Islam History and Architecture PDF

# Islam ## Five Pillars of Faith - There is only one god: Allah, last prophet Muhammad. - Mandatory prayers. - Giving alms to those in need. - Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. - Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. ## Muhammad - Muhammad does not appear in Islamic art, as he is considered holy. -...

# Islam ## Five Pillars of Faith - There is only one god: Allah, last prophet Muhammad. - Mandatory prayers. - Giving alms to those in need. - Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. - Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. ## Muhammad - Muhammad does not appear in Islamic art, as he is considered holy. - Muhammad received the Quran from God in Mecca. - Monotheism is not common in the Arabian Peninsula. - Muslims are the people who practice Islam. - Theocracy is based on the leadership of Muhammad. ## The Quran - The Quran is a sacred text written in Arabic. - It contains "recitations", or the suras (chapters) of the Quran. - There are 114 suras. ## People of the Book - The Quran considers Judaism and Christianity to be "People of the Book", as they share a common goal. - Islam 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, but rather natural elements, such as trees, leaves, trunks, and flowers. ## Division - 632: Muhammad dies. - The Kaaba in Mecca was originally used for polytheistic offerings. - Muhammad went to Medina to escape persecution in Mecca. - The Umma is a community of Muslims. - Muhammad returned to Mecca with his followers after their victory in Medina. - The Kaaba became Islamic. ## Leadership After Muhammad - The "Rightly Guided Caliphs" were the Islamic leaders who followed Muhammad. - The four Rightly Guided Caliphs included Abu Bakr, Uthman, Umar, and Ali. - They led Islam from 633-661. - The Ummayads sought to gain control of Islam. - The Ummayad capital was moved from Mecca to Damascus, increasing political access. - The Ummayad Caliphate lasted from 661-750. - Umar and Ali were murdered by the Ummayads. ## The Abbasids - The Abbasids were a dynasty of Caliphates who claimed descent from Abbas, Muhammad's uncle. - The Abbasids killed every Ummayad. - Abd al-Rahman escaped, expanding Islam to Spain. - He moved the capital to Baghdad, giving access to trade. - The Abbasids created early copies of the Quran. ## Shi'a and Sunni - The Shi'a believe that the successor of Muhammad should be a descendant of the Prophet, while Sunnis believe that the successor should simply live a life like Muhammad. - Islam is a layered religion, more complex than it appears on the surface. ## Folio | Folio | Description | |:---|:---| | Alhambra | Mosque of Selim II. | | Great Mosque of Cordoba | Great Mosque of Cordoba. | | Kaaba | Kaaba. | | Great Mosque at Isfahan | Great Mosque at Isfahan. | | Kaaba | Kaaba. | | Great Mosque of Isfahan | Great Mosque of Isfahan. | | Great Mosque of Cordoba | Great Mosque of Cordoba. | | Great Mosque at Isfahan | Great Mosque at Isfahan. | | Taj Mahal | Taj Mahal. | | Kaaba | Kaaba. | | Great Mosque at Cordoba | Great Mosque at Cordoba. | | Mosque of Selim II | Mosque of Selim II. | | Mosque of Selim II | Mosque of Selim II. | | Mosque of Selim II | Mosque of Selim II. | | Great mosque at Isfahan | Great mosque at Isfahan. | | Kaaba | Kaaba. | | Great Mosque at Isfahan | Great Mosque at Isfahan. | | Mosque of Selim II | Mosque of Selim II. | | Pyxis of Al-Mughiras | Pyxis of Al-Mughiras. | | Great Mosque at Cordoba | Great Mosque at Cordoba. | | Great Mosque at Cordoba | Great Mosque at Cordoba. | | Dalam Gayus Fight the Kay | Dalam Gayus Fight the Kay. | | Great Mosque at Cordoba | Great Mosque at Cordoba. | | Alhambra | Alhambra. | ## Folio from a Quran - Ink and gold were used on parchment. - The Quran dates back to the Abbasid period. - Lambskin was used as parchment. - The Quran was written in Arabic. - The Quran is written in kufic script, which has long horizontals and deliberate letters, making it difficult to read due to the slow pace required. - Titles are written in gold, while the text is written in ink. - Ink is commonly used in this context to denote "recitations" from the Quran. - After Muhammad died, there was a compilation of the Quran. - Most surviving Quran are from the 9th century. - The Quran does not include pictures, making the ability to read a crucial skill. ## The Kaaba - The Kaaba is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - The Kaaba is an ancient Islamic monument, dating back to the pre-Islamic period. - It was dedicated to Islam by Muhammad in 632 CE. - The Kaaba is a granite structure with black silk curtains. - It was originally a polytheistic shrine, but was made Islamic by Muhammad. - The Kaaba is a symbol of the Abrahamic faiths, dedicated to God by Abraham and Ishmael. - The Kaaba is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. - Inside the Kaaba is the Black Stone, which is said to have been brought back by Abraham after his journey to meet in Ka'aba. - It is the only original structure still in existence, although it has been replaced many times due to the deterioration of the material. - Muslims circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise during their pilgrimage. - The Kaaba's curtain is known as the Kiswa, and it is embroidered with Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Messenger." - Once, but no more it was open to the public. ## Ist Nine Weeks Exam - The 1st nine weeks exam covered topics dealing with the history of architecture. - The Hagia Sophia's dome was strengthened by increasing its height and adding buttresses. - Ancient churches were based on Roman administrative buildings, i.e. Basilica Ulpia. - Early Byzantine figures were depicted with contoured shapes in shallow space. - The Alexander Mosaic depicts imagery borrowed from Greek art, which is mentioned in ancient texts. - The Gigantomachy is a large-scale sculpture that depicts the victory of king Attalos, which is a reflection of Athenian pride, communal government, and cultural identity. - The Temple of Amun-Re reflects restricted access towards the sanctum. ## Dome of the Rock - The Dome of the Rock is located in Jerusalem, Palestine. - The Dome of the Rock was built in 691-692 CE by the Ummayad Caliphate. - The Dome of the Rock is decorated with glazed ceramic tile, mosaics, and gilt aluminum and bronze dome. - It is considered the first example of Islamic architecture. - The Dome of the Rock was made using stone masonry. - The Dome of the Rock is an impressive example of Islamic art. - The Dome of the Rock is adorned with bronze on the outside. - The interior of the Dome of the Rock is a testament to Islamic craftsmanship. - The Dome of the Rock is a shrine, and not actually a mosque. - The Dome of the Rock enshrines a sacred rock. - The Dome of the Rock is an eight-sided, octagonal structure. - The Dome of the Rock was inspired by Byzantine Churches, i.e. San Vitale. ## The Dome of the Rock Architecture - The Dome of the Rock was built with spolia, materials repurposed from other structures, such as the Roman columns. - These columns were used outside the Dome of the Rock. - It was build on the foundation stone of the temple mount, known as the Sacred Rock, Mt. Moriah. - Many Muslims consider the Dome of the Rock's foundation rock to be the holiest location on Earth, known as Haram al Sharif. - It is believed to have been the location of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. - The location is believed to be where Adam returned after his expulsion from the Garden of Eden. - It is also believed to be where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, Issac. - It is believed to be where Muhammad ascended to heaven. - The Dome of the Rock's exterior once had glazed tiles of blue and gold, which were added later. - The blue tiles represent infinity, while the gold represents the knowledge of God. - In 1994 the Dome of the Rock was renovated and its gold dome was refurbished. ## Islamic Calligraphy - Islamic calligraphy often repeats certain phrases. - "Bismillah" translates to "In the Name of God". - It also translates to "The Merciful and Compassionate," referring to God's characteristics. - "Shahada" translates to "Profession of Faith" and is a belief in the one God, Allah, and the role of Muhammad. - Mary and Jesus are considered prophets in Islam. - The Jerusalem Waqf is responsible for the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. - Only Muslims are allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock. ## Mosques - Any building can be considered a mosque as long as it has a clear direction towards Mecca. - The Mihrab is a niche in a mosque's wall that points towards Mecca, providing guidance for prayer. - The Qibla is the wall that holds the Mihrab, acting as the direction to pray. - The Minaret is a tall tower attached to the mosque, used for prayer. - The muezzin is the person who calls for prayer from the Minaret. - The Minbar is a raised platform in front of the Qibla wall, used for sermons. - The Imam leads the congregational prayer from the Qibla wall. - The Magsura is a gated structure in front of the Qibla wall that protects the Imam. - The forecourt is an open courtyard in front of the mosque, used for social gatherings and ablutions. - A hypostyle mosque has a courtyard surrounded by columns. ## Great Mosque at Isfahan - The Great Mosque at Isfahan is one of the prominent mosques in the world as well as in its city, Isfahan, Iran. - It was built during the 7th century C.E., but underwent numerous additions throughout its history, stretching to the 20th century. - It is constructed using a combination of durable materials such as stone, brick, and ceramic tile, reflecting the era of the Ilkhanid and Safavid dynasties, as well as later additions. - The mosque is considered a masterpiece of Persian Islamic architecture. - The mosque's layout reflects a symbolic representation of the concept of heaven on Earth. - The mosque is situated in the heart of Isfahan, a bustling marketplace. - The Great Mosque features a grand courtyard surrounded by a two-story arcade, with a central courtyard with a pool, symbolizing the Islamic concept of "ablution" or purification. - The mosque is a social center for the city, serving as a place of worship for the community. - The mosque is a showcase of rich architectural design. - The prayer hall behind the courtyard is supported by two minarets, one of which is taller. - The minarets were added in later renovations. - The prayer hall is covered in elegant decorations. - The prayer hall has barrel-vaulted ceilings with wide open arched entrances. - The vaulted roofs are unique to Persian mosques. - The entrance leads to a hall with walls and ceilings adorned with painted tiles in vibrant colors, creating an intricate mosaic. - The tiles are often made in different colors, and were added at various periods in the mosque's history. - Isfahan is known as the blue city because of its rich use of cobalt-based blue pigments. - The interior of the mosque exhibits exceptional craftsmanship, featuring muqarnas or honeycomb vaulted ceilings. - The qibla wall is the largest and most decorated of all of the walls. - The mihrab is a niche in the qibla wall that indicates the direction of Mecca. - The mosque also has a madrasa, or Islamic school, open to everyone. ## Great Mosque of Cordoba - The Great Mosque of Cordoba is located in Cordoba, Spain, and was built by the Ummayad Caliphate in 785-786 C.E. - The mosque is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture, demonstrating the grandeur and sophistication of the Ummayad period. - Its construction began under Abd al-Rahman I. - The mosque was later expanded under the Umayyad dynasty rule. - The mosque served as a center of Islamic learning, a thriving center of the Ummayad Caliphate and a symbol of their power in the region. - The mosque stayed the same even after the Islamic kingdom was conquered by the Spanish Christian forces in the year 1236 CE, when it was repurposed as a church and later transformed into a cathedral. - The Great Mosque of Cordoba exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship and artistic innovation of the Ummayad period. - It is known for its unique and beautiful features, such as hypostyle hall with a large and magnificent mihrab. - The mosque is a rectangular structure with a massive courtyard holding arcades on all of its sides. - The mosque is also known for its stunning mosaics that adorn the walls, as well as its intricately designed arches and columns. - The mosque is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Ummayad dynasty and stands as a remarkable landmark in Spain. ## Great Mosque of Cordoba Architecture - The mosque has a hypostyle hall, meaning it has a series of rows of columns supporting the roof. - The Great Mosque of Cordoba has a maqsura, an enclosure where the Imam and other Islamic leaders prayed. - It is made of gold, and its intricate design reflects the sophistication and technical skill of the Umayyad architects. - The mosque has a mihrab, or a niche in a wall indicating the direction of Mecca, which is square-shaped. - It is also covered by a dome. - The dome is supported by four walls. - The dome has a small window that allows light to pass into the mihrab, highlighting its importance. - The mosque has a central courtyard with arcades and columns, and also has a rectangular patio. - The mosque's layout is an intricate network of columns, arches, and domes that create a sense of awe and wonder. - The mosque is a testament to the architectural skills of the Ummayad period and is still protected as an important cultural landmark. - The mosque is a place of worship for Muslims and has housed both Christians and Jews for some time now. - The mosque is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. ## Islamic Ornamentation - Islamic ornamentation is highly intricate and detailed. - "Calligraphy" is the art of beautiful handwriting. - Islamic calligraphers were masters of the Arabic script. - "Arabesques" are abstract patterns that emulate nature, i.e. leaves, vines, flowers, and vegetation. - "Tessellation" is a repeated geometric pattern, which creates unity within the symmetry. - "Straight edge" patterns radiate from the central point and then repeat until the edge is reached. - "Muqarnas" are honeycomb patterns arranged in a vaulted ceiling. ## The Alhambra - The Alhambra is a palatial complex located in Granada, Spain. - The Alhambra was built by the Nasrid dynasty from 1354-1391 C.E. - It is a grand palace with a captivating blend of Islamic architecture. - The Alhambra is a perfect example of a fortress, a citadel that protected leaders. - The Alhambra's walls and ceilings adorned with decorative elements. - The Alhambra's decorations consist of calligraphy, arabesques, and tessellation. - The Alhambra is made of whitewashed adobe stucco. - It is a complex of various courtyards and fountains, reflecting Islamic architecture. - The Alhambra was built into the mountainside of the Sierra Nevada overlooking the city of Granada. - The Alhambra is not a mosque, but a palace complex that housed the Nasrid dynasty's rulers. ## Alhambra Architecture - The Alhambra has courtyards and gardens featuring fountains and waterways, as water is considered a symbol of life and purity in Islam. - The Alhambra features a garden, reflecting the Islamic concept of Paradise. - The Alhambra has the Hall of the Sisters. - it is a domed chamber with exquisite craftsmanship reflecting Islamic art and the Nasrid Dynasty's taste. - The Hall of the Sisters is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture. - It is a unique blend of Islamic and Spanish artistry, creating a captivating experience for visitors. ## Mosque of Selim II - The Mosque of Selim II is located in Edirne, Turkey. - It was built by the Ottoman architect Sinan in 1568-1575 C.E. - The mosque is a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture and engineering and considered the most beautiful mosque of the Ottoman period. - The mosque is made of brick and stone. - The mosque was constructed during the late Ottoman period. - The Mosque of Selim II is considered one of the most impressive and influential mosques in Turkey. - It is a testament to the Ottoman Empire's artistic and architectural prowess. <start_of_image> Cities - Edirne, a city in northwestern Turkey. - The largest city in the Thrace region. - Edirne is one of Turkey's most significant historical cities. - It is a renowned center of culture, art, and architecture. - The city is known for its historic mosques, such as the Mosque of Selim II. - The city boasts a rich history, with remnants from Byzantine times and the Ottoman era. - Edirne is a popular tourist destination. ## Mosque of Selim II Architecture - The mosque has a central courtyard that is a wide-open space. - It has a hypostyle style, meaning it has a series of columns supporting the roof. - It has a unique octagonal dome supported by squinches, which are architectural elements that transition from a square plan to a circular dome. - The mosque has a complex layout encompassing not just the mosque but also Madrasas (schools) and other buildings. - It was designed to be more than just a place of worship and served as a center of learning and administration. - The exterior of the mosque consists of red and white arches. - The mosque is known for its elaborate decorations. - The mosque has pencil minarets. - The mosque is considered one of the highest structures in the world. - Sinan, the architect of the Mosque of Selim II, is considered one of the greatest Ottoman architects, as he was a former Janissary. - The Janissaries were elite Ottoman soldiers who were known for their military prowess. - They were Christian boys who were taken as slaves and converted to Islam. - They were trained in the military arts and became a key component of the Ottoman army. - The mosque is a testament to the Ottoman Empire's architectural prowess. - The mosque's octagonal dome is supported by squinches, designed by Sinan. - The mosque's size is impressive. - The mosque's layout allows for the congregation of a large number of people. - The mosque is a testament to the fusion of Ottoman and Islamic design traditions. ## Pyxis of Al-Mughira - The Pyxis of Al-Mughira is a small, cylindrical box made of ivory. - It dates back to the Ummayad period of Islamic history in the 8th century C.E. - The pyxis is a fine example of lavish Islamic art and craftsmanship. - It is believed to have once belonged to Al-Mughira, an important figure in the Ummayad Caliphate. - The pyxis features intricate carvings and designs that are characteristic of Islamic artwork. - It is covered in intricate carvings, including animal and floral motifs. - The pyxis is a symbolic representation of the craftsmanship and artistry of the time. - Islamic art is known for its geometric patterns, floral motifs, and its avoidance of depicting human figures. - The Pyxis of Al-Mughira demonstrates the skill and talent of Islamic artists. - It is considered a treasure of Islamic art and a testament to the artistic heritage of the Ummayad era. - The pyxis is now housed in a museum, where people can admire its intricate carvings and appreciate the skill of its maker. ## Basin (Baptistère de St. Louis) - It is a brass basin with gold and silver inlay. - The basin is a captivating example of Islamic craftsmanship. - It is considered a significant piece of Islamic art. - It is a testament to the skills and artistry of the Islamic artisans of the 14th century. - The Basin is now housed in a museum. ## Islamic Art & Europe - The basin was created for Muhammad ibn al-Zain. - The basin was intended to serve as a testament to Islam as well to the spread of Islamic art and culture in Europe. - The basin is believed to have been used for washing hands during ceremonies, reflecting the Islamic emphasis on hygiene and purification. - The basin is also a reminder of the influence of Islamic culture on Europe. - The basin was taken by French crusaders during the Crusades. - The basin was used for baptisms during the reign of the French kings. ## Mamluks - The Mamluks were a group of slaves who were brought from Central Asia and trained as soldiers. - They eventually came to rule Egypt and Syria in the 13th century. - The Mamluks were known for their military prowess and played a significant role in Islamic history. - This basin was used for baptisms by Mamluks to symbolize the royal element of their kingdom. - The basin is a reminder of the Mamluk's influence on Egypt and Syria. ## Persian Manuscripts - Persian manuscripts are illustrated works of art, often decorated with drawings. - They are not related to the Quran. - Persian manuscripts were influenced by Chinese and Mongol art. - They featured miniature paintings, or small pictures, often accompanied by words. - They were detailed and visually appealing. - They are a testament to the artistic skill and creativity of Persian artists. ## The Shahnama - The Shahnama is a famous epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century. - The Shahnama recounts the history of Persian Kings. - It is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature and a defining text of Persian culture. - There are several illustrated manuscripts of the Shahnama. - The Shahnama manuscript was created during the Ilkhanid period. - The manuscript is made using ink, opaque watercolor, and gold, with the figures resembling the style of Genghis Khan. - The manuscript is a testament to the continued importance of the Shahnama. - The Shahnama was written in Persian. - The manuscript is a visually stunning work of art, featuring vibrant colors and intricate details. - The manuscript is a reminder of the richness of Persian culture and its artistic legacy. ## The Court of Gayumars - The "Court of Gayumars" is a folio from Shah Tahmasp's Shahnama, a Persian manuscript from the Safavid Period. - It is painted with ink and watercolor on paper. - The Shahnama was a poem that retold the history of Persia. - It is a reminder of the artistic and cultural heritage of Persia. - The folio's primary purpose was to illustrate and tell the story of Iranian history in its epic grandeur. - It sought to make the history of Persia known to its readers. - The folio features Gayumars floating in the air. - He is adorned with expensive robes and a hat, highlighting his regal status. - The folio's style is influenced by the court of the Safavid Dynasty. - The folio suggests a level of mastery and skill on the part of the Safavid artists. - The paper used for the folio was acquired through the Silk Road, suggesting the importance of trade routes between China and Persia. ## Ardabil Carpet - The Ardabil Carpet is a silk and wool carpet. - It was woven by Maqsud of Kashan in 1539-1540 CE. - The Ardabil Carpet is considered one of the greatest examples of Persian carpet-making. - It is a treasure of Islamic arts and a reminder of the skilled artisans who created it. - The carpet is displayed at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. ## Ardabil Carpet Architecture - The carpet is a prayer rug depicting an architectural plan. - The carpet is a dome-shaped structure with a series of windows and pendant lamps surrounding the center. - The carpet is a representation of a mosque, with a prayer rug woven in the center. - The carpet is a visually stunning work of art, blending detailed craftsmanship with the grandeur and complexity of Islamic architectural design. - The carpet is the world's oldest dated carpet. - It features 28 million knots, meticulously tied by 10 men over a long time. - The Ardabil Carpet is considered a triumph of Islamic art and a testament to the skill of its creators. ## Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings - It is a watercolor painting by Bichitr from the Mughal period. - The painting reflects the cultural influence of the Mughal Empire in India. - The painting depicts Jahangir. - Jahangir was the Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1605-1627 CE. - He is shown seated in a formal setting, with angels surrounding him. - Jahangir is receiving a Sufi Shaikh, a revered Islamic figure. - The painting highlights the power dynamics of the Mughal court. - The scene depicts a Sufi Shaikh imparting spiritual wisdom to the Mughal emperor. - The painting showcases the Mughal Empire's rich artistic legacy. - Bichitr, an Indian artist who worked for the Mughal court, was a Hindu despite being employed by a Muslim leader. - He was known for his skill in painting and miniature form, illustrating the inclusive nature of Mughal art. ## Hagia Sophia - Hagia Sophia is a historic building located in Istanbul, Turkey. - It is a building was of Byzantine architecture. - It was built in the 6th century. - Hagia Sophia was once a magnificent basilica, the largest church in the world, and stood for nearly a thousand years. - It is built of brick and stone. - Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian church, but was converted into a mosque in 1453. - It was then reconverted into a museum in 1935. - The Hagia Sophia was designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus. - The Hagia Sophia was constructed in 532–537 CE. ## Hagia Sophia Architecture - The Hagia Sophia was adorned with mosaics. - The Hagia Sophia's mihrab is the niche in a mosque facing towards Mecca, which is slightly off center. - Hagia Sophia has a series of minarets. - The minarets were added later by the Ottomans when it was converted to a mosque. - Hagia Sophia boasts a large footprint. - There is a special mimbar for the Sultan. - Hagia Sophia's layout was changed due to the conversion from a church to a mosque. ## The Taj Mahal - The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. - The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 CE. - It was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. - It was built to commemorate his wife Mumtaz Mahal. - The Taj Mahal is a remarkable example of Mughal architecture. - The Taj Mahal is a monument to love, loss, and beauty. - The Taj Mahal is a timeless, iconic landmark. - The mausoleum features intricate details with beautiful craftsmanship. - The Taj Mahal is made of marble, and was made by skilled laborers. - There is a large arch in front of the mausoleum. - There are smaller arches on the sides. - The exterior of the Taj Mahal has a layered design as well as decorative tile work. - The Taj Mahal has a beautiful garden. - The garden is filled with flowers and water features, designed to symbolize the balance between earth and heaven. ## Taj Mahal Architecture - The Taj Mahal has an impressive size which makes it a sight to behold. - It is considered one of the most magnificent mausoleums in the world. - The Taj Mahal has a dome that towers over the mausoleum. - The dome is made of white marble. - The dome is decorated with intricate carvings, reflecting the Islamic art of the Mughal period. - The Taj Mahal has four minarets, signifying the mosque's importance. - The minarets are made of white marble and decorated with intricate carvings. - The Taj Mahal's grounds are extensive and are surrounded by walls. - The Taj Mahal’s garden features a variety of trees, flowers, and water features that represent the beauty and diversity of nature. - The garden is a reminder of the Islamic emphasis on beauty and harmony.