Notecards

For Islam Research projectJack Stenhouse

JSS

Source Card

1) Islamic Architecture2) The Art and Architecture of Islam3) Architecture of the Islamic World4) The Alhambra5) World Architecture

JSS

The Great Mosque of Cordova Source 2

S 128

Most remarkable aspect is the focused interior and many things on the exterior Ex. Courtyard with orange trees and a portico, 11 ornamented doors Incorrectly thought to have faced Mecca By building techniques, clear that not all built at once Over 4 periods – Abd al – Rahman II, al-Hakam, al-Mansur, many Umayyad princes Ribbed arches

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Arabs introduced new architecture and irrigation systems to create lush gardens and airy courtyards All of these new additions = found in Alhambra Was a fortified palace Apartments, colonnades, courtyards, gardens, running water Islamic achievments can be seen throughout – geometry (shapes) astronomy (murals)

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The Al Hambra Source 4

S 33-35

Concentration on the Interior Source 3

S 10-12

Muslim house – inner courtyard, high windowless walls, single low door Houses in close proximity are joined, only access by 1 door Lack of detail on exterior is hidden by adjacent buildings, cant tell what the building is from the outside Most striking qualities of Islamic architecture is not seen until entered Example = Umayyad Mosque in Damascus Articulate exterior most of the time has nothing to do with the interior Examples of this are the Al-Aqmar Mosque in Cairo Enclosed spaces = “Islamic Specialty” – walls, arcades, vaults All decoration and detail is reserved for the interior Main purpose is to be the creation of non-tectonic values, contrary to Western architecture Geometry used in full scale floral patters Calligraphy for decoration and religious purposes Example of this is the Al Hambra, not symbolize focus of power, = a maze of rooms, courtyards, passages

and corridors, water basins, canals, fountains – most intricate of all Islamic architecture

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Concentration on the Interior Source 3

S 12-14

All decoration and detail is reserved for the interior Main purpose is to be the creation of non-tectonic values, contrary to Western architecture Geometry used in full scale floral patters Calligraphy for decoration and religious purposes Example of this is the Al Hambra, not symbolize focus of power, = a maze of rooms, courtyards, passages

and corridors, water basins, canals, fountains – most intricate of all Islamic architecture Different than any other architecture n the world – in ideas and styles

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Types of Buildings Source 5

P 149

The earliest major work of Muslim architecture was undertaken in the lifetime of Muhammad (World Architecture 149).

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Principal Buildings Source 5

Q 149

“The principal architectural types of Islam are the mosque, the tomb, the fort and the palace” (World Architecture 149).

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Principle Features in the Mosque Source 5

S 149

Mihrab – niche in wall marking direction of Mecca, bands and panels of oranemnts Minbar – raised pulpit, canopied with a staircase Koran desk – stone structure supported by pillars, held Koran Roofed, with arched collnnades 4 corner minarets Dome on top

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Baghdad and its Building History Source 5

Q 150

“Baghdad is a city made from scratch, in which influential patterns for later architecture were laid out” (World Architecture 150).

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Baghdad and its Building History Source 5

Q 150

Thousands of workmen assembled, traced lines in ground with ash Circular, 2,683 in diameter 4 gates, named for the provinces in which they faced Brick walls boned with reed matting were finished in 4 years At the centre, the mosque and palace were built

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Ideas on Muslim Architecture Source 3

Q 11

“Muslim Architecture is different than any other type in the world, in ideas and styles” (Architecture of the Islamic World 11).

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Influence in the West Source 1

P 45

“Architects from all over the world, including Western Europe traveled to the Muslim lands and returned home, bringing the ideas of the Islamic Architecture back with them” (The Islamic World 45).

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Gardens Source 1

S 46

In courtyards, plantings along walkways, parks Used a lot of water – strategically placed to reflect nearby structures Narrow channels to connect everything Linear or cross axle Originated in ancient Rome Rectangular plot with 2 perpendicular walkways, leading in 4 cardinal directions and intersecting at the

center of the garden

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Gardens Source 1

P 46

“Architects used the linear plan in most of the eastern section of the Islamic world, and the cross-axiel plan more commonly in the western part. However people from other places of the world adopted both forms, and some are still used today” (The Islamic World, 46).

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Umayyads of Spain Source 2

Q 131

“The Umayyad caliphate of Spain was the single most powerful cultural centre of Europe” (The Art and Architecture of Islam 131).

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Spain and Muslim Rule Source 4

Q 34

“Under Muslim rule, Spain became most tolerant and educated area of Islamic empire”

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“After 1009, two crucial changes affected the politics of the Muslim West. One was the new Christian expansion of the Reconquista, which moved relentlessly southward from Castille and Aragon, so that by 1260 only a minuscule Muslim kingdom remained in Granada. The other was the shift of Muslim power from small warring feudal lords to newly grown Berber dynasties from Morocco, primarily the Almoravids and the Almohads. “

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Crucial Changes Source 2

P 131

Structural Innovations Source 2

Q 134

“Changes in the construction of arches and in the appearance of domes let to a great increase in the decorative value of both.”

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Questioning Origins Source 2

P 137

The arches and vaults of Cordova are more likely to be local Spanish developments.

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