Islamic Art and Architecture Midterm

Discuss the urban design of the Round City of Baghdad and how it represents the beginning of a new urban tradition in the Islamic World.

- served more as a gigantic palace grounds, housing the caliph and all of his guards New Urban tradition - big open space at the center with the caliph's palace and mosque so any approaching danger is clearly visible - traders are at the exits/entrances - switched the focus of power from religion to politics - heavily fortified, with only four entrances/exits - has the Abassid classic green-color dome

What were types of manuscripts commonly illustrated in the late Seljuk period?

Because figures were forbidden, only manuscripts with a strict need were given the leniance to have people and animals in them. This includes for example medical manuscripts such as "Treatise on Snakebite" and "Disoscordies Manuscript." As time went on these restrictions became less imposed so that illustrations were later used in the ever-popular storybooks and other forms of written entertainment such as "Book of Knowledge of Mechanical Devices" and "Maqamat." Some of these such as "Kalila wa Dimna" were used as metaphors for proper behavior in society. Where as in the beginning their illustrations would have to share the page with a great deal of text, the focus turned entirely to the paintings, which began to have pages all to themselves.

Explain the rise of the mausoleum as a developing Islamic building type in Fatimid Egypt and how was its design used to justify its existence?

Because the Shi'tes so strongly valued their bloodlines, their tombs and mausoleums became incredibly important. The Hadith argues against having a tomb because it is an abuse of wealth and power (except in a simple shade covering). To justify their construction, the stone Shi'te tombs were built to resemble tents in that they had a rounded top and multiple openings. They also included a miirahb niche in these tombs to make them a structure arguably dedicated as a place of prayer and not only to the dead. Later structures resembling yurts (refer to the Tomb Towers of Kharraqan), towers of silence (in the form of tomb towers), and fire temples (four sides each with a large entrance) were also built during the Seljuq period.

Discuss the major source of influences on the development of the early Arab painting tradition, and how can this be seen in the content and design of the artworks.

Byzantine religious paintings and murals were very much an influence on early Arab paintings. This resulted in a very graphic, silhouette focused depiction of figures. When viewing the Dioscorides Manuscript for example, it's clear that its decorated calligraphy, framed compositions, and flat figures are inspired by Byzantine manuscripts. Others, such as Kitab al-Aghani (Book of Songs) has Byzantine compositions illustrating the commissioners power and wealth at the front.

Identify the sources of influence on early Islamic art and architecture, considering which specific elements are adapted from them.

Christian/Byzantine (Greco-Roman) Influences: - central-plan churches informed most early architecture starting with the Dome of the Rock - early architecture incporated Roman/Byzantine columns, spolia when accessible - gold-ground mosaics on the upper walls - rinceau decoration (images of power and paradise) - banded arches - corinthean capitals (as seen in the Dome of the Rock) - celestory (as found in the Great Mosque of Damascus) Persian Influences: - horseshoe arches - figurative imagery, particularly those of political power Arabian Influences: - combination of arabian houses and Roman domas lead to the layout of mosques

Discuss the design and specific architectural spaces and features of the Alhambra palace in Granada in terms of how they symbolize power and the status of the sultan (consider the Court of the Myrtles, the Hall of the Ambassadors in the Comores tower, the Court of the Lions, and the dome of the two sisters) Check with the Professor, this wasn't studied in class.

Considered one of the finest examples of western Islamic or "Moorish" architecture. Built during the period of waning Islamic power as Christian armies continued the "Reconquesta" of Spain. The Main Court-yard consisted of a garden around a large pool, much like the design of the Generalife, which emphasizes the static beauty of water in architecture. The Hall is a domed throne room and audience hall of the palace, located in the tower toward one end of the court so as to overlook the city of Granada below, vaulted with an elaborate ceiling of over 8,000 pieces of inlayed colored woods. The Court of Lions is a garden courtyard designed with water flowing in narrow channels from pavilions on each side of the court to a central fountain composed of a circle of alabaster lions, showing the dynamic use of water in linking interior and exterior spaces. The Dome of the Two sisters links to the gardens of the Daraxa to the Court of Lions and contains a rectangular hall crowned by a pair of great domes composed of thousands of stalactite muqaranas niches whose multitude of reflections caused by play of light on honeycomb surface evokes the revolving heavens.

Discuss how calligraphy becomes a major art form during the Abbasid period; where is it used and what new art froms develop during this time?

Develops into a more abstract, delicate decoration that is used on various forms of both religious and secular objects/architecture, including their samanid ware.

What is the origins of the earliest mosque design. Identify the specific architectural elements associated with this mosque, what do they represent/symbolize, and how are they used in Islamic religious practices.

Directly inspired by the Prophet's house in Medina. Was a typical vernacular house: a walled space with a single entrance and rooms surrounding a courtyard. It's believed this courtyard design originates (or at least is very similar to) Roman domas. The courtyard was the public space, so in proportion to the rooms was very large. At the original house, a chair would sit at one wall from which to give speeches. The covered wall for prayer faces Mecca, and is named the qibla wall for its qibla niche, which marks the direction of Mecca.

How did the early Arab painting tradition evolve and how did early Muslim painters justify their making of images of living beings?

Early in Arab painting, such compositions were reserved for only secular instances. Even then, figures were often so disfigured that they were unidentifiable (can't point and identify the animal) or the faces of paintings were scratched out to de-humanize them. Later, paintings were justified for medical journals for their practical use in treating the ill and injured. Other scientific manuscripts, such as Treatise on the Fixed Stars, needed figural illustrations to teach about the arrangement of stars in relation to constellations. Because they were considered a risky necessity, illustrations were accompanied closely by text and unlike later manuscripts, never had a page to themselves.

Explain the design of the Umayyad desert palaces (Qsar al-Hair, Khirbat al-Mafjar, Mshatta, Kusair Amra) in the context of how its architectural design and artwork typifies the artwork of the Umayyad period in which Hillenbrand describes as eclectic, experimental, and propagandistic.

Eclectic - when they were originally built (surrounded by countryside) they strongly resembled Roman Emperialistic retreats in location - intricately decorated murals were figurative and heavily inspired by Persian artwork in both content and symbology - gigantic bathrooms just like those found in Roman palaces - Byzantine and Persian style mosaics, even on the floor in some spaces - figural sculpture duplicating Roman and Byzantine traditions Experimental - fortification was only decorative and non-functional - decorated facades, unlike the plain exteriors of other Islamic buildings (such as around the Mshtla) - a big no-no for Islam, so incredibly rare, stone figure carvings that borrow from Roman and Byzantine art, yet have their own proportion and style Propagandistic - falsely fortified single entrance with turrets at every corner as a symbol of power - Persian style murals were the same that could be found in other royal buildings, displaying the power of the ruler in their fights against lions, slaying of animals, or the symbolical balance between deers and lions (Islam). These were especially prevalent in the bathroom (most casual space)

Explain the design of the Great Mosque of Damascus in the context of how its architectural design and artwork typifies the artwork of the Umayyad period in which Hillenbrand describes as eclectic, experimental, and propagandistic.

Eclectic: - closely follows the plan of the house of Mohammad - Roman arcades - Roman celestory - Roman arches and pillars - gold-ground mosaics of architecture and gardens (rinceau) - nave and side-isles similar to Byzantine churches Experimental: - added the first minaret (call tower to announce when to pray) - the prayer wall (musalla/qibla wall) was stretched out so a large amount of people could line up to face mecca) - incorporated a mihrab niche, believed to provide a space for the leading prayer to guide in prayer in a way that directs his voice to the rest of the building. Others believe it is meant to represent the missing Mohammad. - has a Minbar (or pulpette) which serves the same purpose as what Mohammad's chair would have served at his house Propagandistic: - build on the site of a Byzantine church - mosaics of architecture are believed to be conquered cities, with the jewels representing power and wealth

Explain the design of the Dome of the Rock in the context of how its architectural design and artwork typifies the artwork of the Umayyad period in which Hillenbrand describes as eclectic, experimental, and propagandistic.

Eclectic: - extremely closely modeled after the Byzantine Church of the Holy Sepulcher (over the tomb of Christ) - Byzantine central plan church - banded arches - corinthean capitals - marble columns - murals inspired by gold-ground mosaics, with rinceau and images of paradise Experimental: - first to use Calligraphy as a form of decoration - instead of figurative images, decoration is made up of jeweled vases and celestial plants Propagandistic: - built over the site where Mohammed ascended to heaven, but also where Christians believed that Abraham almost sacrificed his son, and the site of the Temple of Solomon (all that remains of which is the Wailing Wall) - Calligraphy praises Islam over Christianity and Judaism - stands high over the landscape, with its bright dome calling attention to itself - at the time was center to the old-world so easily accessible

Discuss the characteristic features of the Arab painting tradition in the late Seljuk period, prior to the destruction of Baghdad by the Mongols.

Its figures depended greatly on having a clear, almost flat silhouette. It's believed this was inspired by the ever-popular shadow-puppets of the time. Paintings were used only in secular instances, such as palaces. Later, intermittently in manuscripts in order to support the texts.

Discuss the urban design of the Fatamid city of al-Qahira (Cairo) and how does it continue a characteristic Islamic Urban tradition which began with the Round City of Baghdad?

Like the City of Baghdad, the original construction of al-Qahira was to assert political dominance of the ruler. It too held court within a gated enclosure closed off from the rest of the city. The seconded interior space was again closely guarded by the army across a huge clearance. Essentially, al-Qahira established the basic layout of the ruler being in the center of the city surrounded by an open space full of guards as an urban norm.

Discuss the types of ceramics artworks that developed during the Abbasid period; where it is used and what new art forms develop during this time.

Lustreware = unique to the Abbassid period, lustreware is a ceramic technique that gives cheap pottery a metallic copper/gold appearance. This is accomplished thorugh a unique metallic oxide glaze fired in a specific way without oxygen. While its cheap but extravagant construction is used in the form of tiles in architecture, this became popular in secular ware because it follows the commandments of the Habith not to eat on metal, but still gives off the appearance. Samanid Ware - inspired by chinese white ceramics, this porcelain imitates its appearance through its white metallic glaze. But unlike the Chinese, the Abbassids added decorative Caligraphy. Used especially for plates and other secular ware splashed ware- inspired by chinese funeral ware, this pottery is covered in washes of green, yellow, and white It is through the severely abstracted decorations of figures, animals, and calligraphy that distinctly Arabesque decorations develop. Calligraphy, in particular, becomes much more abstract and decorative than compared to the blocky, precise Ummayad period.

What are the characteristic features of mosque design during the Abbasid period, as seen in the Great Mosque of Samarra or the Mosque of ibn Tulun?

Mosque of Samarra - within one of the largest archaeological sites in the world - incorporates a large iwan - unique paintings inspired by Persian figural compositions become their own unique Arabesque style Mosque of ibn Tulun - Named for Tulun, the founder of a new dynasty in Egypt - unlike a Samarran mosque, the arcades go parallel to the mosque - introduces the ziata (a fenced empty space around the mosque) Both - separate monumental minaret, sets a standard for future architecture to proclaim Islamic dominance - were built large to support the surrounding population - piers and pointed arches are now the norm - continuous stamp-technique patterns - figural depictions, while still borrowing their content from the Persian standard, develop an Arabesque style

Explain the rise of the Saljuks dominance in the Islamic world after the 11th century.

Originally a nomadic military family from central Asia that took over after the Buyid family (conquerors of the Fatamids) to the west of the mediterannean. They began as turkish military slaves, but grew in number as they assimilated the Islamic religion and converted turqish nomads and marauders into their religion.

Discuss the development of stucco decoration in the palaces of Samarra in the 9th century and its significance for the development of a unique Islamic artistic tradition (in other words, discuss the characteristic features of Samarra stucco work which characterize a unique "Arabesque" design)`

Since every prince during the Abbassid dynasty desired their own palace, production had to be very fast. This was very difficult since at the beginning, all of the intricate rinceau decoration was carved very deeply and directly in the wall. Eventually the artisans had to resort to plastering these walls with stucco, then carving into the soft plaster making the decorations slightly shallower and abstract to account for speed. Finally the artisans learned they can make stamps to repeat the pattern directly into the wet stucco. Because the pattern is made from a stamp, the resulting pattern is much shallower than the beginning of the Arabesque era and at a much more abstract pattern. Unlike the Byzantine rinceau it's derived from, Arabesque patterns make it nearly impossible to tell they are supposed to be plants.

What are the features which characterize the development of Islamic Art during the Abbasid period?

The Abbasid period marked the split between Shia (for bloodline) and the Sunni (against bloodline). Abbasids brought together all the Shia to slaughter the Ummayad princes (except one, who fled to Spain). - carried on yet altered Ummayyad tradtions - built on a gigantic, unimaginable scale due to their immense wealth and power - broke their ties from the Byzantine and Mediterannean worlds - increasing foreign influences from the East - development of Arabesque as a unique Islamic art tradition Specifics: - Persian Iwans start to be incorporated into Mosques and palaces - genuinely fortified palaces - created the technique of using stucco stamps, turning the once deeply carved rinceau into very abstract, Arabesque shapes - paintings acquired a new, unique Islamic style as they were painted again and again for every prince's palace - bricks became the norm building material - developed the ever popular lustreware, used in both pottery and architecture - inspired by Chinese pottery, the Abasids also developed samanid ware (porcelain imitation) and the use of green, yellow, and white on other pottery

What is the significance of the Ka'ba in Pre-Islamic and early Islamic times and how is it specifically used by Muslims throughout the world to this day?

The Ka'ba is a pre-islamic temple that was originally used to worship multiple gods. After Muhammed and his army conquered the surrounding tribe, rather than killing the women and children that hid inside as tradition dictated, they circled the building seven times before destroying the idols inside. Today, this holy site is a destination of the hajj pilgrimage, where Muslims will travel in mass to worship around its structure. Was purified by Muhammad. Original Ka'ba was destroyed during the civil war, and has since been replaced by a black stone rock. Contains a sacred black stone believed to come from Abraham. Believed to be patterned after pre-islamic monoliths. Worldwide, every Muslim faces this granite cube-like structure for prayer.

What is the major doctrinal difference between Sunni and Shi'ite Islam and how did this division come about?

The Sunni (orthodox) believe that the balance of political and religious power should be outside of Muhammed's bloodline as per his request. The Shi'ites (unorthodox) believe that power should remain in Muhammad's bloodline, and as a consequence of believe Ali is the first legitimate Caliph. Naturally, this division appeared shortly after the death of Muhammed, leaving the now widely developed Islamic community without a leader.

What are the basic requirements and practices related to the Islamic Faith?

Their two key books are the Quaran (God's Word) and the Hadith (Mohammad's word). Unlike Christians, Muslims may pray anywhere without the need of a religious hierarchy. Muslims there is only one god, who represents an infinite oneness across creation. Muhammed's teaching in this religion focuses on generosity, tolerance, and mercy based on his own experience of a child in poverty. Five Pillars of Islam: 1. Shahada - "profession of belief in only one god, Allah, and Mohammed was his prophet" 2. Salat - "the duty to pray five times daily, towards the Ka'ba in Mecca (direction of the qibla)" 3. Siyam - fasting during the holy month of Ramadan (no food or water during daylight) 4. Zaqat - giving alms to the poor (percentage of income to the poor) 5. Hajj - making a pilgramge to Mecca, the holiest city of Islam

What is the significance of Fatamid glass and rock crystal carving?

These objects were often made for caliphs to represent their extreme wealth and power. They were remarkable because of the technology to shape such a robust material (almost as strong as a diamond) and incorporate figural decorations, typically a variety of animals that refer to pre-islamic artwork. These transparent materials were chosen for their ability to collect light, a Shi'ite symbol. At the time, this rock was believed to be a form of ice, which is why it was often shaped into containers for fine drinks.

What are the characteristic features of the carved ivory pyxides and what inspired this carving style?

These small perfume bottles display many classical features and Ummayad designs, including an early/archaic form of calligraphy, deep cut carvings (as opposed to the more shallow, abstract carvings being developed to the south east). Its decoration mostly depends on animals and tightly woven plants, just like Ummayad art.

What new building types were introduced by the Saljuks and from what pre-Islamic forms did they originate?

They introduced Tomb Towers (inspired by the Towers of Silence, where the dead would be taken to be picked apart by scavangers) and tombs inspired by Zoroastrin fire temples (containing a holy flame that was always kept lit).

What are the characteristic features of mosque design during the Saljuk period as seen in the Great Mosque of Isfahan, and how did its design evolve from pre-Islamic architectural forms?

This four-iwan mosque contains monumental entrances at each wall of its courtyard strongly resembling Persian iwans. The original pre-Islamic iwans were often used in palaces, beneath which the king would sit with a crown suspended above him by a metal chain. These monumental iwans were also surrounded by smaller iwan entrances along the upper and lower floors, replacing the Roman-style arcades.

*How is Fatimid lusterwares a continuation of earlier Abbasid traditions and what has changed in ceramic artworks in the Fatamid period?*

This mass-market pottery borrowed many figural images and designs from the classical world, depicting the wealthy and powerful, even if they were Catholic priests (to appeal to the large Christian community). Many derived their forms either directly or indirectly from Chinese ceramics/pottery.

How was the design of the Aqmar Mosque unique to the characteristic of Fatimid mosques, and how does its facade relate to the Shi'ite symbolism?

This mosque has a decorated facade with radiating designs as a symbol of light. Calligraphy for Ali sits over the largest design above the main entrance. This essentially turns the entire exterior wall into a gigantic qibla articulated by mihrabs. It's entrance is twisted around so that it hugs the street.

What is the inspiration for the design of the Great Mosque of Cordoba and discuss specific features of the architecture which represents this.

This mosque was built to strongly resemble the Great Mosque of Damascus from the Ummayad prince's homeland in Syria. However, it is unique for its grove in the courtyard, originally planted with dates to refer back to Syria. The mosque was built in phases, thus parts of its exterior and interior vary according to the tastes of the time. It's classical sources of inspiration resulted in many eclectic features: - red and white banded horseshoe arches similar to those in Damascus and the Dome of the Rock - the mihrab niche follows the Ummayad tradition of being decorated with arches and golden mosaics (which were likely completed by Byzantine workers) - unlike the abstract forms being developed in the south, the plant-like decoration remains fairly realistic Strangely, this Mosque was also built with a gothic church at its center. The maqsura, or prayer area dedicated to royalty, completes a Christian-style tri-fold.

How was the design of the Fatamid al-Hakim mosque unique and different than earlier mosques and what was the reason for this change (consider the facade and entrance)?

This mosque was remarkable for its large size and elaborately decorated facade, consisting of a projecting entrance portal, broad stairways, towers as corner salients, and with no minarets. The triple entrance was so decorated because of the new royal procession from the palace to the mosque. The elaborate decoration was originally completed by the "mad Calph"'s father, but was covered with a barriar around the facade minarets when the prince came into power.

What new forms of art and architecture are introduced by the Saljuks and what are their distinctive features?

Tomb-towers introduced a new form of decoration created entirely through brick. Later, blue glaze began to be used on selective bricks to decorate certain parts of the architecture (such a as calligraphy). The fire-temple style tombs were also a significant introduction to Islamic architecture. While not a new development, Iwans were used much more frequently and in new combinations within mosques (such as four-iwan mosques). Muqarnas were used increasingly in the ceilings of mosques and other high-form architecture. Free-standing minarets were grown to exponential sizes and used as a symbol of Islamic dominance over partials of land, often placed in close proximity to a mosque. They also introduced caravansarai, a resting place among trade routes for travelers and their animals. Their ceramics used a great deal of blue and animals. But their mina'i ware used a variety of colors to convey stories with a variety of figures. These colors and stories were carried through the thin layers of silver and gold they applied to their metalwork.

How did the history of the Umayyad Caliphate in Spain influence the development of early Islamic art and architecture within this region, resulting in different forms than those found in the rest of the Islamic world?

When the Ummayad dynasty ended and all the caliphs of its time were murdered in the name of Ali's bloodline, the surviving prince Al-Andalus fled north to Spain, where he founded a new empire based on his memories of his Ummayad culture. This resulted in a new form of Islamic art that unlike the rest of the Islamic World, held on to its ties to the Classical world and early Ummayad artforms.