Islamic Vocab

Question 1

Abbasid Dynasty

Answer 1

third Islamic caliphate; capital at Baghdad; overthrew the Umayyad dynasty

Question 2

Aniconic

Answer 2

a symbolic representation without images of human figures

Question 3

Arabesque

Answer 3

a type of linear surface decoration based on foliage and calligraphic forms, usually characterized by flowing lines and swirling shapes

Question 4

Caliph

Answer 4

Islamic ruler

Question 5

Calligraphy

Answer 5

handwriting as an artform

Question 6

Hadith

Answer 6

important tool for understanding the Quran; saying by Muhammad

Question 7

Horseshoe arch

Answer 7

type of islamic arch which features an opening that is circular at the top yet boxy towards the bottom

Question 8

Islam

Answer 8

monotheistic, abrahamic religion which regards Muhammad as their prophet

Question 9

Iwan

Answer 9

a large vaulted chamber in a mosque with a monumental arched opening on one side

Question 10

Kaaba

Answer 10

cubical shrine said to have been built for God by Abraham

Question 11

Khamsa of Nizami

Answer 11

Five Poems, later illustrated by Bihzad in 1494

Question 12

Kilim

Answer 12

pattern usually woven in wool with bold, geometric patterns and sometimes with brocaded details; done with slit tapestry

Question 13

Koran

Answer 13

holy book of Islam

Question 14

Kufic

Answer 14

calligraphy that is blocky and angular, with strong upright strokes and long horizontals

Question 15

Madrasas

Answer 15

colleges for religious and legal studies

Question 16

Mecca

Answer 16

holy site; Muslims must make a pilgrimage to this destination

Question 17

Miniatures

Answer 17

individual small-scale paintings

Question 18

Minbar

Answer 18

place for the prayer leader; symbol of authority, pulpit

Question 19

Mirador

Answer 19

very large window, or room with windows, that provides views to interior courtyards or exterior landscape

Question 20

Mosque

Answer 20

a building used for Muslim worship

Question 21

Muqarnas

Answer 21

small nichelike components stacked in tiers to fill transition between differing vertical and horizontal planes

Question 22

Nashki

Answer 22

a type of Muslim script that appears to flow and swirl

Question 23

Nasrid

Answer 23

the last Muslim dynasty in Spain

Question 24

Ogival/pointed arch

Answer 24

arch that is pointed on top

Question 25

Thuluth

Answer 25

script version of Muslim caligraphy

Question 26

Tugras

Answer 26

calligraphic imperial monogram used in Ottoman courts

Question 27

Umayyad Dynasty

Answer 27

661-750, ruled from Damascus in Syria, caliphs built mosques and palaces throughout Empire.

Question 28

Warp and weft

Answer 28

vertical and horizontal threads in weaver’s loom

Question 29

Qibla

Answer 29

mosque wall oriented towards Mecca as indicated by mihrab

Question 30

Mihrab

Answer 30

recess or niche that distinguishes qibla

Question 31

Maqsura

Answer 31

enclosure in front of mihrab for ruler and other dignatories

Question 32

Minaret

Answer 32

huge tower from which faithful are called to prayer