Islamic Socratic

Tuesday 

1. How do sacred rituals shape artistic forms in mosque architecture? 

Sacred rituals shape artistic forms in mosque architecture because the design of the mosque is based on those rituals so they are functional for worship. For example, Mihrab is a niche in the wall facing Mecca, to indicate where the direction of prayer is. 

2.  What imagery is forbidden in sacred Islamic art and what is the reason for this? Where is this imagery seen and why?

Human and animal forms of imagery in religious contexts are forbidden in Islamic art. The reason for this is forbidden because they think that making lifelike images would distract worshippers from the divine and is a sin against God that is forbidden in the Qur’an. 

3. How is this islamic prohibition of imagery similar and different to the iconoclasm in Christianity? Explain fully.

This islamic prohibition of imagery is similar to iconoclasm in Christianity because they bought that human form would distract from the worship of the divine. The islamic prohibition of imagery is different to iconoclasm in Christianity because I don’t think Chrsitainy prohibited animal forms too. 

4. How is secular architecture of the Taj Mahal & the Alhambra inspired by the sacred? 

The secular architecture of the Taj Mahal is inspired by the sacred by being symmetric, the use of geometric patterns and the calligraphy of the Quran verses. The Alhambra is inspired by the sacred by having geometric patterns, calligraphy, carvings that all reflect Islamic ideals of beauty and divine order. Both places have gardens that are seen as a symbol of connection to paradise. 

5. How do they differ?

The Taj Mahal is a tomb and  a place of mourning, while the Alhambra was a royal residence and not initially made for worship. 

6. How do the forms in Islamic art differ based on their religious vs. secular use?

The forms of religion use art that focus on calligraphy, geometric patterns, floral designs to convey the nature of God. The use of light and space in their architecture and mosques reflects this spiritual experience that they are trying to get worship to be a part of. The forms of secular art show more rulers, people, historical events, narratives and stories. The religious use of art is a lot less figurative. 

7. What are the most important elements of a mosque and how does their form follow function?

The most important elements of a mosque are a minaret, mihrab, prayer hall, courtyard and dome. The minaret is a tall tower where the call to pray is announced. The Mihrab is a niche in the wall that has the qibla, to make sure worshippers face Mecca during prayers. The prayer hall is  a large open space where worshippers gather to pray together, the whole function of a Mosque. The courtyards are an open-air space for large gatherings. The dome is also symbolic of the heavens and the divine presence, they are beautiful and make a sense of devotion. 

Wednesday

1. How and why does mosque construction change depending on the region and patronage? (Think of the Ottomans, The Umayyads, and the Persians)

Mosque construction changes depend on the region and patronage because they all have their own previous artistic traditions that influence making these. The Patronages and rulers used architecture to display different values they have. The Ottomans have the Blue Mosque that has large central domes and big courtyards that were made to reflect Ottoman power. The Umayadds were influenced by Byzantine and Roman architectural styles. The Persian mosques have tile work, calligraphy, arched hallways that reflect how Persian artistic traditions were about decorative beauty and how they used that in making the mosque. 

2. Who built the Mosque of Cordoba and why was he excommunicated from his homeland? 

The Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman I built the Mosque of Cordoba. He was excommunicated from his homeland because of the political and religious differences between the Umayyads and the Abbasids.

3. How does the  Mosque of Cordoba incorporate cultures beyond the Islamic tradition? 

The Mosque of Cordoba incorporates cultures beyond Islamic tradition by having Roman and Christian influence. The Mosque of Cordoba was built where a Roman temple was, and some of the columns were repurposed from that building. The original Church that came before the mosque left decorative motifs and the structure of space there. 

4. What is happening in Spain during this time? 

During this time, Spain was under Musilm rule where Islamic, Christian, and Jewish communities coexisted in relative peace. Due to this peace, there was a lot of cultural and intellectual exchange. 

5. What is happening in Damascus during this time?

During this time, Damascus was the capital of the Islamic caliphate, as it was a major cultural and political center. 

6. What architectural elements are unique or added to this mosque and how are they used? 

The Mosque Cordoba has unique architectural elements like the horseshoe arches, double-tiered arches to create a sense of height and space. Also, the mihrab which is a semicircular niche central space that guided worshippers toward Mecca. 

7. How is the Mosque of Cordoba reconstructed for Catholic worship and who does this?

The Mosque of Cordoba was reconstructed for Catholic worship by becoming a Catholic cathedral. They change the mosque’s prayer hall to a Renaissance-style nave. The person who does this is King Ferdinand III of Castile. 

Thursday

1. Why did the Great Mosque of Isfahan take so long to be built?

The Great Mosque of Isfahan took so long to be built because the construction spanned serial centuries because of the multiple rulers contributing to the project. Each ruler added their own architectural elements, details, and repairs. 

2. Describe the artistic decorations of the Great Mosque of Isfahan (Masjid-e Jameh) and how they represent Islamic tradition?

The Great Mosque of Isfahan has intricate tile work, calligraphy, and muqarnas show Isalmic traditions of geometric and floral patterns. These decorations avoid human depreciations and instead focus on spiritual and divine representations, with blue and turquoise tiles symbolizing eternity and connection to the divine. 

3. What plan is the Great Mosque of Isfahan (Masjid-e Jameh) and how does it serve the community during secular and sacred times?

The plan of the Great Mosque of Isfahan is the four-iwan layout. It is designed to accommodate sacred traditions with the central prayer hall serving as the focus for worship. The surrounding spaces are used for social gatherings and community events, for more secular daily life activity. 

4. What elements are distinctive at the Blue Mosque?

The elements that are disctine at the Blue Mosque is its large central dome, six minarets, and the blue tilework in its interior. The unique design also has natural light streaming through its many tiles. 

5. What year was the Mosque of Selim the second built? 

The Mosque of Selim was completed in 1574.

6. What empire built the Mosque of Selim II and who built it?

The Mosque of Selim II was built by the Ottoman Empire. It was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and designed by a renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. 

7. Who did the Ottomans defeat? What building did they use as inspiration for the Mosque of Selim II and WHY? 

The Ottomans defeated the Safavid empire. They used the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul as the inspiration for the Mosque of Selim II because they wanted to surpass the architectural magnificent of it. 

8. Why is the Mosque of Selim II an important building in Turkey?

The Mosque of Selim II is an important building in Turkey because it is a symbol of the empire’s cultural and artistic achievements. As designed by Mimar Sinian, it was celebrated for its architectural innovation in its large dome and balanced proportions.