Chapter 13G

Chapter 13 -- The Islamic World

1. Read the chapter...

Examine this map of the geographic areas encompassed by Islam...then explore this site on the art of Arabic calligraphy.

2. Vocabulary and terminology:

CALLIGRAPHY, ANICONIC, MOSQUE, FRIEZE, ROSETTE, QIBLA WALL, MIHRAB, MINARETS, MINIATURES, MUSLIM, ISLAM, MUHAMMED

Mausoleum of Shayk Yawasi, erected by Timur, c. 14th century.

3. Key items to know:

a. See the inset on page 343 on the life of Muhammad and Islam. How exactly is art in the Middle East changed by Islam?
b. What are the standard features in the Islamic mosque? See the inset on page 345 and the discussion on pages 342-346.
c. What are the elements and design origins of decorative Islamic art? See pages 350-351.
d. How does Islamic tilework, decorative and calligraphy, embody the artistic decisions and religious beliefs of Islam? Provide examples in your response. See pages 357-358.
e. Select one of the extraordinary "luxury arts:" carpet weaving, miniature painting, woven silk garments, gold, and silver, and discuss its importance to the art of Islam. See pages 358-362.

4. Art from text to remember:

a. Dome of the Rock, Page 343.
b. Frieze from palace at Mshatta, Page 346.
c. Prayer Hall in the Great Mosque at Cordoba, Spain, Page 348. Detail of the interior.
d. Quran, kufic script, Page 351. For those interested, click on this link to the text of Surah 18: http://www.seyed.com/1d/quran/018.htm#surah18
e. Mosque of Selim II by Sinan. Turkey, Page 354.
f. Mihrab from Madrasa Imami, Isfahan, Persia (Iran), Page 357.

5. Visit and explore the following web sites:

a. Visit "Isfahan" and other historical cities of Iran.

b. Islamic and Arabic arts and architecture

c. Explore the art of Islam and Islamic History in Arabia and the Middle East.

d. Examine the Islamic art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

e. For beautiful images and excellent information on Islamic architecture, click on Cordoba and Granada.

6. Write a chapter report.

Everyone should know when the report is due! INTERNET STUDENTS: for extra credit, find an example of Kufic lettering and send the URL to mhoover@alamo.edu (Please note Summer Session reports are due as noted in the schedule).

7. INTERNET STUDENTS: Respond to a report or a comment by someone else.

Post to the LISTSERV by Friday. (Please note Summer Session comments due as noted in the schedule).

Page Updated 9/17/09

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