Chapter 10 Islamic Art

Islam

The religion of Muslims which means submission to the will of one god, Allah

Rome of The Rock

Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, known for its beautiful mosaics and architectural style that blends Byzantine and Roman influences 

Mosque

A Muslim place of worship, a building for Islamic religious activities where Muslims gather for prayer 

The Prophet Muhammad

Considered to be the founder of Islam and is considered by Muslims to be the last prophet of God and the Quran was revealed to him by God 

Minaret

Tall, slender tower attached to a mosque from with the call to prayer is traditionally announced 

Quran

The Central religious text of Islam, considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah), revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through Angel Gabriel

Mihrab

Semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla, the direction of Mecca, which Muslims face during prayer 

Aniconism

The avoidance or prohibition of using visual representations of sentient beings, especially in a religious context 

Qibla Wall

The wall in a mosque that faces the direction of Mecca (specific direction that Muslims face for daily prayers) 

Maqsud of Kashan’s Carpet

Famous Ardabil Carpet, one of the oldest and most historically significant Islamic carpets in the world  

Hypostyle Prayer Hall

A large interior space with a roof supported by numerous columns arranged in rows, which create an open, forest like area for communal prayer

Doubled Tiered Arches

An architectural design where on set of arches is built directly on top of another set creating two superimposed levels of arches 

Horseshoe arches

An arch with a shape that resembles a horseshoe, meaning it is more curved than a traditional semi-circle and the curves widen above the base before narrowing to a rounded crown 

Multilobed Arch

A decorative arch with multiple "leaf shaped" curves along its inner edge, creating a scalloped or cusped appearance 

Calligraphy

The art of beautiful handwriting or lettering using pens, brushes, or other tools to create decorative and expressive letterforms  

Muqarnas

A unique form of three dimensional architectural decoration in Islamic architecture, consisting of tiers of small, niche-like cells or “stalactites” that create a honeycomb- like effect

Cuerda Seca

A ceramic decoration technique where greasy, waxy lines are used to separate and outline different colored glazes

Pointed Arch

An arch with a pointed crown, characteristic of Gothic architecture

Sinan

Name meaning “spearhead” or “spear” in which symbolizes strength and precision

The Alhambra

A palace and fortress complex in Granada Spain built by the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries