Architecture of the Islamic World (7th–17th centuries)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the origins and architecture of the Islamic world as discussed in the lecture.

Islam

The world religion founded on Muhammad's revelations, named from the Arabic word Islam meaning submission to God (Allah).

Muhammad

Prophet born in Mecca; regarded as the last in the line of Jewish and Christian prophets; received revelations from the archangel Gabriel, later compiled as the Quran.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, consisting of revelations Muhammad received in Arabic; ‘Quran’ literally means recitation.

Mecca

Muhammad’s birthplace in present-day Saudi Arabia and the religious center of early Islam.

Medina

City in present-day Saudi Arabia where Muhammad fled to (Hijra) and established the Muslim community; model for Islamic religious buildings.

Hijra

Migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Muslim calendar.

Caliph

A political and religious successor to Muhammad, leader of the Muslim community.

Caliphate

The Islamic state led by a caliph; includes successive dynasties such as Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman.

Umayyad Caliphate

Early Islamic caliphate (roughly 7th–8th century) with its capital at Damascus; rapidly expanded Muslim rule.

Abbasid Caliphate

Caliphate following the Umayyads; capital at Baghdad (later Cairo); known for a Golden Age of science, poetry, and theology.

Ottoman Caliphate

Ottoman-led caliphate with capital at Constantinople; extensive power around the Black Sea and Aegean regions.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core duties: declaration of faith (Shahada), daily prayers (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).

Shahada

The declaration of faith: there is no deity except God and Muhammad is His messenger.

Salat (Prayer)

The obligation to pray five times a day at prescribed times.

Zakat

Almsgiving or charitable tax to support the needy.

Sawm

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hajj

The pilgrimage to Mecca that, if able, every Muslim should undertake at least once.

Mosque

A house of worship for Muslims; typically a large, covered space for congregational prayer, washing, and the imam (prayer leader).

Shrine

A religious building in early Islamic architecture, distinct from mosques, often serving sacred or pilgrimage purposes.

People of the Book

A term used to describe Jews and Christians (and, in some contexts, Muslims) as holders of sacred scriptures and monotheistic faith.