essay about islamic architecture

Islamic Architectural Design Essay

Introduction.

Islamic architectural design has been influenced by several factors. Some of these factors include the climate (environmental factors), the culture and religion of the people and the building materials that are available (Ghobadian, 1998). Some of the areas in the Islamic countries are plateau plains with a dry climate. Iran, for example, has such a climate. Areas such as Dasht-e-Kvir receive very little rain annually. In addition, the temperatures are always at an all-time high during the hot season. This is accompanied by extreme radiation of sunlight.

The geographical situation of the area determines the air temperature of that area. Other factors that affect it include the direction of the wind and the sea level. The climatic conditions in these areas are usually extreme. They are characterized by hard and cold winters. On the contrary, the climate of the region may be warm and dry during summer. The humidity may be very low and the rainfall low as well. The difference in temperatures between night and day is very high. The dusty winds in the region are also a consideration when it comes to architectural design.

Hot and Dry

Architectural considerations of the cities.

The Islamic cities in the hot and dry regions usually resemble cactus bushes. This is because the living spaces of those areas are carefully protected against the strong winds (Tavassoli, 1983). These areas include the urban regions, paths and houses. At the same time, however, the architectural layout ensures that the desirable winds and a reasonable amount of solar radiation are used as desired. The urban areas are designed in such a way that the buildings are compressed and combined. The buildings’ walls are merged such that it is not possible to define the border. This merging and combining of houses cause each of the building’s outer surfaces to be led. This phenomenon helps the buildings conserve energy for longer periods.

The narrow lanes are at times fitted with high walls and arches that are roofed. These components provide a shading effect on the houses around the walls. They also help control the wind speeds blowing across the land. The architectural design of the city with respect to the wind resembles the artery system. They are open to the areas that provide desirable winds and are closed to those areas that blow undesirable winds. This plan also prevents sand storms from blowing into the cities.

The architecture of the buildings

The courtyards of the buildings usually have an environmental function (Memariyan, 1994). They are usually designed in such a way that they are long and narrow. This helps to cast a large shadow on the area to provide enough shade during the summer season.

There is usually a belowground courtyard with different vegetation and a pond. This usually provides a place for inhabitants. This area also helps increase the relative humidity of the area. Using this mechanism, provides a type of cooling system for the houses. The openings and entrances act as connecting spaces that help circulate the cool air. This acts as an air conditioner.

The types of roofs used in the area also serve the purpose of regulating the climatic conditions (Tavassoli, 1974). In the hot and dry areas of the Islamic regions, the roofs of several structures are designed with a dome shape. This shape has a thermo-physical aspect. The dome shape provides an unbalanced surface area for the sun’s rays. The incident angle of the sun’s rays is reflected away from the surface. However, other buildings possess flat roofs. When this is done, there is the use of bricks. They receive most of the sun’s radiation. This helps to change the intensity of solar radiation and incident angle.

The walls of these areas are also designed to serve the purpose of mitigating the climatic conditions. They are usually very thick and this helps to transfer the heat across the walls through radiation. This helps regulate the temperatures appropriately during the day and night. With the regulated temperature, the comfort of the residents is guaranteed. The windows in such areas are also designed in a specific manner. They are usually placed at the top, close to the ceilings. These windows help in internal ventilation.

There is also the use of wind catchers. These elements of the buildings help in cooling and ventilation.

The suitable materials to be used in the construction of the buildings in such regions are mud, mortar and wood, among others. These materials are best suitable due to their thermo-physical characteristics. They have the capacity to absorb the sun’s radiation due to the characteristics of their surfaces. Since these materials are also porous, the air between them gives them characteristics similar to insulators. Due to the hot and dry conditions, it was also necessary to build deeper yards. This increased the ease of access to the underground water. These areas were then filled with vegetation in order to act as a fresh air generator. The floors of the yard contain bricks. These areas are at times cleaned with water to keep them cool.

Hot and Wet

On the other hand, other regions have a hot and wet climate. Therefore, certain architectural elements must be used in the construction of their buildings. From this type of climate, three architectural elements have been designed (Hyde, 2000). The first aspect of their architecture that responds to this climatic condition is the fact that most of their cities and buildings are built close to each other. This form of construction leads to the formation of narrow alleys. These alleys were mostly shaded. They were also designed in such a way as to run from the northern end to the southern end. They also ended at the creeks. This provided space for the prevailing north winds to pass. When wind passes through these small spaces, it increases in speed. This was necessary to create some breeze that made them comfortable for the inhabitants passing through them.

Buildings in hot and wet climates

The buildings in hot and wet climates must be built differently from those built in the hot and dry climate. In the dry climate, the use of heavy building materials was necessary to moderate the temperature. This was observed in the buildings with walls as thick as 1 meter. In the hot and wet climates, however, this should not be the case. This is because such materials may be damaged when mold grows on them due to the condensation of the humid air. Houses in such climates are also more prone to decay and rust.

Areas with this type of climate are highly humid and this may be uncomfortable if the temperature of the air is higher than that on the skin. Therefore, buildings in such areas require proper ventilation (Poor and Reza, 1999). The architecture of the Islamic cities is designed in order to allow the breeze to flow through. The buildings are placed in such a way that the breezes are funnelled. As the spaces between the buildings narrow, the breeze speeds up.

This forms a cool breeze that cools the pedestrians. The buildings are then fitted with several windows in order to allow the breeze in. The high walls also help keep sunlight off the walls of the buildings. Their buildings also have high ceilings. This is so to let the hot air rise. This would leave the people below feeling cooler and more comfortable. The breeze also helps to cool off their bodies since the skin cools as the moisture evaporates from it.

It can be concluded that Islamic architecture has been greatly influenced due to its responsiveness to the environment and climate of the area. The major climatic conditions of the Islamic areas include hot-dry climates and hot-wet climates. The architectural designs are meant to moderate the hot temperatures of the region and this may be achieved through the use of high walls and narrow alleys. This is meant to make good use of the air currents in the moderation of air temperatures in the buildings and the surrounding areas. The hot and wet climate has also greatly influenced the architectural design of Islamic buildings. This is done in such a way as to make the hot and humid air more comfortable.

Ghobadian, V 1998, Climatic Analysis of the Iranian Traditional Buildings , Tehran University Publications, Tehran.

Hyde, R 2000, Climatic Responsive Design , E & FN SPON, New York.

Memariyan, G 1994, Introduction to House typology in Iran: Courtyard houses , Iran University of Science and technology, Iran.

Poor, J &Reza, M 1999, Design criteria for development of settlements in arid coastal region of Iran (case of study of Bandar Lenghe) , Tehran University Publications, Tehran.

Tavassoli, M 1983, City planning in the hot and dry climate of Iran , New York: G. Golanyed.

Tavassoli, M 1974, Architecture of hot arid climate , Tehran University, Tehran.

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IvyPanda. (2022, May 5). Islamic Architectural Design. https://ivypanda.com/essays/islamic-architectural-design/

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Bibliography

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Islamic Architecture: A Debate in Seven Parts

This paper is a highly selective compilation of essays intended to give the reader a sense of the important debates and arguments that have sought to define the greatest legacy of Muslim civilisations: its art and architecture. The selections are taken directly from the original essays and arranged to highlight seven themes: A Crisis of Culture; What is 'Islamic' About Architecture?; Confronting Modernity; Critiques and Commentary;The Aga Khan Award for Architecture; A Search for Meaning; and Impact and Insights.

The essays were presented in a number of publications as part of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture International Seminar Series.These seminars examine the trends and implications of architectural transformations in the Islamic world. Designed to address developments in the built environments of Muslims, they bring together government officials, architects, academics, planners, social scientists, designers, and architectural writers.

Allibhai, Shiraz (ed). 2004. Islamic Architecture: A Debate in Seven Parts

Aga Khan Award for Architecture

What Is Islamic Architecture?

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

Kriangkrai Thitimakorn / Getty Images

• Key Characteristics
• Famous Examples
• What are the 4 types of Islamic architecture?
• What are the main features of Islamic architecture?

What are the principles of Islamic architecture?

Islamic architecture can be found primarily in Arab states and Muslim-majority countries around the world, as well as in European countries with Arab or Islamic histories, such as Spain and Portugal. Some of its key elements include geometric designs, pointed arches, and domes.

Islamic architecture is a centuries-old category of architecture that is rooted in the principles of Islam. The striking sculptural forms and often dazzling ornamental detail that characterize Islamic buildings include some of the most awe-inspiring built structures on Earth.

Leonid Andronov / Getty Images

Origins of Islamic Architecture

Islamic architecture refers to a style of architecture that was created as a physical manifestation of the principles of Islam by the Mohammedan (people of Islamic faith) in the 7th century. Its traditions continue to the present day. The building that is most frequently associated with Islamic architecture is the mosque, or Muslim place of worship.

But Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious buildings. It includes everything from large-scale mosques, fortresses, palaces, tombs, schools, and other public buildings to smaller-scale fountains, public baths, and domestic structures. 

Richard Sharrocks / Getty Images

Existing styles including Roman, Byzantine, and Persian architecture influenced early Islamic architecture. As Islamic architecture spread from the Middle East throughout the world, specifically to Asia, Chinese and Mughal architecture influenced it as well.

North African Muslims who conquered the Iberian Peninsula and many surrounding Western Mediterranean islands brought Islamic-influenced architecture to parts of Europe. Many prominent examples of this style are in Spain. In the mid-19th century, a revival movement included the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who was highly influenced by Islamic style in Spain. 

Walter Bibikow / Getty Images

Key Characteristics of Islamic Architecture

Some of the key characteristics of Islamic architecture include forms such as minarets, domes, muqarnas vaulting, and arches. Decorative elements such as multicolored mosaic tile ; Arabic calligraphy scripts; and wood latticework on windows are signature elements of Islamic architecture. Outdoor features include gardens; walled interior courtyards; and open halls with a roof held up by columns.

Minarets are towering spires with interior staircases and small windows. They are striking to look at and serve an integral function, calling Muslims to prayer five times a day.

Islamic architecture features domes placed on structures called pendentives that make it possible to fit a round dome on a rectangular or square room. Pendentives are often decorated with mosaic tiling. 

Muqarnas Vaulting

Resembling a honeycomb or stalactite pattern, elaborate muqarnas vaulting adds a textural and monochromatic touch to the ceilings of often intricately and colorfully tiled interiors.

Horseshoe (or keyhole), pointed (a precursor to Gothic ), scalloped (or multifoil), and ogee (multicurved) arches are common in Islamic architecture.

Ornamental Details

Ayhan Altun / Getty Images

Islamic decoration often includes multicolored mosaic tile featuring repeated patterns and geometric or vegetal motifs and patterns, such as the arabesque. It also typically includes the use of Arabic calligraphy scripts, such as passages from the Qur'an.

Another striking feature is mashrabiya, or wood latticework, which is used on windows for privacy and climate control. It's also sometimes used in a modern context as a purely decorative element or option for dividing interior spaces.

Other decorative elements of Islamic design include wall paintings, stucco sculptures and wall panels, and decorative woodwork.

Outdoor Elements

Islamic architecture often features gardens, walled interior courtyards, open halls with a roof held up by columns, and vaulting.

Famous Examples of Islamic Architecture

The dome of the rock in jerusalem, israel.

mbell / Getty Images

Dating from the 7th century, this famous public shrine is the world’s oldest standing Islamic monument. The Dome of the Rock was the first Islamic building to feature a Byzantine-style dome. The gold-plated wood dome is situated on an octagonal base. And the building itself is decorated with floral and geometric mosaics.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World , the Taj Mahal is cited as the most famous example of Islamic architecture. Combining elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic architecture, this sprawling 17th-century mausoleum complex has become one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. It is instantly recognizable thanks to its imposing central white marble tomb. Closer inspection reveals intricate details, such as precious inlaid stones and Arabic calligraphy. 

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain

The Alhambra is a 14th-century palace and fortress built on a plateau overlooking Granada, Spain. While the complex has lost some of its original structures over the past 700 years, what remains is a stunning example of Islamic architectural ornament. There are carved wood and stucco, colorful tiling , calligraphy, and muqarnas that decorate the Court of Lions. 

Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan

Helene Binet / Zaha Hadid Architects  

A well-known example of a modernized version of Islamic style is this award-winning 2013 cultural center designed by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid , who died in 2016. The Heydar Aliyev Center reinterprets the characteristic flow of architectural elements found in traditional Islamic design, resonating with centuries of tradition while appearing resolutely contemporary.

What are the 4 types of Islamic architecture? 

The four types of Islamic architecture are the Mosque, the Tomb, the Palace and the Fort. Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious buildings. It includes everything from large-scale mosques, fortresses, palaces, tombs, schools, and other public buildings to smaller-scale fountains, public baths, and domestic structures.

What are the main features of Islamic architecture? 

Some of the main features of Islamic architecture include geometric designs, pointed arches, and domes. This centuries-old architecture is rooted in the principles of Islam. Its striking sculptural forms often feature dazzling ornamental detail from mosaic tile to wood lattice work on windows.

Islamic architecture is a centuries-old category of architecture that is rooted in the principles of Islam. The building that is most frequently associated with Islamic architecture is the mosque, or Muslim place of worship. 

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Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

The nature of islamic art.

Animal Flask

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Mounted Hunter with Cheetah

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Textile Fragment

Opening Folio of the 26th Volume of the "Anonymous Baghdad Qur'an"

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recto: "Portrait of Raja Suraj Singh Rathor", verso: Page of Calligraphy. Folio from the Shah Jahan Album

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Department of Islamic Art , The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2001

The term Islamic art not only describes the art created specifically in the service of the Muslim faith (for example, a mosque and its furnishings) but also characterizes the art and architecture historically produced in the lands ruled by Muslims, produced for Muslim patrons, or created by Muslim artists. As it is not only a religion but a way of life, Islam fostered the development of a distinctive culture with its own unique artistic language that is reflected in art and architecture throughout the Muslim world.

The lands newly conquered by the Muslims had their own preexisting artistic traditions and, initially at least, those artists who had worked under Byzantine or Sasanian patronage continued to work in their own indigenous styles but for Muslim patrons. The first examples of Islamic art therefore rely on earlier techniques, styles, and forms reflecting this blending of classical and Iranian decorative themes and motifs. Even religious monuments erected under Umayyad patronage that have a clearly Islamic function and meaning, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, demonstrate this amalgam of Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and Sasanian elements. Only gradually, under the impact of the Muslim faith and nascent Islamic state, did a uniquely Islamic art emerge. The rule of the Umayyad caliphate (661–750) is often considered to be the formative period in Islamic art. One method of classifying Islamic art, used in the Islamic galleries at the Metropolitan Museum, is according to the dynasty reigning when the work of art was produced. This type of periodization follows the general precepts of Islamic history, which is divided into and punctuated by the rule of various dynasties, beginning with the Umayyad and ‘ Abbasid dynasties that governed a vast and unified Islamic state, and concluding with the more regional, though powerful, dynasties such as the Safavids , Ottomans , and Mughals .

With its geographic spread and long history, Islamic art was inevitably subject to a wide range of regional and even national styles and influences as well as changes within the various periods of its development. It is all the more remarkable then that, even under these circumstances, Islamic art has always retained its intrinsic quality and unique identity. Just as the religion of Islam embodies a way of life and serves as a cohesive force among ethnically and culturally diverse peoples, the art produced by and for Muslim societies has basic identifying and unifying characteristics. Perhaps the most salient of these is the predilection for all-over surface decoration. The four basic components of Islamic ornament are calligraphy , vegetal patterns , geometric patterns , and figural representation .

Department of Islamic Art. “The Nature of Islamic Art.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/orna/hd_orna.htm (October 2001)

Further Reading

Bloom, Jonathan M., and Sheila S. Blair. The Art and Architecture of Islam, 1250–1800 . New Haven: Yale University Press, 1995.

Ettinghausen, Richard, Oleg Grabar, and Marilyn Jenkins-Madina. Islamic Art and Architecture, 650–1250 . 2d ed. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001.

Additional Essays by Department of Islamic Art

• Department of Islamic Art. “ The Art of the Almoravid and Almohad Periods (ca. 1062–1269) .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ Turkmen Jewelry .” (August 2011)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ The Art of the Umayyad Period in Spain (711–1031) .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ Vegetal Patterns in Islamic Art .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ Calligraphy in Islamic Art .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ Figural Representation in Islamic Art .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art .” (October 2001)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ The Art of the Mughals before 1600 .” (October 2002)
• Department of Islamic Art. “ The Art of the Nasrid Period (1232–1492) .” (October 2002)

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8.2: Islamic Architecture

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• Alena M. Buis
• Langara Collegeia Institute of Technology via BC Campus

Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of both secular and religious styles. The principal Islamic architectural example is the mosque. A specifically recognizable Islamic architectural style emerged soon after Muhammad’s time that incorporated Roman building traditions with the addition of localized adaptations of the former Sassanid and Byzantine models.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Describe the form, content, and context of key works of Islamic architecture
• Define critical terms related to Islamic architecture
• Identify the religious influences on Islamic architecture
• Describe the development of mosques, and their different features during different periods and dynasties

Early Mosques

• The Islamic mosque has historically been both a place of prayer and a community meeting space. The early mosques are believed to be inspired by Muhammad’s home in Medina, which was the first mosque.

The Great Mosque of Kairouan (in Tunisia) is one of the best-preserved and most significant examples of early great mosques. Founded in 670, it contains all of the architectural features that distinguish early mosques: a minaret, a large courtyard surrounded by porticos, and a hypostyle prayer hall.

Ottoman Mosques

Ottoman mosques and other architecture first emerged in the cities of Bursa and Edirne in the 14th and 15th centuries, developing from earlier Seljuk Turk architecture, with additional influences from Byzantine, Persian, and Islamic Mamluk traditions.

Sultan Mehmed II would later fuse European traditions in his rebuilding programs at Istanbul in the 19th century. Byzantine styles as seen in the Hagia Sophia served as particularly important models for Ottoman mosques, such as the mosque constructed by Sinan.

Construction reached its peak in the 16th century when Ottoman architects mastered the technique of building vast inner spaces surmounted by seemingly weightless yet incredibly massive domes and achieved perfect harmony between inner and outer spaces, as well as articulated light and shadow.

They incorporated vaults, domes, square dome plans, slender corner minarets, and columns into their mosques, which became sanctuaries of transcendently aesthetic and technical balance, as may be observed in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

Architecture flourished in the Safavid Dynasty, attaining a high point with the building program of Shah Abbas in Isfahan, which included numerous gardens, palaces (such as Ali Qapu), an immense bazaar, and a large imperial mosque. Isfahan, the capital of both the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties, bears the most prominent samples of the Safavid architecture, such as the Imperial Mosque, which was constructed in the years after Shah Abbas I permanently moved the capital there in 1598.

• A specifically recognizable Islamic architectural style emerged soon after Muhammad’s time that incorporated Roman building traditions with the addition of localized adaptations of the former Sassanid and Byzantine models.

Adapted from “Boundless Art History” https://courses.lumenlearning.com/bo...o-islamic-art/ License: CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

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Dictionary of Islamic Architecture

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The Oxford handbook of Islamic archaeology. (2020) "This Handbook represents for the first time a survey of Islamic archaeology on a global scale, describing its disciplinary development and offering candid critiques of the state of the field today in the Central Islamic Lands, the Islamic West, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. The international contributors to the volume address such themes as the timing and process of Islamization, the problems of periodization and regionalism in material culture, cities and countryside, cultural hybridity, cultural and religious diversity, natural resource management, international trade in the later historical periods, and migration"

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ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE ESSAY

• Author: arsalan
• Posted on: 19 Sep 2019
• Paper Type: Free Essay
• Subject: Religion
• Wordcount: 1378 words
• Published: 19th Sep 2019

Islamic art entails the visual techniques dating back to the 7th century henceforth by individuals who dwelled within the regions that were dominated by or under the social rule of the Islamic society. This makes it hard to define or describe Islamic art since it encompasses many regions and a wide range of populations over a period of 1400 years. It cannot be interpreted as a religious art or of time or a place or only a medium such as painting. The broad field of Islamic architecture entails areas such as painting, pottery, calligraphy, glass as well as textile arts, for example, embroidery and carpets.

Islamic art has a distinct character as it is not limited to religious art. Instead, it also involves all the art depicted by the rich and varied cultures within the Islamic communities as well. It often includes the secular traits and elements that are ignored or frowned upon, if allowed, by some Islamic theologians. Other than the ever-present inscriptions done by calligraphy, particularly religious art is, in reality, less known in the Islamic technique as compared to western medieval art. However, there is an exception in this case in that the Islamic architecture used in building mosques and other complexes of the surrounding infrastructure is the most prominent remains. Religious scenes may be covered by figurative paintings, but this art is usually used in secular contexts such as illuminated poetic books or the walls of palaces. A notably significant aspect is the decoration and calligraphy of manuscript Qur’ans. However, other religiously attributed forms of art, such as the mosque fittings like tiles, i.e., Girih tiles, carpets and woodwork, and mosque lamps, usually contain similar motifs and styles as is the case with contemporary secular art. [1] However, this is more prominent with religious inscriptions.

There are many factors and people who influenced Islamic art and architecture. These include the Early Christian art and Roman as well as Byzantine styles, which were incorporated into the early Islamic art and architecture. One of the most significant influences on Islamic art is Sassanian art. Other influences included styles from Central Asia, which were adopted with a variety of nomadic incursions, and Chinese art, which had a formative impact on Islamic pottery, painting, and textiles. Though there have been critics by some set of modern art historians on the entire concept of Islamic art and architecture, referring to it as a mirage or a figment of imagination, similarities are observed between the art created at widely differing periods and locations in the Islamic world, particularly in the Islamic Golden Age, are abundant enough to keep the inferences in the broad application by scholars. [2]

There are recurrent aspects of Islamic art, such as the application of geometrical vegetal or floral designs in a repetition referred to as the arabesque. In Islamic art, the arabesque is typically applied to symbolize the indivisible, transcendent, and infinite attribute of God. Errors in the recurrence can be introduced deliberately as an indication of humility portrayed by artists whose belief is that only God is capable of perfection. However, there are arguments and debates regarding this theory. [3]

Consequently, though not commonly, Islamic art’s primary area of focus is the portrayal of patterns, whether floral or purely geometrical as well as the Arabic calligraphy instead of figures since many Muslims fear it. The fear is due to the notion that it is attributed to human forms of worship and hence a sin prohibited by the Qur’an against God. All eras of Islamic art contain human portrayals, commonly in more private types of miniatures, where it is rare to find them absent. The human attribute of the objectives of worship is regarded as idolatry and is strictly forbidden in some interpretations of the Islamic rule of law referred to as the Sharia law. Consequently, there are other numerous depictions of Muhammad, who is renowned as the chief prophet of the Muslims, in Islamic art. Tiny decorative portrayals of humans and animals, mainly if they are on the hunt for animals, are notably seen on secular pieces in a variety of media from many eras. However, the portraits were developed slowly. [4]

The outstanding restrictions on making images primarily characterize Islamic art and architecture. Rather than depicting graphic arts, the artists instead ventured into a unique form of decoration known as arabesque. The style is quite complicated as it can include twisting patterns of leaves, vines as well as flowers. It can be developed using geometric patterns of straight lines and shapes. However, it can also consist of curved lines twisting and turning over one another. There is also the use of highly stylized animal shapes that do not appear lifelike. [5]

The use of calligraphy, or beautiful handwriting, is also another crucial feature of Islamic art. Arabic, which is the commonly used language in Islamic texts, is beautifully inscribed in various forms of script. They include the geometric Kufic script, straight as well as the rounded, flowing Naskhi. Arabic writing, which is read from right to left, was also used by Islamic artists as part of their art for wall decorations, religious books, and art objects as well. Decorations and particularly beautiful calligraphy were applied for copies of the Qur’an, the holy book used in the Islamic faith. Consequently, Islamic art and architecture are not associated with particular people or nations. Instead, it is an art of civilization developed through the combination of historical instances such as the enforced binding of broad states under Islamic rule, the Arabian conquest of the Ancient World, and the later invasion of the territories under Islam banner by foreigners and immigrants. Islamic art and architecture were, from the start, significantly influenced and determined by the political structures cutting across the sociological and geographical boundaries.

The complex attribute of Islamic art and architecture was established on the grounds of Pre-Islamic beliefs in the various nations conquered as well as the tightly integrated blend of Turkish, Arab, and Persian cultures incorporated together in all parts of the modern Moslem/Muslim Territory.

The most prominent examples of Islamic art include paintings, calligraphy, ceramics and tiling, rugs and carpets, metalwork as well as glass art. Most of this form of technique is referred to as decorative art due to its aesthetic nature and quality, which makes it more applicable for beauty purposes. [6] Examples of Islamic architecture include palaces, mosques, and surrounding buildings constructed around the mosques. The buildings had unique decorations and were specially planned, structured, and built. Other examples of Islamic art are the Dome of the Rock found in Jerusalem, the Alhambra located in Spain, the Friday Mosque found in Esfahan, the city typically regarded to be full of architectural treasures, and the Great Mosque of Samarra established in Iraq.

Conclusively, it is notable that Islamic art and architecture are unique in their depictions and figurative nature. They are governed by Islamic law and Sharia Law and avoid idolatry depictions that are restricted by their holy book. Consequently, the art and nature of architecture are unique in that they are not associated with any particular group of people, society, or nation; instead, it is a result of influence by various groups, countries, and circumstances.

Bibliography

Barkman, Adam. n.d.  Making Sense Of Islamic Art & Architecture .

Bloom, Jonathan, and Sheila Blair. 2012.  The Grove Encyclopedia Of Islamic Art And Architecture . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Flood, Finbarr Barry, Gulru Necipoglu, and John Wiley and Sons. n.d.  A Companion To Islamic Art And Architecture .

Outman, Rachael. 2014.  Ancient Islamic Art . Boulder, Colorado: Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC.

• Barkman, Adam. n.d. Making Sense Of Islamic Art & Architecture. ↑
• Bloom, Jonathan, and Sheila Blair. 2012. The Grove Encyclopedia Of Islamic Art And Architecture. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ↑
• Outman, Rachael. 2014. Ancient Islamic Art. Boulder, Colorado: Lakeside Publishing Group, LLC. ↑
• Flood, Finbarr Barry, Gulru Necipoglu, and John Wiley and Sons. n.d. A Companion To Islamic Art And Architecture. ↑

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Home / Essay Samples / Art / Islamic Art / The Evolution Of Islamic Architecture

The Evolution Of Islamic Architecture

• Category: Visual Arts , Art
• Topic: Art in Architecture , Islamic Art

Pages: 5 (2062 words)

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Introduction

Motifs on the indo-islamic monuments.

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