Worksheet #13 B
The Art of Islam
The revelations
dictated by the angel, Gabriel, to Muhammad at Mecca formed the basis of a
religion called Islam (‘submission to God’s will’), whose adherents are
referred to as Muslims (‘those who have submitted to God’).
Please define the
following terms:
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Since figural
representation is highly discouraged at least in religious buildings and
texts, what types of designs were used?
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What are the Five
Pillars of Faith in the Islamic religion?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Why is the Dome of
the Rock important to Moslems, Christians and Jews?
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To what
architectural style is the Dome of the Rock similar? What design elements
might be considered strictly Islamic?
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One of the most
resplendent buildings of Islamic origin is that of the Great Mosque of Cordoba
(Spain). It is sometimes described as the jewel of Western Muslim
architecture. Why? What are some of the unique features of this structure?
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Originally, the
Hagia Sophia was built as a Christian church. Later, it was converted to a
mosque. Who was inspired by this structure? What building complex did he
design and what are some of its distinguishing characteristics?
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What distinctive
material is the reason the Blue Mosque is blue? Where did the material
originate?
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The Taj Mahal,
built in Agra, India is geometrically balanced by chamfered corners on a
square base. Each façade is identical, with a central iwan flanked by two
stories of smaller iwans. By creating voids in the facades, these iwans
contribute markedly to the building’s sense of weightlessness. Do you agree
or disagree with this statement and why?
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Why might some of
the manuscripts in miniature be considered appropriate with figurative
illustrations?
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How could one
describe the image of Laila and Majnun at School?
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In the Meeting of the Theologians, a statement is made: “The artist has
clearly elected to ignore realistic appearances in favor of rich, decorative
patterns and intense, clear colors.” Explain what this statement means.