Overview
This lecture introduces the core elements, influences, and symbolic meanings of Islamic architecture, emphasizing its distinctive features and spiritual purposes.
Origins and Influences
- Islamic architecture emerged in Muslim-majority regions from the 7th century onwards.
- Major influences include Byzantine, Persian, and Indian styles, merging to form a unique Islamic architectural language.
Architectural Features
- Domes are a hallmark, often above prayer halls; perfected by the Ottomans, e.g., Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
- Minarets are tall towers for the call to prayer, with variations: slender (Ottoman), square (North African), and spiral (Samarra, Iraq).
- Arches, especially horseshoe (Spain, North Africa) and pointed arches, add strength and beauty; pointed arches were adopted into Gothic architecture.
Decorative Elements and Symbolism
- Islamic art avoids depicting human figures, using geometric patterns, floral motifs, and Arabic calligraphy instead.
- These decorations represent the infinite nature of Allah.
- Mukarnas are honeycomb-like ceiling decorations, creating dramatic light effects, common in Iran and Morocco.
Courtyards and Water Features
- Large courtyards with fountains or reflecting pools are common, symbolizing purity and paradise per the Quran.
- Water is a central design element in sites like the Alhambra and Persian gardens.
Spiritual and Functional Purposes
- Islamic architecture integrates faith and artistry, with every detail serving both spiritual and practical functions.
- Symmetry, calligraphy, and tranquility are designed to reflect religious and cultural values.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dome — A rounded roof, often above prayer halls in mosques.
- Minaret — A tall tower used to call Muslims to prayer.
- Horseshoe Arch — A curved arch wider at the top, common in Spain and North Africa.
- Pointed Arch — An arch with a pointed apex, used widely in mosques and Gothic architecture.
- Mukarnas — Intricate, honeycomb-shaped decorations on ceilings and vaults.
- Calligraphy — Artistic writing, often of Quranic verses, used as decoration.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of Islamic architecture such as the Dome of the Rock, Alhambra, and Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
- Study geometric patterns and calligraphy in Islamic art.