Presentation about Islamic art

2. Very diverse, but
unified style.
Influence of
conquered peoples.
Only architecture
because little
figurative
representations
(for avoiding
idolatry).

3. 1. ELEMENTS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Materials:
poor (bricks, wood, etc.), covered with tiles, marble or stucco (plaster with decorations for
giving impression of richness).

4. Holding elements:
Holding elements: Columns and pillars: thin shaft and decorated capitals.

5. Hold elements - Arches:
Stilted semi-circular
arch
Horseshoe arch
Polylobed arch
Mixed arch
(straight and curve
lines)

6. Hold elements - Covering:
Ribbed dome
(the nerves do not
cross in the centre)
 Muqarna vault
(geometrical stalactites)
Segmented dome
(like an orange)

7. Decorative elements
Arabesque – vegetable
motifs
Laces: interlaced
geometrical figures.
Calligraphies – in Arabic,
with suras of the Quran
Geometrical motifs

8. 2. TYPES OF BUILDINGS
MOSQUE: main building.
Religious function.

9.  Great Mosque
of Damascus
 Mosque of
Kairouan
Mosque of
Samarra 

10. Palaces:
Residential and political-administrative function.
Lots of gardens, fountains and waterways.
Private and public areas.
Fortifications: alcázar (castle) and alcazaba.
Madrasa: religious schools.

11. 3. ART OF AL-ANDALUS
CALIPHAL ART  During the Caliphate of Córdoba (929-1031)
Córdoba: mosque and Medina Azahara. Horseshoe and polylobed arches, ribbed vaults.

12. Mezquita de Córdoba

13.  Different phases (8th-10th c.).
 Large haram with double arches.
 Qibla  Facing southwards.
 Christian cathedral inside after the conquest.

14.  Very decorated mirhab.

15. Medina Azahara
City-palace in the outskirts
of Córdoba.
10th century.

16. TAIFA KINGDOMS (1031-85)
Aljafería Palace
Zaragoza
Polylobed arches and
abundant meticulous
decorations.

17. ALMOHAD ARCHITECTURE (1172-1212) In Sevilla. Austere buildings, with little decoration
Torre del OroGiralda

18. NASRID ART  Alhambra de Granada

19. o Alcazaba  Fortified part (defensive
function).
o Private (residential) and public
(political-administrative) parts,
organised around courtyards.

23. o Poor materials,
but very decorated
(stucco, tiles, etc.).