Learn More about Mosque Lamps and their Significance

Mosque lamps are an important part of the Islamic art and culture, and before the electricity was invented, mosque lamps were a common sight in mosques. It was during the Mamluk era, when large varieties of mosque lamps were created. It is said that the earliest mosque lamps were created in Syria and Egypt although the exact origin of mosque lamps remains a mystery.





According to the Islamic tradition, the act of donating mosque lamps is considered an act of respect towards god. Moreover, this act of reverence or respect towards god has been compared to one of the verse in Quran, which says "The Light": "God is the light of the heavens and the earth! His light is like a niche in which one finds a lamp. The lamp is made of glass; the glass is like a brilliant star." The beautiful comparison between light and lamp was one of the major sources of inspiration for Mamluk and Brocard, as pictorial representation of God is prohibited in the Islamic culture. The reason for donating mosque lamps was to lighten up the mosques during prayers at times when there was no electricity.





Glass mosque lamps were generally made during the Mamluk period by the people of Egypt and Syria. These mosque lamps were made by taking commissions and the Mamluk sultans gifted them to the Cairo mosques. The enameled glass mosque lamps are said to be created by the Syrian and Egyptian artists of the 13th century, who were expert and skilled in creating beautiful enameled and colored mosque lamps. Later, the Egyptian artists adopted the technique of creating mosques lamps, also making them into a booming industry. During that time, it became difficult for people to distinguish between Syrian and Egyptian mosque lamps.





During the Mamluk era, it became important for kings to get their own mosque lamps commissioned as it denoted power, dignity and it was believed that the blessings that spread out of the lamps enlightened the whole empire with spiritual power. Enameled mosque lamps are painting techniques applied on colored glass. After the lamps are formed and cooled, the artist prepares a mixture of oil and color to be applied on the surface using tweezers or painting brush. Mosque lamps are then placed at the opening of the furnace or kiln to reheat them at a low temperature. The various colors applied on them blend beautifully with the exteriors of the glass, also creating a fine layer of color, which is hardened by cooling technique.





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