Midterm I Vocab (Byzantium, Fatimid, and Jewish Mudejar Art) Flashcards
Parekklesion
A Parecclesion is a side mortuary chapel found in early Byzantine churches. The parecclesion was often used for ceremonial and funerary purposes, which often consisted of services performed before burial, as well as services performed after to commemorate the individuals who have departed.
Naos
The central nave or main body of a Byzantine church
Fatimid Cairo
A square city with a north-south processional route on its main street, known for its distinctive architecture, including mosques, bathhouses, and market
Mudejar
Mudejar refers to a number of things, including a group of Muslims who remained in Iberia after the Christian reconquest, a style of art, and a style of architecture
Chora Monastery/Kariye Camii
The Chora Church or Kariye Mosque is a former church, now converted to a mosque, in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey. It is mainly famous for its outstanding Late Byzantine mosaics and frescos. The building is an example of Byzantine architecture.
Cross-In-Square Church
A standard Byzantine church type featuring a square central space (naos) divided by four columns or piers, with a dome above and four barrel vaults extending from the central dome to form a cross shape
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Located in Jerusalem, this mosque underwent renovations in 1035 CE under the Fatimid caliph al-Zahir. These renovations included the addition of mosaics that drew inspiration from earlier (8th century) designs in the adjacent Dome of the Rock.
Manzara
In Fatimid ceremonial, a loggia or balcony in the royal palace where the caliph would appear to the public. The manzara played a central role in Fatimid courtly displays of power and religious authority.
Reconquista
The gradual reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula by Christian kingdoms from Muslim rule, spanning centuries and leading to significant changes in the cultural landscape of the region.
Q: What were the major political and religious developments that shaped the Byzantine world?
A: The sources point to several significant political and religious developments that shaped the Byzantine world.
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The fragmentation of the Roman Empire in late antiquity led to the emergence of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, with Constantinople as its capital.
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Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in 310 made Christianity the official religion of the Byzantine Empire.
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The Arab-Muslim conquests, beginning around 650, resulted in the loss of major Byzantine territories in Egypt and the Middle East. These conquests profoundly impacted the empire’s political and cultural landscape.
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The failed Arab siege of Constantinople in 717 marked a turning point in Byzantine history. The empire’s successful defense of its capital ensured its survival and helped shape its identity as a bastion of Christianity against Islamic expansion.
Q: How does Robert Ousterhout address common misconceptions about Byzantine architecture in his article “An Apologia for Byzantine Architecture”?
A: While this question directly asks about Robert Ousterhout’s article, “An Apologia for Byzantine Architecture,” the sources do not include this article.
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However, the sources do mention that Ousterhout challenges the identification of certain Anatolian architectural complexes as monasteries. This suggests that one of the misconceptions Ousterhout might be addressing is the tendency to apply Western monastic models to Byzantine contexts without fully considering the unique characteristics of Byzantine monasticism.
Q: What is the significance of the Al-Aqmar Mosque in Fatimid Cairo? How does its facade reflect the ceremonial practices and political ideology of the Fatimid dynasty?
A: The Al-Aqmar Mosque, built in 1125, stands as an important example of Fatimid architecture in Cairo. Doris Behrens-Abouseif’s analysis of the mosque’s facade reveals its connections to Fatimid ceremonial practices and political ideology.
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The facade’s significance lies in its:
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Commemoration of specific moments of Caliph al-Amir’s reign and his vizier al-Ma’mun’s rule.
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Use of carved reliefs that symbolize key figures and events. For example, a vase with two plants might symbolize the entente between the caliph and his vizier.
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Incorporation of inscriptions that convey political and religious messages. For instance, the foundation text mentions both the vizier and the caliph and wishes the caliph a victory over “the infidels.”
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These elements highlight the mosque’s role as a site for expressing Fatimid authority and legitimacy. The facade, through its symbolism and inscriptions, reinforces the close relationship between the caliph and his vizier, underscores Fatimid military ambitions, and emphasizes the dynasty’s religious authority.
Q: How did the status of Jews change in medieval Iberia under different rulers?
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A: Medieval Iberia witnessed shifts in the status of Jews, impacted by the complex interplay of religious and political forces.
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Key factors influencing Jewish status:
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The concept of Convivencia: This term describes the period of relative co-existence and cultural exchange between Muslims, Christians, and Jews in medieval Spain. While idealized, Convivencia did see varying degrees of tolerance and interaction between these religious groups, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape.
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The rise and fall of Muslim rule: The Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba (756–1031), at its height, generally provided a climate of tolerance towards Jews. However, with the Caliphate’s fragmentation into smaller Taifa kingdoms, and the subsequent invasions of the Almoravids and Almohads, stricter interpretations of Islam were enforced, negatively impacting the social and political standing of Jews.
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The Reconquista: The Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, spanning centuries, led to significant changes for Jews. While initially welcomed for their skills and knowledge, as Christian power grew, Jews faced increasing persecution and were eventually expelled from Spain in 1492.
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These political and religious dynamics resulted in a fluctuating social and political landscape for Jews in medieval Iberia. Periods of relative tolerance and cultural exchange alternated with periods of increasing persecution and marginalization, ultimately culminating in their expulsion.
Views of Bernard of Clairvaux
critiqued the luxurious decorations in monasteries. He questioned the economic and social roles that led to such lavish displays of wealth. Bernard’s attitudes toward art and decoration influenced the development of Cistercian architecture, which favored simplicity and austerity.
Views of Abbot Suger
on the other hand, believed that beauty could enhance religious experience. He oversaw the renovation of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, introducing architectural elements like pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and large stained glass windows. These innovations, along with his use of precious materials and light, were meant to uplift the soul and inspire contemplation.
