Islamic Art

calligraphy - artistic practice of handwriting * includes Arabic, Ottoman, and Persian calligraphy * its development is tied to the Quran; write its chapters * encompasses a diverse array of works, so it’s not limited to Quran stuff * reflects the centrality of the notion of writing and writt4en text in Islam * qalam - pen normally made of dried reed or bamboo
vegetal patterns - semi-natural patterns used in early Islamic art that decorated buildings, textiles, pottery and manuscripts * based on plants and flowers found in the natural world * feature Arabesque (“ in the Arab fashion” in French) patterns consisting of foliage and flowers in a linear pattern
geometric patterns - consist of repeating, intriciced, or overlapping shapes arranged in complex, intricate patterns * very popu;ar in the early Islamic civilization; decorated clothing to mosques * can be used on their own or combined with claligraphy or vegetal patterns to form more complex art4work
figural representation - rare for Islamic art to contain people or animals * some people think it is not allowed to make or draw these pictures so people don’t want to worship anything other than God * however, othjer thing that the Quran actually doesn’t forbid making of figures, statues, or images of people or animals as long as they aren’t worshipped

dome - often placed directly above main prayer hall to symbolize vaults of heaven and the sky (qubba)
mirab - semicircular niche that indicates the direction toward Mecca (qibla) * next to it is a minbar where sermons are delivered from
prayer hall (musullah) - large open space; everyone sits on floor * women generally segregated and pray in a separate space or chamber
minaret - where a muezzin (Muslim crier) stands and calls people to prayer
ablutions - where Muslims perform wudu (ritual washing) before prayer * entryway or courtyards in big mosques * restrooms in smaller areas

Great Mosque of Mecca * Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Kaaba) * around the kaaba, destination of hajj (lot of people), huge courtyard * Encloses kaaba, lots of Muslims come here
Great Mosque of Djenne * Djenne, Mali (Center of Islam) * traditional design, looks like sandstone (?) built out of mud * political symbol for residents and colonial powers
Mosque of Cordoba * Cordoba, Spain (converrsion (Islam → CHR) * Lots of arenes (?) * converted to Christian cathedral, built by Umayyads, features of Byzantines, one of the largest sacred Islamic buildings
Dome of the Rock * Jersualem (Jesus place) * large dome, large plaza * oldest Islamic monument; Umayyads built where Muhammad was taken to heaven to meet god