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
Parts of a Mosque
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
Famous Mosques to Know
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