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in Edirne .]] Islamic architecture has encompassed a wide range of both secular and Religious Architecture styles from the Foundation Of Islam to the present day, influencing the design and construction of buildings and structures within the sphere of Islamic Culture . The principle architectural types of Islamic architecture are; the Mosque , the Tomb , the Palace and the Fort . From these four types, the vocabularly of Islamic architecture is derived and used for buildings of lesser importance such as Public Baths , Fountains and domestic architecture.Copplestone, p.149 HISTORY In 630 C.E. Muhammad 's army reconquered the city of Mecca from the Banu Quraish tribe. The holy sanctuary of Ka'ba was rebuilt and re-dedicated to Islam , the reconstruction being carried out before Muhammad's death in 632 C.E. by a shipwrecked Abyssinian carpenter in his native style. This sanctuary was amongst the first major works of Islamic architecture. The walls were decorated with paintings of Jesus, Mary, Abraham, prophets, angels and trees. Later doctrines of Islam dating from the Eighth Century and originating from the Hadith , forbade the use of such icons in architecture, specifically those of humans and animals. In the 7th Century , Muslim armies invaded and conquered a huge expanse of land. Once the Muslims had taken control of a region, their first need was for somewhere to worship - a Mosque . The simple layout provided elements that were to be incorporated into all mosques and the early Muslims put up simple buildings based on the model of the Prophet's house or adapted existing buildings, such as Church es for their own use. INFLUENCES AND STYLES is a key example of Islamic architecture]] on large pishtaq of the Taj Mahal ]] A specifically recognisable Islamic Architectural Style developed soon after the time of the Prophet Muhammad , developing from Roman , Egyptian , Byzantine , and Persian / Sassanid models. An early example may be identified as early as 691 AD with the completion of the Dome Of The Rock (''Qubbat al-Sakhrah'') in Jerusalem . It featured interior vaulted spaces, a circular dome, and the use of stylized repeating decorative patterns ( Arabesque ). The Great Mosque Of Samarra in Iraq , completed in 847 AD, combined the Hypostyle architecture of rows of columns supporting a flat base above which a huge spiraling Minaret was constructed. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul also influenced Islamic architecture. When the Ottoman s captured the city from the Byzantine s, they converted the Basilica to a Mosque (now a museum) and incorporated Byzantine Architectural elements into their own work (e.g. '' Domes ''). The Hagia Sophia also served as model for many of the Ottoman mosques such as the Shehzade Mosque, the Suleiman Mosque , and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque . Distinguishing Motif s of Islamic architecture have always been ordered repetition, radiating structures, and rhythmic, metric patterns. In this respect, Fractal Geometry has been a key utility, especially for mosques and palaces. Other significant features employed as motifs include columns, piers and arches, organized and interwoven with alternating sequences of niches and colonnettes.Tonna (1990), pp.182-197 The role of domes in Islamic architecture has been considerable. Its usage spans centuries, first appearing in 691 with the construction of the Dome Of The Rock mosque, and recurring even up until the 17th Century with the Taj Mahal . And as late as the 19th century, Islamic domes had been incorporated into Western architecture.Grabar, O. (2006) p.87Ettinghausen (2003), p.87 Persian architecture See Also: Persian architecture in Isfahan , Iran ]] One of the First Civilizations that Islam came into contact with during and after its birth was that of Persia . The eastern banks of the Tigris and Euphrates was where the capital of the Persian Empire lay during the 7th century. Hence the proximity often led early Islamic architects to not just borrow, but adopt the traditions and ways of the fallen Persian empire. Islamic architecture borrows heavily from Persian architecture and in many ways can be called an extension and further evolution of Persian architecture. Many cities such as Baghdad , for example, were based on precedents such as Firouzabad in Persia . In fact, it is now known that the two designers who were hired by Al-Mansur to plan the city's design were Naubakht (نوبخت), a former Persian Zoroastrian , and Mashallah (ماشاءالله), a former Jew from Khorasan , Iran . Persian-style mosques are characterized by their tapered brick pillars, large Arcades , and arches supported each by several pillars. In South Asia, elements of Hindu architecture were employed, but were later superseded by Persian designs."Islam", ''The New Encyclopedia Britannica'' (2005) Moorish architecture ]] See Also: Moorish architecture Construction of the Great Mosque At Cordoba beginning in 785 AD marks the beginning of Islamic architecture in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa (see Moors ). The mosque is noted for its striking interior Arch es. Moorish architecture reached its peak with the construction of the Alhambra , the magnificent palace/fortress of Granada , with its open and breezy interior spaces adorned in red, blue, and gold. The walls are decorated with stylize Foliage motifs, Arabic inscriptions, and Arabesque design work, with walls covered in glazed Tile . See Also: Mudéjar Moorish Revival Even after the completion of the Reconquista , Islamic influence had a lasting impact on the Architecture Of Spain . In particular, medieval Spaniards used the Mudéjar style, an imitation of Islamic design. One of the best examples of the Moors' lasting impact is the Alcázar Of Seville . Turkistan (Timurid) architecture is the ensemble of three madrasahs, in Samarkand .]] Timurid architecture is the pinnacle of Islamic Art in Central Asia . Spectacular and stately edifices erected by Timur and His Successors in Samarkand and Herat helped to disseminate the influence of the Ilkhanid School Of Art in India , thus giving rise to the celebrated Moghol school of architecture. Timurid architecture started with the Sanctuary Of Ahmed Yasawi in present-day Kazakhstan and culminated in Timur's mausoleum Gur-e Amir in Samarkand . The style is largely derived from Persian Architecture . Axial Symmetry is a characteristic of all major Timurid structures, notably the Shah-e Zendah in Samarkand and the mosque of Gowhar Shad in Meshed . Double Dome s of various shapes abound, and the outsides are perfused with brilliant colors. Ottoman Turkish architecture in Istanbul]] The most numerous and largest of mosques exist in Turkey , which obtained influence from Byzantine, Persian and Syrian designs. Turkish architects implemented their own style of Cupola domes. The architecture of the Turkish Ottoman Empire forms a distinctive whole, especially the great mosques by and in the style of Sinan , like the mid-16th century Suleiman Mosque . For almost 500 years Byzantine Architecture such as the church of Hagia Sophia served as models for many of the Ottoman mosques such as the Shehzade Mosque, the Suleiman Mosque, and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque. . Edirne , Turkey .]] The Ottoman s achieved the highest level architecture in the Islamic lands hence or since. They mastered the technique of building vast inner spaces confined by seemingly weightless yet massive domes, and achieving perfect harmony between inner and outer spaces, as well as light and shadow. Islamic religious architecture which until then consisted of simple buildings with extensive decorations, was transformed by the Ottomans through a dynamic architectural vocabulary of Vaults , domes, semidomes and columns. The mosque was transformed from being a cramped and dark chamber with arabesque-covered walls into a sanctuary of esthetic and technical balance, refined elegance and a hint of heavenly transcendence. Fatimid architecture In architecture, the Fatimid s followed Tulunid techniques and used similar materials, but also developed those of their own. In Cairo , their first congregational mosque was Al-Azhar Mosque ("the splendid") founded along with the city (969–973), which, together with its adjacent institution of higher learning ( Al-Azhar University ), became the spiritual center for Ismaili Shia . The Mosque of al-Hakim (r. 996–1013), an important example of Fatimid architecture and architectural decoration, played a critical role in Fatimid ceremonial and procession, which emphasized the religious and political role of the Fatimid Caliph . Besides elaborate funerary monuments, other surviving Fatimid structures include the Mosque of al-Aqmar (1125) as well as the monumental gates for Cairo's City Walls commissioned by the powerful Fatimid Emir and Vizier Badr Al-Jamali (r. 1073–1094). Al-Hakim Mosque (990-1012) was renovated by Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin (head of Dawoodi Bohra community) and Al-Jame-al-Aqmar built in 1125 in Cairo , Egypt features with its Fatimi philosophy and symbolism and bring its architecture vividly to life. Mamluk architecture The reign of the Mamluks (1250-1517 AD) marked a breathtaking flowering of Islamic art which is most visible in old Cairo. Their piety was reflected in the great religious complexes and beautiful works of art they commissioned. This Religious Zeal made them generous patrons of architecture and art. Trade and agriculture flourished under Mamluk rule, and Cairo, their capital, became one of the wealthiest cities in the Near East and the center of artistic and intellectual activity. This made Cairo, in the words of Ibn Khaldun , "the Center Of The Universe and the garden of the world." The Mamluk utilized chiaroscuro and dappled light effects in their buildings. The majestic domes, courtyards, and soaring minarets that spread across old Cairo is a good demonstration. Mamluk history is divided into two periods based on different dynastic lines: the Bahri Mamluks (1250–1382) of Qipchaq Turkic origin from southern Russia, named after the location of their barracks on the Nile and the Burji Mamluks (1382–1517) of Caucasian Circassian origin, who were quartered in the citadel. The Bahri reign defined the art and architecture of the entire Mamluk period. Mamluk decorative arts—especially enameled and gilded glass, inlaid metalwork, woodwork, and textiles—were prized around the Mediterranean as well as in Europe, where they had a profound impact on local production. The influence of Mamluk glassware on the Venetian glass industry is only one such example. The reign of Baybars's ally and successor, Qala’un (r. 1280–90), initiated the patronage of public and pious foundations that included madrasas, mausolea, minarets, and hospitals. Such endowed complexes not only ensured the survival of the patron's wealth but also perpetuated his name, both of which were endangered by legal problems relating to inheritance and confiscation of family fortunes. Besides Qala’un's complex, other important commissions by Bahri Mamluk sultans include those of Al-Nasir Muhammad (1295–1304) as well as the immense and splendid complex of Hasan (begun 1356). The Burji Mamluk sultans followed the artistic traditions established by their Bahri predecessors. Mamluk textiles and carpets were prized in International Trade . In architecture, endowed public and pious foundations continued to be favored. Major commissions in the early Burji period in Egypt included the complexes built by Barquq (r. 1382–99), Faraj (r. 1399–1412), Mu’ayyad Shaykh (r. 1412–21), and Barsbay (r. 1422–38). In the eastern Mediterranean provinces, the lucrative trade in textiles between Iran and Europe helped revive the economy. Also significant was the commercial activity of pilgrims en route to Mecca and Medina. Large warehouses, such as the Khan al-Qadi (1441), were erected to satisfy the surge in trade. Other public foundations in the region included the mosques of Aqbugha al-Utrush (Aleppo, 1399–1410) and Sabun (Damascus, 1464) as well as the Madrasa Jaqmaqiyya (Damascus, 1421). In the second half of the fifteenth century, the arts thrived under the patronage of Qa’itbay (r. 1468–96), the greatest of the later Mamluk sultans. During his reign, the shrines of Mecca and Medina were extensively restored. Major cities were endowed with commercial buildings, religious foundations, and bridges. In Cairo, the complex of Qa’itbay in the Northern Cemetery (1472–74) is the best known and admired structure of this period. Building continued under the last Mamluk sultan, Qansuh al-Ghawri (r. 1501–17), who commissioned his own complex (1503–5); however, construction methods reflected the finances of the state. Though the Mamluk realm was soon incorporated into the Ottoman empire (1517), Mamluk Visual Culture continued to inspire Ottoman and other Islamic artistic traditions. Mughal architecture See Also: Mughal architecture , literally the 'Royal Mosque', was built in 1674 by Aurangzeb . It is one of Lahore 's best known landmarks, and epitomizes the beauty and grandeur of the Mughal era.]] in Agra , built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife, represents the pinnacle of Mughal Islamic architecture in India and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world.]] Another distinctive sub-style is the architecture of the , in the late 1500 s. The most famous example of Mughal Architecture is the Taj Mahal , the "teardrop on eternity," completed in 1648 by the emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died while giving birth to their 14th child. The extensive use of precious and semiprecious stones as inlay and the vast quantity of white marble required nearly bankrupted the empire. The Taj Mahal is completely symmetric other than the Sarcophagus of Shah Jahan which is placed off center in the crypt room below the main floor. This symmetry extended to the building of an entire mirror mosque in Red Sandstone to complement the Mecca-facing mosque place to the west of the main structure. Another structure built that showed great depth of mughal influence was the Shalimar Gardens . Sino-Islamic architecture See Also: Chinese mosques , China ]] |
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