Islamic Architecture

What is Islam?• A religion based on the

teachings of the prophet, Muhammad

• People who worship Islam are called Muslims

• The Muslim God is called, Allah• The Muslim book of worship is

called the Koran• Muslims pray several times a

day in the direction of Mecca

Where Do People Worship Islam?

People Worship Islam in a Mosque

Islamic Art and Architecture. . .• Rarely uses animal or

human form• Uses shapes and

calligraphy• Focus on interior beauty

more than exterior beauty

• Relies on mathematics (geometry) and usually features large domes

Elements of Islamic Architectural Style

• MinaretsMinarets or towers

• Mihrab Mihrab or niche on an inside wall indicating the direction of Mecca

• DomesDomes

• Use of geometric shapes and repetitive art (arabesque)

Domes

• Dome—a circular roof, usually hemispherical in form, placed over a circular, square, oblong, or polygonal space.

Sulayman Mosque ComplexIstanbul, Turkey

• In Turkey the mosque form was also derived from Persia, as was most Turkish art.

• One of the most famous Turkish architects was Sinan, chief architect in the Ottoman court from 1539 until his death in 1588. He constructed or designed most of Sulayman I's buildings, the most noted of which is his Sulayman Mosque (c.1557) in Istanbul.

Compare and ContrastMedieval Castle Islamic Mosque

You know about the elements of Medieval architecture. Also, consider the purpose of a castle.

Mosque architecture: minarets, domes, use of geometric shapes. A place of worship for Muslims.

Islamic Architecture Focuses on Interior Beauty

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

• Sometimes called “Pink Mosque”• Built 1876-1888• Located in Shiraz, Iran

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque

Hypothesize. . . 1. Partner w/ the person next to you

2. Think about what you know about Islamic Art and Architecture

3. Develop a hypothesis for why Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque features stained glass

4. Develop a hypothesis for why Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque features geometric designs

Geometric Designs in Islamic Art• Cannot use graven images

per Muhammad• Designs correspond to

meaning • Circles represent the physical

world• Squares represent earth, air,

fire, and water• Endless geometric designs

represent the infinite quality of Allah

Stained Glass in Islamic Art

• Protects people from heat

• Represent the idea that light makes all things possible

• Represents divine enlightenment

Our Project. . .

Synthesize what we know about Islamic art and architecture to design and craft a

stained glass window in the Islamic style

1. Discover how geometry is used to make Islamic, geometric designs

2. Practice making the Seal of Solomon3. Apply concepts of Islamic, geometric design to craft a

window design in a digital program4. Utilize our digital print-out to design and craft our Islamic,

stained-glass window5. Apply concepts of Islamic, geometric design to craft a

mosque façade in which to place our stained glass window

Seal of Solomon-Most famous of Islamic, geometric designs

-supposedly the name of Allah was put on a ring and given to King Solomon

-represents divinity and Allah

Today’s Task. . .Draw an Islamic geometric design that

represents the endless power of Allah, the elements, and the physical world.