Islamic Architecture

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Islamic Architecture
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Introduction

• Islamic impact across Europe
• India
• Middle East
• Spain
• Morocco
• Assimilation (taking in) of architectural styles
  from many traditions

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Religious Architecture

• Mosques
• Holy shrines
• Palaces, forts, and castles reflect the religion
  of Islam
• They are symbols of power and the dangers their
  leaders faced.
• While the empire became a vast trading network,
  the buildings that housed the camel caravan
  traders - the caravanserai - reflected their
  importance to the empire, as well.
• The wealth and power of the empire was often
  directed into buildings that are recognized for
  their beauty and innovation (new ideas).

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The Holiest Places in Islam

• Center of Islamic worship and the holiest place
  in Islam
• Muslims pray five times a day facing the Kaaba in
  Mecca, and if they are able, they will make a
  Pilgrimage, or "hajj".

The Kaaba - in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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The Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem

• Building encloses a huge rock located at its
  center from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended
  (went up) to heaven at the end of his Night
  Journey.

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Mihrab

• A mihrab is a niche in the wall which points the
  worshipers toward Mecca.

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Minbars

• A minbar is like a pulpit from which the imam or
  Islamic leader speaks
• Looks something like a staircase

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Ablution Fountain

• Before prayers, the faithful cleaned their faces,
  hands, feet, and rinsed their mouths.
• Cleansing an act both symbolic and literal to
  prepare oneself to meet with God in prayer

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Minarets

• Minarets towers of a mosque
• Muezzin" calls people to prayer five times a day
  from minarets

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Inner Courtyards

• quiet
• open-aired
• separated
• Encourages mediation

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Geometrical Arches
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Domes

• Decorated on the outside and inside with
  beautiful tiles or precious metals in geometric
  designs
• Gives spiritual feeling, bringing attention from
  the ground level (the world of man) to the
  heavens (the world of God)

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The Taj Mahal Agra, India
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The Kaaba
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The Dome of the Rock