Since the turn of the last century to nowadays, the theme of “Islamic architecture/City” has been subject of a growing interest of scholars and professionals. It is however becoming a matter of controversy among the deniers and the defenders. On the one hand, there is no evidence that the doctrine of Islam comprises, dictates or recommends a certain type of architecture or a model of city. On the
other hand, one cannot deny its effect on the formation of arts and architecture, and the foundation of cities. While some scholars consider “Islamic Architecture/city” as past and thus, a matter of history, others believe that the omnipresence of Islam in the current scenes of our life, within which and at least culture, must have its shades on the various disciplines of the built environment. The paradigm of the website therefore revolves around the following question(s): Is there any Impact of Islam, as a religion, a way of life and a civilization on the Built Environment? If so, to what extend it dictates, shapes or influences the built environment. Medinanet, is a platform that aims at initiating, enlarging and nurturing the debate around this paradigm through the analysis of the Impact of Islam on the Sciences of the City such as Arts, Architecture, Urbanism, Landscape and Engineering. The site is non-governmental, non-profit, non-ethnic and international, with programmes dedicated to the contribution to, and advancement of human knowledge and sciences. Medinanet is developed as a forum for architects, urban planners, designers and artists that are interested in Muslim Architecture, traditional Muslim Cities, built heritage in the Muslim world, the Present and the Future of cities and architecture in the light of Islamic thought. It is not intended to be exclusively for Muslims and is open to all scholars that are interested in the paradigm of the site. Through the advancement in Internet technologies, Medinanet has the facility to allow global access to a new database, including source materials and an online community of scholars and contributors. It helps also contributors to interact, exchange and share ideas, experiences and material in the different domains of the built environment. Suggestions for the improvement of this site are most welcome. [email protected]
