Islamic Architecture Elements Quiz

Islamic Architecture

• Islamic architecture is fundamentally centered around God, with mosques, tombs, and dwellings as the chief buildings.
• The dominant building is the mosque, always conceived around an axis directed towards Mecca, with the mihrab (a niche) as the focal point.
• Mosques are inward-looking, with a prime purpose of contemplation and prayer, often characterized by a forest of columns supporting arches under low, flat roofs.

Mosque Features

• Minarets are tall towers associated with mosques, with arched stairs leading up to one or more balconies, from which the faithful are called to pray.
• The position of minarets varies widely, with single minarets associated with the main entrance, coupled minarets with the entrance gate, and single minarets off-center between the courtyard and prayer chamber.
• Mosques with more than one minaret were typically built by the ruling house, with four being the normal maximum, and six being exceptional.

Architectural Elements

• The pointed arch is a fundamental feature of Islamic architecture, originating in Assyria and used both internally and externally.
• Windows were often small and traditionally closed with wooden shutters, iron bars, marble grilles, or plaster lights set in glass.
• Roof construction may be flat, pitched, or domical, with materials varying depending on the region.
• Barrel vaulting and cross vaulting were extensively used for minor spans, particularly in caravanserais, bazaars, military works, and cisterns.

Domes and Columns

• Domes were widely used throughout the Islamic world, with Persian, Mughal, and Egyptian domes tending to be pointed, in contrast to the hemispherical Turkish version.
• Ancient Greek and Roman columns were often reused by Moslems, becoming models for new work, particularly in Turkey.
• Fluted columns were not employed, with tapering circular shafts and entasis being common.

Ornamentation and Decorations

• Abstract and geometric motifs were basic constituents of Islamic ornament, with techniques including carving, stone inlay, ceramic mosaic, and glass mosaic.
• Decorations were extensive and included motifs derived from calligraphy, floral abstraction, and geometric interlacement.
• The most recurrent and characteristic precise architectural features of Islamic architecture include arcading, pointed arches, true domes, columns, and squinches.

Structural and Decorative Techniques

• The most significant structural and decorative techniques used by Moslems include banded or striated masonry, decorative bonding for brickwork, interlocked and inlaid stone masonry, and metal or timber ties to arches.
• Other techniques include bas relief carving, ceramic cladding, and interlocking paneled geometric timber construction.
• Stalactite decorations are peculiar to countries dominated by Islam, and the pointed arch was used from the earliest stages of Moslem development.