Ancient Arabic Architecture was used mainly in religious situations and is shaped by two major restrictions. First, the Islamic faith prohibits the depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in a human form. Second, Muslims were restricted from using excessively expensive or opulent materials in their construction. In response to the first of these restrictions, artists created a design style called Arabesque, a complex intertwining of flowers, vines, and geometric shapes that creates a brilliant pattern void of any human or animal forms. In response to the second restriction, artists would take great care in carving and adorning less expensive materials, such as brass, clay, or wood with a precision that made basic items looks much more valuable.
The most famous example of Arabic architecture can be found in mosques. Originally built as simple buildings of wood and clay modeled after Christian churches, they quickly evolved into a style of their own. Many would include an arched entrance with a fountain to for patrons to wash before entering. The opposite wall would be closest to the holy city of Mecca for the devout to pray towards, and large domes and minarets would adorn the roof. The buildings would be constructed of brick and stone and the insides would be decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles, as well as brilliant arabesque designs.
Arabic palaces had a much more secular feel. Early Muslim rulers tended to feel more at home living in the desert, so early palaces can be found in the deserts outside of Damascus, the capital of the Islamic world. The were built like walled-in stone fortresses, and contained a throne room, prayer rooms, baths, and living quarters, all decorated with mosaics. Palaces gave a place for the ruler, or caliph, to relax, hunt, make appearances, and run his empire.
http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3753881
https://www.kimbellart.org/exhibition/palace-and-mosque-islamic-art-victoria-and-albert-museum
This is so interesting. I did not know that in the early days the architects had these restrictions. I always thought that mosques and other buildings were built with extravagant tools and materials but now I realize that that is only because of the need to make simple materials seem expensive. Also, I had no idea that the early Muslim rulers liked to live in the desert, and that is why many of the Mosques can be found in the desert! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am especially intrigued by the idea of using inexpensive materials to build places of worship and enriching its aesthetic with creative, inexpensive decor. This aspect of Arabic architecture seems to reach the perfect medium between humble, Protestant churches and Roman catholic cathedrals. It is not overtly simple like a Protestant church and not overwhelmingly decorous and expensive like a typical Catholic cathedral.
ReplyDeleteI have two questions: Why were rulers attracted to the idea of living in the desert? Was living deep within the desert considered a norm if one was at the top of the social hierarchy?