Notes on Islamic History, Art, and Architecture

Outline

  • History of Islam and its Expansion
  • Islamic Art
  • Islamic Architecture
  • Architectural Advancements in the Islamic Maghreb
  • The Interplay of Islam, Trade, and Architectural Influence in West Africa
  • Sudanic-Sahelian Historic Mosques of Ghana

History and Introduction to Islam

  • Revelations to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)
    • Received in Mecca (610 CE) and compiled into the Qur'an.
    • Qur'an signifies submission, expressed in Arabic.
  • Growth of Islam
    • Attracted followers in Mecca leading to opposition by powerful clans.
    • Resulted in Mohammed's (PBUH) Hijra to Medina (622 CE).
    • Established the first mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi) in Medina, marking Islam's community growth.
  • Return to Mecca (630 CE)
    • Mohammed led 10,000 followers, cleansing Kaaba, transforming it into the focal point for Muslim prayer and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Expansion Under Mohammed’s (PBUH) Successors

  • Abu Bakr (632–634 CE)
    • Consolidated the Muslim community and initiated military expansion.
  • Umar (634–644 CE)
    • Oversaw conquests in Persia, Syria, and Egypt; set up governance.
  • Uthman (644–656 CE)
    • Compiled Qur'an into a final form; expanded empire into North Africa and Byzantine territories.
  • Ali (656–661 CE)
    • His rule faced power struggles; his assassination marked the Sunni-Shi’a split.

Dynastic Expansion

  • Umayyad Dynasty (661–750 CE)
    • Established cultural and architectural centers, especially in Damascus.
    • Expanded territory into Spain (711 CE) until halted in France (732 CE).
  • Abbasid Dynasty (750–1258 CE)
    • Overthrow of Umayyads, establishment of Baghdad as the cultural hub.
    • Flourishing of arts and sciences, influenced by multiple cultures.
  • Subsequent Dynasties
    • Seljuk, Fatimid, Mamluk, Mongol Ilkhanate, Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires contributed to diverse architectural styles and cultural synthesis.

Golden Age Contributions (9th–16th centuries)

  • Influential scholars (e.g., Avicenna, Al-Khwarizmi) revolutionized fields like medicine and mathematics.
  • Flourishing in Islamic art and calligraphy, blending indigenous and imported elements.
  • Architecture characterized by its functionality, symbolism, and spirituality.

Islamic Art

  • Qur'an's Role
    • Sparked development in arts, particularly calligraphy and book-binding.
    • Emphasized beauty as a divine attribute.
  • Definition and Scope of Islamic Art
    • Term originated in the 19th century for works created by Islamic societies from the 7th century.
    • Encompasses both religious and secular works without limitation to religious themes.

Key Features

  • General Characteristics
    1. Decorative and colorful, often nonfigurative.
    2. Use of arabesques and intricate geometric patterns.
    3. Calligraphy emphasizing Qur'anic texts in varying styles.
    4. Flourishing during the Golden Age for ceramics, glasswork, textiles, and manuscripts.
  • Contributions from Various Cultures
    • Influences from Roman, Byzantine, Persian, and Indian traditions evident in art forms.

Islamic Architecture

  • Defining Characteristics
    • Emerged distinctly by the 19th century, influenced by earlier Roman and Byzantine styles.
    • Functionality shaped by religious requirements, as detailed in the Qur'an (24:36).
  • Types of Structures
    1. Mosques - Centers for worship.
    2. Tombs - Memorials for the deceased.
    3. Palaces - Symbols of power.
    4. Forts - Defensive buildings.

Architectural Elements

  • Essential features include minarets, muqarnas, arches, domes, geometric patterns, and courtyards.
  • Minarets serve as visual and functional towers for the call to prayer, constructed with specific components (base, shaft, cap, head).
  • Muqarnas characterized by honeycomb-like vaulting, while Iwan represents large vaulted halls with open sides.

Arches and Domes

  • Various arch types (e.g., ogee, stilted) adorn many structures, while domes illustrate load-bearing qualities with curved and bulbed forms.

Architectural Advancements in the Islamic Maghreb

  • Expansion in North Africa via military actions and trade established cities and mosque designs.
  • The Ribat served as fortified religiously significant sites, leading to urban development around these centers.
  • Desert Rock Mosques highlighted functionality in harsh environments.

Interplay of Islam, Trade, and Architectural Influence in West Africa

  • Creation of trade networks connecting West Africa to Egypt and Morocco.
  • Urban centers like Timbuktu became Islamic cultural hubs, incorporating indigenous artistic elements into architecture.
  • The Great Mosque of Djenne showcases a mix of local and Islamic architectural styles with significant community importance.

Historic Mosques of Ghana

  • Total of 9 historic mosques, recent preservation efforts are vital for their maintenance and cultural heritage.
  • Recent renovations (e.g., Bole Mosque) showcase community engagement in sustaining Islamic architecture within Ghana.

References

  • Apotsos M. M. (2016). Architecture, Islam, and Identity in West Africa: Lessons from Larabanga. Routledge.
  • Ghana Museums & Monuments Board (2022). Ancient Mosques of the Northern Region.
  • Goodwin A. J. H. (1957). The Medieval Empire of Ghana. South African Archaeological Bulletin, 12(47), 108–12.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Center (2019). The World Heritage Convention.