|
Architecture 170A |
Next Lecture |
|
||
|
Cairo Kayseri Fez Granada Alhambra Generalife Bukhara |
|
Islamic Building Types I. Gradual emergence of distinctively Islamic building types and of characteristically Islamic versions of existing building types. Predominence of same inward-facing courtyard architecture epitomized by Great Mosques. Survival of local traditions (free-standing pavilions and iwans) and establishment of new ones (domes). Development of ever more complex decoration, including muquarnas (ornamental squinches). II. Urban organization: Ideal plan of Baghdad (Iraq), 762-67, by Caliph al-Mansur (capital city as the center of the universe). Cairo (Egypt), founded as Fustat in 641: Citadel, begun 1176, fortified seat of government erected by Salah ad-Din, and Bab al-Nasr (Gate of Victory), part of city walls built 1087- 1092 by vizier Badr al-Gamali. Aleppo (Syria): adaptation of Roman city with the addition of a citadel (begun 1211). III. Spaces of commercial and community life: Suq, Aleppo: covered market in which individual trades are grouped together. trading networks facilitated by Caravansereis (also called hans or ribats): charitable foundations sheltering travellers and traders. Sultan Han, Kayseri (Turkey) 1232-36, built by Kaykubad I: courtyard features a pavilion-like mosque showing influence of Iranian fire temples. Madrasas: architecture of religious education: endowed foundations with income-producing shops, schools, and a mosque. Bou Inaniya Madrasa, Fez (Morocco) 1350-1355, built by sultan Abu-'Inan, and lavishly decorated in wood, tile, and stucco. IV. The architecture of royal rule. Single surviving medieval Islamic palace located within the Alhambra, the fortified citadel of Granada (Spain). Two of its courtyards: Court of the Myrtles, c 1350, built by Yusuf I, and Court of the Lions, 1370-81, built by Muhammed V. Water at the center of these courts and of the Generalife, 14th-century garden on a nearby hilltop. Importance of irrigation in creating these places and Islamic Spain's agricultural prosperity. Emergence of elaborate tomb architecture for royalty and for saints. Brick Mausoleum of Ismail the Saminid, Bukhara (Uzbekistan), 907, with dome raised on squinches. Gur Emir, Samarkand (Uzbekistan), 1402-1434, tomb for Timur and his descendents: brick construction, tile decoration (especially of dome), and prominence of iwans. |
