Islamic Architecture PDF

# Islamic Architecture ## 622 AD to 1600 AD ## Elements * Calligraphy * Geometric Pattern * Arabesque ## Elements: Calligraphy * Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing. Like other Islamic decoration, calligraphy is closely linked to geometry. * The proportions of the letters are all gov...

# Islamic Architecture ## 622 AD to 1600 AD ## Elements * Calligraphy * Geometric Pattern * Arabesque ## Elements: Calligraphy * Calligraphy is a visual art related to writing. Like other Islamic decoration, calligraphy is closely linked to geometry. * The proportions of the letters are all governed by mathematics. * Inscriptions are most often used as frame along and around main elements of a building like portals and cornices. ## Elements: Arabesque * Also called Islimi, Arabesque designed are biomorphic. * Floral patterns representing the underlying order and unity of nature with a great deal of accuracy. * Flowers and trees might be used as the motifs for the decoration of textiles, objects and buildings. ## Elements: Geometric Pattern * These patterns exemplify the Islamic interest in repetition, balance, symmetry and continuous generation of pattern. * The integration of geometry with such optical effects as the balancing of positive and negative areas, a skillful use of color and tone values. ## Play of Light * Light can add a dynamic quality to architecture, extending patterns, forms and designs into the dimensions of time. * And the combination of light and shade creates strong contrasts of planes and gives texture to sculpted stone, as well as stocked or brick surfaces. ## Water * In hot Islamic climates, the water from courtyard pools and fountains cools as it decorates. Water can not only reflect architecture and multiply the decorative themes, it can also serve as a means of emphasizing the visual axes. ## Types * Mosque - Place of Worship * Madrasah - Public School * Hammam - Hot Bathhouse * Caravanserai - a roadside inn for travelers * Casbah/ Citadel - Fortress * Mausoleum - a tomb or a monument ## Mosques Around the World The document includes an image of a diagram depicting the various mosques around the world. * Lalbagh Fort Mosque, Dhaka, Bangladesh * Kaaba | Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia * Umayyad Mosque, Damascus, Syria * Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman * Madinatul Iman Mosque, Balikpapan, Indonesia * Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan * Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai, UAE * Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Palestine * Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi, Medina, Saudi Arabia * King Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE * Goharshad Mosque, Mashhad, Iran * The Great Mosque of Touba, Touba, Senegal * Ketchaoua Mosque, Algiers, Algeria * Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Indonesia * Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco * Great Mosque of Djenne, Djenne, Mali * Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand, Uzbekistan * Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan * Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan, Russia * Al-Nilin Mosque, Omdurman, Sudan * Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei * Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey * Malacca Straits Mosque, Malacca, Malaysia * Putra Mosque, Putrajaya, Malaysia * Xi'an Mosque, Xi'an, China * Malwiya Mosque, Samarra, Iraq * The Blue Mosque | Sultanahmet Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey * Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat City, Oman * Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai, UAE * Jama Mosque, Delhi, India * Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo, Egypt ## Mosque Features ### Mashrabiya * A Projecting window enclosed with carved wood latticework. The document includes an image of a Mashrabiya. ### Mihrab * A semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla. The document includes an image of a Mihrab. ### Sahn * A courtyard combine with ablution area. The document includes an image of a Sahn. ### Minaret * A visual focal point and are used for the call to prayer. The document includes an image of a Minaret. ### Dome * A visual focal point and covering the main prayer hall. The document includes a diagram of the various types of domes that can be seen in mosques. ### Dikka * A place of delivering royal message. The document includes an image of a Dikka. ### Muqarnas * Stalactite vault, Persian architectural ornament The document includes an image of a Muqarnas. ### Praying Area Hall * Main area to perform congregational pray. The document includes an image of a Praying Area Hall. ### Arch * Structure that spans a space while supporting weight. The document includes an image of an Arch. ### Battlement * A defensive element, comprises a parapet. The document includes an image of a Battlement. ### Diagram of Mosque Features * The document includes a diagram depicting the various features of a mosque. 1. Minaret 2. Dome 3. Keel Arches 4. Stair Step Crenellation 5. Sahn (ablution) 6. Muqarnas 7. Mashrabiya 8. Dikka ## Diagram of Taj Mahal * The document includes a diagram and description of the Taj Mahal. * Lotus decoration: Lotus is the prominent Hindu symbol used in Taj Mahal * Chattri: a domed and columned kiosk * Finial: ornamental terminating part * Minarets: 40 m tall cylindrical columns with beveled angles * Arch: also called pishtaq * Base * Onion dome * Drum: cylindrical base of the onion dome * Guldasta: Tall decorative spire * Spandrel: space between an arch and a rectangular endosure * Calligraphy on large pishtaq * Dado: decorated frames with pietra dura