History of Architecture: Islamic Structures

Study Notes

Key Events in Islamic History

570: Birth of Mohammed in Mecca, marking the foundation of Islam.
630: Mohammed conquers Mecca, establishing Islamic authority.
632: Following Mohammed's death, Jerusalem is captured six years later by Muslims.
655: The Koran, Islam's sacred text, is completed.
ca. 696: Arabic becomes the official language of the Islamic world.
711: Tariq ibn Ziyad conquers southern Spain, making Cordoba his capital.
825: Persian mathematician Khwarizmi introduces algebra, influencing intellectual thought.
848: Completion of the Great Mosque at Samara, showcasing architectural advancement.
1100: Timbuktu emerges as a crucial desert oasis in North Africa.
1187: Saladin reconquers Jerusalem from Christians, reinstating Islamic control.
1258: Mongols destroy Abbasid caliphate, resulting in mass casualties (800,000).
1453: Ottoman Turks capture Constantinople, signifying a major Islamic victory.
1475: Istanbul opens the world's first coffee shop, "Kiva Han."
1492: Christian kingdoms fully conquer Spain, curtailing Islamic influence there.
1529: Ottomans besiege Vienna, expanding their influence in Europe.
1571: Ottoman navy is defeated by Christian forces, impacting their naval power.
16th Century: Shibam, Yemen, builds mudbrick "skyscrapers," showing unique architectural trends.

Islamic Architectural Elements

Mihrab: Niche in mosque walls indicating the direction of Mecca.
Minbar/Mimber: Raised platform in mosques used for delivering sermons.
Iwan: Open-fronted vault facing a courtyard, typical in Persian architecture.
Bab: A gateway that serves as an entry point to significant structures.
Sahn: Courtyard area within a mosque promoting congregation.
Minaret: Tower used to call the faithful to prayer, a notable architectural feature.
Harem: Private quarters in a house or palace for women.
Selamlik: Designated space for men or guests in a household.
Kibla/Kible: Axis pointing towards Mecca, fundamental in mosque design.
Chattri: Kiosk-like structure often found in Indian architecture.

Key Personnel

Muezzin: Individual assigned to call Muslims to prayer from the minaret.
Imam: Leader who presides over prayers and religious gatherings.
Caliph: Successor to the Prophet Mohammed, serves as a religious and political leader.

Architectural Characteristics

Prohibition against depicting human figures in religious settings influences design.
Arabesque: Decorative arts featuring rhythmic linear patterns of interlacing foliage.
Islamic architecture fundamentally aligned with a central axis, reflecting devotion to God (Allah).
Earliest mosques typically feature open courts with arcades.
Minarets allow the Muezzin to proclaim prayer calls from an elevated position.
Domes are commonly adorned with materials such as marble, ceramic tile, or lead across various regions.
Structures often demonstrate innovative roofing techniques, utilizing flat rooftops in some areas.

Description

Explore the rich history and key components of Islamic architecture, including the significance of palaces and mosques. This quiz covers crucial dates and elements such as the Mihrab, aimed at enhancing your understanding of architectural styles and their cultural impacts.