RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM AND ITS ROLE IN SHAPINGCIVILIZATIONAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Religious symbolism has played a profound role
in the artistic and architectural expressions of civilizations
throughout history. This paper explores how various religious
motifs, structures, and sacred geometries have influenced
monumental architecture and artistic traditions across
diverse cultures. Focusing on Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and
Christian civilizations, the study examines temples, mosques,
cathedrals, and religious art as reflections of theological
ideas and metaphysical beliefs. By integrating historical
analysis and comparative visual interpretation, this research
highlights the interplay between sacred ideology and material
culture. The findings suggest that religious symbolism has not
only guided aesthetic choices but also served as a unifying
framework for collective identity, memory, and cultural
continuity in civilizations.