design of contemporary mosques in Jordan. It investigates two specific mosques: Al-Hamshari Mosque and King Abdullah Founder Mosque. The research aims to comprehend the factors behind the tendency to distance oneself from embracing Islamic architecture and instead move towards Western styles, and to identify solutions and techniques that enhance the utilization of Islamic architecture. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining an objective analysis of the mosques with questionnaires and interviews. The research highlights the significant influence of designers in preserving identity, as there was a low acceptance of animal ornaments among worshipers because designers viewed them as unsuitable for modern design. Consequently, worshipers no longer feel that these ornaments are part of their identity. On the other hand, the difficulty in applying ornaments was one of the challenges raised by designers, which impacted their usage. The research result helped in understanding the factors influencing the delivery of Islamic identity through ornamentation in contemporary mosques in Jordan. As a result, it is possible to deal with the problem of spreading the Western style through the research results and recommendations.