TEHRAN A leading German architect Mahmud Rasch praised the Islamic architecture as more developed than in any other culture. Rasch, who is currently on a visit to Iran, is the designer of the domes of Masjid-ul-Nabi, the mosque of Prophet Mohammad (S) in Medina. Talking to the TEHRAN TIMES, he said, "I believe that every culture has its special place, but in Islam architecture is more developed than in any other culture.
" He called mosques in Isfahan and some Islamic buildings in Ankara as examples of outstanding Islamic architecture. "Iran has a wonderful Islamic art and culture. I hope this art and culture will survive for a long time to come," he said. About the reason for his interest in Islamic architecture, Rasch said, "I converted to Islam, and during my visit to Mecca, I observed that some architectural designs were necessary there." "I was, therefore, automatically involved in other aspects of Islamic architectural engineering, and it has been my life for 27 years," he added.
The German architect added that he has been to Isfahan, Kashan and Mashhad, which deeply impressed him. "There are more places in Iran to see, and it takes a lifetime to see them all," Rasch said. The ancient monuments in Isfahan and Mashhad are probably the highest expression of architectural art in the world, he said, adding, "I have not seen anything like Isfahan. It is unbelievable and a state from Heaven." About the time taken for the completion of the project of Masjid-ul-Nabi in Medina and the number of people involved in the project, Rasch said the project took a long time.
"The construction work took two and a half years. 10 engineers, architects and mechanical engineers and several other people were involved in this project," he added. Rasch converted to Islam in 1974. He spent seven years in Saudi Arabia studying about Hajj. Since 1985, he has been involved in some aspects of extending buildings and designing domes in Medina.