Week 7: Islamic Architecture

Overview

• Focus on Islamic architecture from the Iberian Peninsula to Persia.
• The Umayyad Caliphate era; projects from the 660s to ongoing modern additions.
• Islamic architecture linked to religion, still majorly influencing contemporary architecture.
• Influence spans globally; noticeable in revivalist movements and exotic architecture.

Context of Islam

• Islamic architecture linked to one of the world's major religions.
• Shares Abrahamic roots with Christianity and Judaism.
• Originated with Muhammad in Mecca, spreading rapidly across regions.
• Architecture influenced by Roman, Byzantine, Persian, and North African styles.

Key Features of Islamic Architecture

• Common Elements:
  • Large gold domes (e.g., Dome of the Rock).
  • Intense ornamentation and intricate tile work.
  • Geometric patterns, arabesques, and calligraphy.
  • Avoidance of figural art, focus on geometric and scriptural decoration.

Notable Structures

Dome of the Rock

• Located in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount.
• Significant for Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
• Features a large gold dome, octagonal base, and intense mosaic work.
• Built around a sacred rock with religious significance.

Isfahan's Friday Mosque (Jemay Mosque)

• Located in Persia (Iran), started in 771.
• Known for its four-iwan style (half-dome entryways).
• Incorporates large hypostyle halls with intricate tile and brickwork.
• Notable architectural element: minaret for call to prayer.

Great Mosque of Kairouan

• Located in Tunisia, dating back to 670.
• Features exposed brick and North African motifs.
• Horseshoe arches and tiered minarets.
• Use of Roman architectural elements (capitals, columns).

Great Mosque of Córdoba

• Located in Spain, known for its horseshoe arches.
• Originally a Visigoth Christian church, then a mosque, now a cathedral.
• Famous hypostyle hall with double arches and Corinthian-like columns.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

• Islamic Influence:
  • Geometric patterns indicate advanced mathematics and literate society.
  • Architecture reflects cultural exchanges between different religious and cultural influences.
• Contemporary Relevance:
  • Concepts like the qibla (direction of prayer) are integral to mosque design.
  • Ongoing evolution and preservation of Islamic architecture.

Reflection on Islamic Architecture

• Islam's architecture embodies a philosophy of oneness (tawhid).
• Consistent architectural features across vast regions illustrate the organized spread of Islam.
• Upcoming: Examination of religious architecture in Northern Europe and East Asia.

Next Steps:

• Prepare for midterm covering material up to this point.
• Observe contemporary examples of Islamic architecture.
• Explore how the architectural philosophies influence modern constructions.