Islam originated in Arabia in the 7th century and spread within a hundred years to cover an area extending from Spain in the west to Central Asia in the east. Grounded in the precepts of Islam, but adopting and adapting earlier styles and practices, a distinctive architecture developed which, whilst interpreted in different ways across the Muslim world, was recognisably Islamic. We shall look at the origins of Islamic architecture and at the religious, historic, geographic and cultural factors which have created and defined it.
Course aim
The course will provide an introduction to Islamic architecture. looking at the religious and cultural factors which have contributed to its distinctive characteristics.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe the basic characteristics and arrangement of certain building types, especially the mosque.
- Discuss the religious and cultural factors which have contributed to a distinctive Islamic architecture
- Recognise particular architectural styles and features
- Identify a number of significant buildings
What else do I need to know?
Access to an atlas is not essential but might be helpful
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