Islamic

Question 1

Who is Mohammed and how do his teachings affect the art of Islam?

Answer 1

The Prophet Mohammed is the final prophet and god’s last messenger; preached monotheism and no representational imagery in sacred texts, which therefore affected islamic art

Question 2

How is islamic art similar and unique to western art?

Answer 2

Islamic art emphasizes symmetry, balance, pattern, and color

Question 3

Components of mosque architecture

Answer 3

qibla, the wall that faces Mecca
mihrab, notch in the qibla
imam, on top of minbar
maqsura, area that precedes mihrab
minaret, towers outside

Question 4

Why is calligraphy important in Mosque architecture?

Answer 4

Calligraphy didn’t include any images, which was against the teachings of the koran; the calligraphy showed religious passages

Question 5

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Answer 5

• where Muhammed journeyed to heaven
• central structure, arches, dome on octagon (similar to Byzantine)
• mosaics with lettering from the Koran, very detailed
• geometric patterns fill the entire space, very colorful, balanced, and symmetrical; elaborate colors and patterns, gold

Question 6

Prayer Hall at the Great Mosque at Cordoba

Answer 6

has horseshoe (modish) arches, double tiered; columns came from Roman temples

Question 7

Koran Page, Surah 18

Answer 7

calligraphy, vowels in red or yellow, consonants in black

Question 8

Taj Mahal

Answer 8

Mausoleum to commemorate favorite wife; white marble; iwan gateway and architecture; ogee arch, 2 double curving lines; extensive carving; symmetrical, 4 minarets

Question 9

Five pillars of Islam

Answer 9

Faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage

Question 10

Shah Jahan

Answer 10

built the taj mahal for his dead favorite wife