Very diverse, but unified style. Influence of conquered peoples.

Only architecture because little figurative representations (for avoiding idolatry).

1. ELEMENTS OF ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE

Materials: poor (bricks, wood, etc.), covered with tiles, marble or stucco (plaster with decorations for giving impression of richness).

Holding elements: Holding elements: Columns and pillars: thin shaft and decorated capitals.

Hold elements - Arches:

Stilted semi-circular arch

Horseshoe arch

Polylobed arch

Mixed arch(straight and curve

lines)

Hold elements - Covering:

Ribbed dome(the nerves do not cross in the centre)

Muqarna vault (geometrical stalactites)

Segmented dome(like an orange)

Decorative elements

Arabesque – vegetable motifs

Laces: interlaced geometrical figures.

Calligraphies – in Arabic, with suras of the Quran

Geometrical motifs

2. TYPES OF BUILDINGS

MOSQUE: main building. Religious function.

Great Mosque of Damascus

Mosque of Kairouan

Mosque of Samarra

Palaces: Residential and political-administrative function.

Lots of gardens, fountains and waterways. Private and public areas.

Fortifications: alcázar (castle) and alcazaba.

Madrasa: religious schools.

3. ART OF AL-ANDALUS

CALIPHAL ART During the Caliphate of Córdoba (929-1031)Córdoba: mosque and Medina Azahara. Horseshoe and polylobed arches, ribbed vaults.

Mezquita de Córdoba

Different phases (8th-10th c.). Large haram with double arches. Qibla Facing southwards. Christian cathedral inside after the conquest.

Very decorated mirhab.

Medina Azahara

City-palace in the outskirtsof Córdoba.

10th century.

TAIFA KINGDOMS (1031-85)

Aljafería Palace

Zaragoza

Polylobed arches and abundant meticulous decorations.

ALMOHAD ARCHITECTURE (1172-1212) In Sevilla. Austere buildings, with little decoration

Torre del OroGiralda

NASRID ART Alhambra de Granada

o Alcazaba Fortified part (defensive function).

o Private (residential) and public (political-administrative) parts, organised around courtyards.

o Poor materials, but very decorated (stucco, tiles, etc.).