Islamic art and architecture from the seventh to the thirteenth century - Essay Example

Islamic art and architecture from the seventh to the thirteenth century Table of Content Serial Number and Topic Page Number 0 Introduction 02 2.0 Executive Summary 02 3.0 Islamic Art and Architecture 03 4.0 Impact of Art in non Muslim Spain 06 5.0 Conclusion 07 6.0 References 08 1.0 Introduction Islam's influence and presence in Spain dates back to the 9th century, when Muslims emigrated to the west. In 1492, most Muslims were expelled and the few who managed to stay back publicly proclaimed Catholicism to avoid expulsion. (Spain, Demographics, Euro-Islam info. Country profiles, euro-islam.info/pages/spain.html)1 The powerful Muslim armies in their quest for expansion began invading countries that stretched from the Western borders of India, across Persia and Northern Africa, to Spain and Southern France. In order to establish their faith in these countries, they constructed Mosques and prayer halls of architectural brilliance. They remained for 800 years in Europe until in 1492 Ferdinand and Isabella over-rode them. During their reign, the Muslims perceived the need to establish artistically styled monuments to help expand their faith and compete with other religions. Their success in this endeavor led to the presence of today's remarkable Arts & Architectures (The development of Islamic art: Graeco-Roman, Lesson 5 Art part: Islamic art, www.dartmouth.edu)2 2.0 Executive Summary Art was predominant during the 7th to 13th century Europe. With the arrival of the Muslims, art was not just artistic, but it was purposeful as well. However, not all Islamic art had a specific religious purpose, unique to the Islamic faith. One of the most distinguishing features of Islamic art is the absence of an image of religious context. Idolatry is considered a grave sin. It is believed that any form of human worship is profane to the idea of Allah as the only God. This clearly distinguishes Islamic art from Christian and/or other religious arts. In architecture, painting, and carpet-weaving, Muslims limit their portrayals of humans or animals. To Muslims, decoration meant use of calligraphy, flowers and leaves. Geometrical and floral patterns also adorned Islamic art and architecture (The Islamic World to 1600, www.ucalgary.ca)3. This research paper will strive to identify the influences and brilliance of different Muslim art and architectural in Spain, and its impact on non-Muslim Spanish people. The paper also looks at the various centers of art in Spain. 3.0 Islamic Art and Architecture With the use of colors and balance between design and form, Islamic art creates a visual impact. Such is its artistic appeal that it transcends distance in time and space, as well as differences in language, culture, and creed. Islamic art not only invites a closer look but also beckons the viewer to learn more. Spain, along with other European countries like France, Germany, and Austria became targets for Muslim expansionism. The army brought with them their cultural and spiritual ideology. Their most important building was the mosque, followed by the royal palace. Early mosques were square in shape. Gradually with expansion in size and strength, this requirement led to larger and more elaborate prayer halls. In the late 8th century, Spain saw the construction of the Mosque of Cordoba, with a courtyard in the centre, roofed arcades, and minarets; towers that extend vertically. This mosque had a spacious hall to accommodate more worshippers, a definite move to encourage more and more worshippers and spread Islam. They were built solid to withstand external influences, a contrast to their palaces, which were built from unbaked bricks and/or plaster. The Muslim rulers were not too keen on permanent structures, preferring to abandon them later. The purpose to spread their religion led them to construct significant architectural marvels that would leave a lasting impression on the people. A few of these are mentioned herein: The Alhambra Palace in Granada is testimony of such a construction. It remains firm today, thanks largely to the Christian kings who captured and preserved it in the 15th century. An important feature of Muslim architecture was that inner space was more emphasized. This extra space allowed more air, sunlight, and cooling from oppressive heat. Decoration albeit images of humans or animals, were adorned with floral patterns, geometric shapes, and calligraphy (The Islamic World to 1600, Architecture)4 Calligraphy, the highest form of art in Islam, was used to supplement pictorial images. These were used as decorative writings and adorned Muslim architectures, decorative arts, paintings, and manuscripts. Calligraphy has such prominence in Islam that it adorns the inside of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina (islamicity.org) (The Islamic World to 1600, Calligraphy)5 Persian carpets are most sought after in the west. They are extremely popular in Spain. The Alhambra at Granada, built on top of a mountain is perhaps the best conserved of the Arabian palace in Spain. Two entrances lead to the first court and the mosque. Begun in 1333 by Yusuf the 1st, his son completed it in 1391 it was an excellent marvel of Moorish architecture. The main attraction is the Golden room with its Renaissance ceiling and patio with 124 fine white marble columns, symbolizing palm trees, a true reflection of the Islamic art of that period. Water flows in from four directions to the fountain in the form of lions at the centre, quite contradictory to Islamic laws which prohibit the presentation of animals in art. The palace houses several museums today, including the National Museum of Spanish-Moorish Art. Exhibits here include, the seven jars of Alhambra, and works of glass-ceramics of the Granadian school of 15th to 20th century (Islamic Architecture, A Presentation of Islamic Art & Architecture, www.islamicarchitecture.org).6 In the construction of The Great Mosque of Cordoba, Roman and Visigothic remnants were also used. The interiors were adorned in red, blue, and gold. The walls decorated with stylize foliage motifs and glazed tiles, Arabic inscriptions, and arabesque design work, symbolic of Islamic (Moors) artistry. A cathedral was constructed in the center of the great mosque by removing 63 pillars inside. This construction had the approval of Charles V in 1523, but took over three centuries to complete. The reason cited is that workers were reluctant to destroy the mosque, strongly suggesting Kordofanian's strong identity with their Islamic roots. This was also one of Moorish Architecture (Islamic Architecture, www.islamicarchitecture.org)7. The Aljaferia of Saragossa is another Islamic Architecture that has survived the test of time in Spain. It is the most important Talifa period palace of the latter half of 11th century. Six wide spanned, interlace semicircular arches with uniquely ornamented faces adorn the arcade of a long hall. This piece of art is in more than one way similar to Medina's reception hall and the arches of the Great Mosque of Cordoba. A small mosque within the palace is conspicuous for its highly ornate stucco dome decoration. The stucco plant designs are symbolic of Caliphate's influence (Aljaferia of Saragossa Palace, Spain). 4.0 Impact of Islamic art in non Muslim Spain Even after the Reconquista, Islamic influence could be seen in Spanish architecture, particularly medieval Spain, where the Mudjar style was used extensively. Moors lasting impact is the Alczar of Seville (Islamic Architecture, Moorish architecture, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_architecture#Moorish_architecture)8. The paintings reflecting the plush gardens with their waterways and beds of plants and trees, was a visual treat for the Spanish. They began to regard it as an earthly reflection of paradise. The same gardens, an aspect of the Roman economy and culture, became a significant element of Islamic culture in Spain (D. Fairchild Ruggles, Gardens, Landscapes, and Visions in the Palaces of Islamic Spain, ISBN: 027 1022477, Page 3, Penn State Press, 2003)9. Cordoba by the 10th century had become a wealthy and developed urban capital. A booming economy with a wealthy merchant class, these classes of people bought lands and made capital investment in wells, irrigation canals and waterwheels. With the excess money from commerce, these rich merchants then turned their attention to investing in immovable properties. The farmland was used for cultivation and pleasure. The returns were invested in the business. This cycle of events that bound the urban and country socially and economically, is analogical to the expansion of the Muslim world that took place between the 7th and 11th century. This is another indication of the influence of Islam on non-Muslim Spain (Gardens, Landscapes, and Visions in the Palaces of Islamic Spain Gardens and Architecture, Palaces and Estates of Cordoba, 711-936, Chapter 3, Page 36)10. 5.0 Conclusion Islamic influence on the western world and in Spain in particular can be seen in the marvelous arts and architecture present there. The influence of calligraphic representations on coins, and the design and color on their structures, and their life style indicate a strong bonding with Islam. The influence has been contagious. Right from the Romans to the Spanish, a lot of Islam's influence can be seen. Cordoba is reminiscent of the Islamic paintings depicting gardens and landscapes. Alczar of Seville is testimony of Muslim influence in architecture. The Great Mosque and the Alhambra Palace in Granada are exemplary examples of the standing heritage of strong Islamic presence even today. Word Count: 1510 6.0 References 1.0 Spain, Demographics, Euro-Islam info. Country profiles, http://euro-islam.info/pages/spain.html 2.0 The development of Islamic art: Graeco-Roman, Lesson 5 Art part: Islamic art, Pattern, http://www.dartmouth.edu/matc/math5.pattern/lesson5art.html 3.0 The Islamic World to 1600, The Arts, The University of Calgary, The Applied History Research Group, http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/learning 1998. 4.0 Islamic Architecture, A Presentation of Islamic Art & Architecture, http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/architecture/palaces/thealhambra.html 5.0 Islamic Architecture, A Presentation of Islamic Art & Architecture, http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/architecture/thegreatmosquecordoba.html 6.0 Islamic Architecture, Moorish architecture, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_architecture#Moorish_architecture 7.0 D. Fairchild Ruggles, Gardens, Landscapes, and Visions in the Palaces of Islamic Spain, ISBN: 027 1022477, Page 3, Penn State Press, 2003 8.0 D. Fairchild Ruggles, Gardens, Landscapes, and Visions in the Palaces of Islamic Spain, ISBN: 027 1022477 Palaces and Estates of Cordoba, 711-936, Chapter 3 Read More