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Questions and Answers
What is the main structural feature of the Great Mosque of Cordoba that allows for a wide interior space?
Which decorative elements are predominantly found in the Alhambra?
What distinguishes the mihrab in the Great Mosque of Cordoba?
Which of the following best describes the Alhambra's architectural style?
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What is the primary purpose of the maqsura in the Great Mosque of Cordoba?
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Which architectural element is commonly used in Islamic architecture to create intricate ceiling designs?
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The Alhambra is set against which geographical feature?
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What aspect of Islamic ornamentation does 'tessellation' refer to?
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What was a primary role of the Janissaries within the Ottoman army?
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Which feature of the mosque is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Ottoman Empire?
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What is the significance of the Pyxis of Al-Mughira in Islamic art?
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What purpose did the Basin (Baptistère de St.Louis) primarily serve?
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Which characteristic is commonly found in Islamic artwork, as illustrated by the Pyxis of Al-Mughira?
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How did the Basin contribute to the spread of Islamic culture in Europe?
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What aspect of the Pyxis of Al-Mughira demonstrates its status as a treasure of Islamic art?
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Who was the intended owner of the Basin, which reflects Islamic luxury art?
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Which statement best describes the architectural significance of the Alhambra?
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What is a distinguishing feature of Islamic luxury in architecture?
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How did Umayyad art influence later Islamic architecture?
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Which architectural element is commonly found in Abbasid art?
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What role did the Great Mosque of Cordoba play in Islamic architecture?
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What unique feature of Islamic art sets it apart from other artistic traditions?
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Which of these statements accurately describes Ottoman architecture?
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What is generally observed in the architectural design of mosques across different Islamic empires?
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Study Notes
Janissaries
- Elite Ottoman soldiers known for military prowess
- Christian boys taken as slaves and converted to Islam
- Trained in military arts
- Key component of Ottoman army
Mosque Architecture
- Testament to Ottoman Empire's architectural prowess
- Octagonal dome supported by squinches, designed by Sinan
- Impressive size
- Layout allows for large congregations
- Fusion of Ottoman and Islamic design traditions
Pyxis of Al-Mughira
- Small cylindrical box made of ivory
- Dates back to the Ummayad period (8th century C.E.)
- Example of lavish Islamic art and craftsmanship
- Believed to have belonged to Al-Mughira, an important Ummayad figure
- Features intricate carvings and designs characteristic of Islamic artwork, including animal and floral motifs
- Symbolic representation of craftsmanship and artistry of the time
- Now housed in a museum
Basin (Baptistère de St.Louis)
- Brass basin with gold and silver inlay
- Captivating example of Islamic craftsmanship
- Significant piece of Islamic art
- Testament to the skills of Islamic artisans of the 14th century
- Created for Muhammad ibn al-Zain
- Intended to serve as a testament to Islam and the spread of Islamic art and culture in Europe
- Believed to have been used for washing hands during ceremonies, reflecting Islamic emphasis on hygiene and purification
- Reminder of the influence of Islamic culture on Europe
- Taken by French crusaders during the Crusades
- Used for baptisms during the reign of French kings
- Now housed in a museum
Great Mosque of Cordoba Architecture
- Hypostyle hall with rows of columns supporting the roof
- Maqsura, an enclosure for the Imam and Islamic leaders to pray, made of gold with intricate design
- Mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, square-shaped and covered by a dome
- Dome supported by four walls with a small window for light
- Central courtyard with arcades and columns, and a rectangular patio
- Intricate network of columns, arches, and domes creating a sense of awe and wonder
- Testament to the architectural skills of the Ummayad period, protected as an important cultural landmark
- Place of worship for Muslims, also housing Christians and Jews
- Unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture
Islamic Ornamentation
- Highly intricate and detailed
- Calligraphy, the art of beautiful handwriting, mastered by Islamic calligraphers in Arabic script
- Arabesques, abstract patterns emulating nature: leaves, vines, flowers, and vegetation
- Tessellation, repeated geometric patterns creating unity within symmetry
- Straight edge patterns radiating from a central point and repeating to the edge
- Muqarnas, honeycomb patterns arranged in vaulted ceilings
The Alhambra
- Palatial complex in Granada, Spain
- Built by the Nasrid dynasty (1354-1391 C.E.)
- Grand palace with a captivating blend of Islamic architecture
- Fortress and citadel protecting leaders
- Walls and ceilings adorned with decorative elements
- Decoration includes calligraphy, arabesques, and tessellation
- Made of whitewashed adobe stucco
- Complex of courtyards and fountains reflecting Islamic architecture
- Built into the mountainside of the Sierra Nevada overlooking Granada
- Not a mosque, but a palace complex that housed the Nasrid dynasty's rulers
Islam
- Monotheistic religion with Allah as the one God, believing Muhammad to be the last prophet
- Five pillars of faith: belief in Allah and Muhammad, mandatory prayers, giving alms, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca
- The Quran is a sacred text in Arabic containing 114 suras (recitations or chapters)
- Considers Judaism and Christianity as "People of the Book" for sharing a common goal
- Does not have a hierarchy of priests
- The Quran is always written in Arabic and has never been translated
- Islamic art does not depict humans, instead focusing on natural elements: trees, leaves, trunks, and flowers
Muhammad
- Does not appear in Islamic art due to his holy status
- Received the Quran from God in Mecca
- Led Islam to monotheism in the Arabian Peninsula
- Muslims are the people who practice Islam
- Theocracy is based on his leadership
Division of Islam
- After Muhammad's death in 632, the Kaaba in Mecca, originally used for polytheistic offerings, became Islamic
- Muhammad went to Medina to escape persecution in Mecca
- He returned to Mecca with his followers after their victory in Medina
- The Umma, a community of Muslims, was formed
- Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, Uthman, Umar, and Ali) led Islam from 633-661
- Ummayads sought control of Islam, moving the capital from Mecca to Damascus and expanding political access
- The Ummayad Caliphate lasted from 661-750, with Umar and Ali murdered by them
- The Abbasids, claiming descent from Muhammad's uncle Abbas, killed every Ummayad
- Abd al-Rahman escaped and expanded Islam to Spain, moving the capital to Baghdad for increased trade
- Abbasids produced early copies of the Quran
- Shi'a believe the successor of Muhammad should be a descendant of the Prophet, while Sunnis believe it should be someone who lives a life like Muhammad
- Islam is a layered religion, more complex than it appears on the surface
Folios
- Alhambra: Mosque of Selim II
- Great Mosque of Cordoba: Great Mosque of Cordoba
- Kaaba: Kaaba
- Great Mosque at Isfahan: Great Mosque at Isfahan
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Description
Explore the fascinating aspects of the Ottoman Empire including the elite Janissaries, notable mosque architecture, and exquisite Islamic art such as the Pyxis of Al-Mughira. This quiz delves into military, architectural, and artistic elements that showcase the grandeur of the era.
