Islamic Art
Terms
undefined, object
copy deck
-
ka'ba -
ka'ba, mecca -
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem -
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
The dome of the rock--oldest surviving islamic sanctuary and is the holiuest site in islam after the mecca and medina. Jews identify it as the site where abraham prepared to sacrifice his son isaac. Chirstians muslims and jews associate the site with the creation of adam and the temple of solomon. Muslims also identify it as the site from which muhammad led by the angle gabriel ascended to heaven in the night journey, passing through the spheres of heavene to the presence of god. It is a central plan, with a huge golden dome, byzantine architecture but its got decorations outside and inside too. Drum is supported by an arcade. Central space inteior surfaces were orignally decorated with marble dadoes at ground level and glass
mosaics above.
Distinct feature is the writign of another script on the outside, including references to christ in the koran. -
interior -
interior
The mosaic is byzantine,style foliage combined in a new style with lewel like sassanainan persian insignia. -
text - The word of god was recorded in a book known as the koran, a compilation of mohammad’s verses. “purity of writing is purity of the soulâ€--scribes developed calligraphy to an extraodinary degree. A prohibition against depicting representationla images in reliious art, as well; as the naturally decorativbe nature of arabic script led to the used of calligraphic decoration on religious architecture. The foremost characteristic of islamic religious art is the presence of koranic arabic, used for reading and prayer, and for decoration. A rich vocabulary of aniconic or nonfigural ornament is a hallmark of islamic work. An interplay between pure abstraction and organic form. Abstraction helps free the mind from the contemplation of matterial form, opening it to the enormity of the divine presence.
-
plan - plan
-
The Great Mosque, Damascus, Syria - The Great Mosque, Damascus, Syria. 706 CE
-
courtyard and prayer area. - courtyard and prayer area.
-
interior -
interior
Interior of the great mosque--rows of arches on the walls let in light, arches separate the room to create congregational space. -
S. Apollinare Nuovo, c 534-554 CE. Ravenna, Italy. Christian - S. Apollinare Nuovo, c 534-554 CE. Ravenna, Italy. Christian
-
Qibla wall with mihrab and minbar, The Great Mosque, 706 CE -
Qibla wall with mihrab and minbar, The Great Mosque, 706 CE
Wall has a mihrab that indicates direction towards mecca. Hypostyle prayer hall, double tiered design. Provides ample light and space.