Islamic Art in Spain - Essay Example

and Section # of The Art and Architecture of Islamic Spain: Introduction: Perhaps the most important aspect of the Islamic culture and expression is the art and architecture that is evident in the buildings, paintings, calligraphy etc. The history of Islam as well as its architecture starts from the 7th century; since the death of Prophet Mohammed PBUH the religion spread far and wide in a small period of time. Due to its rapid expansion of the religion across Europe and North Africa, most of these areas have a strong cultural inclination towards the Islamic culture. The term Islamic art, means all the expressions of art that was specifically created in the service of the faith (including the mosques and architectural structures) as well as all the architectural development that took place in times of Muslim domination of those areas; they may be produced in the lands of the Muslims, created for their Muslim Patrons, or created by the Muslim artists. The language of Islamic Art and Architecture is diverse and has a distinct flavor, consistent throughout the eras, across continents. Evidently, as outlined by the religion, the Islamic art in the form of calligraphy, paintings, ceramics and architecture has focused more on portrayal of patterns and calligraphy rather than showing a figurative depiction. Figurative depiction is considered as idolatry which is prohibited in Islam. This paper specifically talks about the importance of the cultural depiction through the various forms in the Islamic culture. The art and architecture of Islamic Spain has been the focus of this research paper; the country’s rich history is full of art and calligraphy made in the Islamic era. Islamic Architecture salient features: The expression of Islam is that of sophistication, peace and harmony. The horse shoe arches, the ornate carvings as well as attractive tile work are all present in abundance in the Islamic architecture in Spain. There is another significant element in the Islamic era architecture that is present in Spain as well as all over the world; it is the integration of nature in the expression of culture. In all the humungous structures that have been built, there has been a sophisticated incorporation of air, water and vegetation either in the palaces, or the homes. They serve both the aesthetic as well as practical purposes, which is why they have been instrumental in keeping the aesthetic sense of the building along with the functionality for all seasons. The presence of courtyards to beat the heat, in order to avoid direct sunshine etc is the highlight of the Islamic structures. One of the prime reasons for the emergence of such an architectural design is due to the background of the Islamic scholars and architects were from that of the scorching deserts of the Middle East. Art and architecture in Islamic Spain: (711- 1248): Spain has been under the rule of Islam in the 8th century, therefore, most of the architecture and culture in infused with the lasting remnants of Islam. From gastronomy to music, language to architecture; even after the fall of the Muslim rule, the architectural style and forms of expression are present till date. From 711, for about seven years, all the Iberian Peninsula had been conquered through invasions and brought under the Muslim rule. From this period, when it comes to art, only the coins and some scanty ceramic fragments are available to savor and understand the Muslim culture and architecture of that time. When the Ummayad Khaliphate was overthrown, the last surviving member ran and established himself in Spain and declared himself the Emir Abd al-Rahman. During his era, the development of the great mosque of Cordoba was one of his best achievements (Ruggles, 2000). The period of Islam that has been evident in the development of Islam has been, in real terms, the medieval period of the Islamic art. The first dynasty that set its foot in Spain and established itself is that of Spanish Umayyads. During this caliphate, Cordoba became the centre of intellect in Europe, complete with celebrated schools and libraries all across the city. During this period, the luxurious objects which may be carved ivory of silver, bronze animal statuary, complete with silk were introduced in the palaces. These palaces were further decorated with ornate marble capitals, stucco wall panels and marble fountains. Picture1 As evident, the city of Cordoba had become the centre of Islamic Architectural expression. This is perhaps the biggest example of Islamic architecture in Spain. The great mosque still survives the predicaments of time and shines with its rythematic arched vistas. The city became the centre of Islamic culture and tradition, ranking closer to that of the Byzantine and the Baghdad civilizations. During the times Muslims were dominating in this area, Cordoba was the centre of Islamic caliphate and was one of the biggest and populated cities in the world (Valerie, 2001). The Great Mosque of Cordoba: Brightest Star of the Islamic Architecture in Spain This mosque was completed in 987 AD, the time during which Muslim caliphate was in full swing in the era. After the Spanish invasion, it was converted into a church and is in the same position till today. The unusual positioning of the mehrab, which is south and not traditionally facing the east-south east, towards Mecca, is expected to be due to many reasons. Some say that the foundations of the mosque were taken from the old Visigoth and Roman foundations. The mosque is built in a place which has been the centre of many invasions; hence every other section of the building has a slightly different flavor than the others. For example, when Spain was recaptured by King Ferdinand III of Castile, the building was still converted into a cathedral. Alterations were added to the structure according to the Christian beliefs. The various architects and artisans have always been adding the alterations until the 18th century (Shahid, 2005). When it comes to the visuals, the mosque looks like that of the Mosque of Damascus, making it evident that Abd-ul-Rahman used the Damascus as an inspiration for this mosque. The mosque was itself completed in four phases, adding value in a different manner in each phase. Today, it stands as a gem in the architectural world heritage site of Cordoba. From the period of 711 to 1248, there were a number of constructions that have taken place other than the Islamic constructions (Chris, 2005). When it comes to the art and culture development in this era, there were a number of developments made. Paper making reached Spain through the Muslim invasions of the North Africa and southern Spain. A lot of translating activity was taking place as well. From 1100 to 1200, Quran was translated into many languages (Historyofscience.com, 2010). Conclusion: Islamic/Moorish invasion in the parts of Spain has added significant Islamic flavor to the architecture and art of the Spanish heritage. During the Umayyad dynasty, there were a number of advancements that took place, the biggest being the great mosque of Cordoba. In terms of architecture as well, different cultures amalgamated and added value to the Spanish culture. Paper making reached the non-developed parts of the country, when it comes to paper making. The city of Cordoba has been declared as a world heritage site so that all the monuments are preserved in order for the future generations to look at the marvels of the past. One can significantly say that there have been great contributions made by the invasion towards the culture and architecture. Works Cited Ruggles, F. Gardens, Landscapes, and vision in the palaces of Islamic Spain. Sage Publications. (2000) Gonzalez, V. Beauty and Islam: Aesthetics in Islamic Art and Architecture. I.B. Tauris in association with the institute of Islamic Studies. (2001) Suhrawardy, S. The Art of Mussalmans in Spain. Oxford University Press. (2005) Lowney, C. A vanished world: medieval Spain’s golden age of enlightenment. (2005) Cylindrical Pyxis [Spanish] (1970.324.5)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000 ndash;. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1970.324.5 (October 2006) HistoryofScience.com. “From Cave Paintings to the Internet”. 30th May 2010. http://www.historyofscience.com/G2I/timeline/index.php?era=1100 Read More