Islamic+Architecture

=**ISLAM**= 1. **Calligraphy:** These two pages exemplify the calligraphy that was used in Iraq. This shows how color was invented, and calligraphy was not only a form of writing (BIG DEAL) but also a beautiful illustrated art form. These two pages are about creating medicines using honey, which also exemplifies how advanced their society is in inventions in science. Medicine is a big deal! AD 1224 Iraq ||
 * || Materia Medica of Dioscorides; Preparing Medicine from Honey

2. Arabesques:.
Iran || This panel displays the Islamic Arabesque art style. The flowers and fruits and quite complex but beautiful lines tend to decorate Mosques, the reason for this is because flowers and fruits represent Heaven, making the ceiling of the Mosque represent Heaven. These complex designs are created by Mosaics. (below)
 * || Masjid-i-Jami (Isfahan)

Imam Mosque

3. Geometric designs:
These geometric designs are created through the Mosaic art form; a mosaic is when tiles are arranged together in geometric shapes creating beautiful shapes and a large range of colors. Mosaics can create the Arabesque style of flowers and fruit through simply geometrically shaped tiles. Beautiful! This is a ceiling show how Mosaics can create sharp shapes as well as rounded graceful ones simply by glueing tiles together...lots of work.
 * || Masjid-i-Jami (Kerman) ||

4. Medallions: in the center
A Islamic plate showing how geometric designs can be found in all kinds of art forms, including plates. This medallion will sit in the middle of a table creating a center for design and a center to draw the eye.

5. People: there are pictures, but statues and images in mosques – not regular. 6. The diversity of peoples within the Islamic empire.

7. The ways in which Islamic architecture responds to the geography and culture of its region. (The Islamic empire is really a set of fragmented, urban centers for most of its history)

8. The Great Mosque in Damascus

9. House of Wisdom – Islamic Universities as scientific and philosophical centers.

10. Madrassa – (schools of Islamic learning)

11. Role of women (A’isha)