ISLAMIC ART

Lecture 1C: Islam in the Medieval Period

The Four Iwan Mosque Plan

Arts of the Book

Ottoman Turks and the Central Plan Mosque

ISLAM IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD

• Following the fall of the Abbasid dynasty in 1258, the arts of Islam became regional. Rulers included:

– The Saljuq Dynasty

– The Ilkhans

– The Timurids

• Regional arts lead to new forms in architecture.

• Book illuminations also feature many of the political figures of the era.

Ardashir Captures Ardavan, by Firdawsi. Ca 1335-40. Figure 2.16

THE FOUR IWAN

MOSQUE PLAN

• Iwan: space with an arched roof. Has an opening on one end.

• One or more iwans face a central courtyard that serves as the prayer hall.

• Domes borrow from Byzantine architectural forms.

• Ceramic tile decoration reaches it height.

See Figure 2.15

AERIAL VIEW (LOOKING SOUTHWEST) OF THE GREAT CONGREGATIONAL MOSQUE,

ISFAHAN, IRAN, 11TH TO 17TH CENTURIES. FIGURE 2.15

Detail of the glazed ceramic tile decoration and honeycomb vaults on the

Great Conversational Mosque in Iran

You Tube video showing an incredible overview of the Imam

Mosque in Isfhan, Iran. See also Figure 2.22

You Tube: Islamic Architecture Imam

Mosque Isfahan Iran

“ARTS OF THE BOOK”

• Islamic book production was perfected in the medieval period. Books featured:

– Calligraphy featuring rounded scripts

– Illuminations

– Book binding

– Paper pages (intro. From China) widely available after 1250.

• Literary works included:

– Qur’an

– Scientific works

– Histories

– Romance stories/poems

– Epic stories/poems Abu Zayd and Al-Harith Questioning

Villagers. From the Maqamat (Meetings).

Vellum book, 1237. Figure 2.14

Bizhad, The Seduction of Yusuf,

1488. Ink on paper. Figure 2.18.

The Shanama was created

during this period as

well…don’t forget to review.

ART UNDER THE OTTOMAN TURKS

• The capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, was captured in 1453 by Mehmed II.

• Ruled from the city, which was renamed Istanbul.

• Ottoman Empire lasted until 1924.

• Considered the onset of the “Late Period” of the Islamic World.

Tughra (Imperial Seal) of Sultan Süleyman

the Magnificent (r. 1520–1566), ca. 1555;

Ottoman

Turkey (Istanbul)

Ink, opaque watercolors, and gold on paper

CENTRAL DOME PLAN MOSQUE

• Mosque features a large dome over the prayer hall.

• The Ottoman’s main contribution to Islamic art.

• Based on the plan of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople/

Istanbul.

Mosque of Selim II, Edirne, Turkey

• Hagia Sophia: Greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantine

Empire. Started by Justinian I in 532 as a Christian Cathedral.

• Large dome 182 feet above the ground rests on 4 pendentives

representing the 4 corners of the universe. Base of dome “floats” on 40

windows.

• Dome spans approx. 100 feet across. Covered in golden mosaics.

• View of the interior of the Hagia Sophia bathed in natural light.

Top: Hagia Sophia

Bottom: Mosque of Selim

II

SINAN THE GREAT, THE MOSQUE OF

SELIM II, TURKEY. SEE FIG. 2.26

• The masterwork of the greatest Islamic architect of all time, Sinan.

• Massive dome slightly higher than Hagia Sophia

• Minarets tower at 200 feet.

• Dome sits on an octagon pierced by windows , 4 semi-domes at the base of the large dome.

• 1:2 ratio throughout lends to perfect proportions, harmony, unparalleled beauty.

Views of the Friday

prayers held on July 9,

2011.

AFTER LECTURE 1C YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO….

• Identify the major features found in all mosques.

• Distinguish between the Arab plan (hypostyle) mosque, the Four Iwan mosque plan, and the Central Dome plan.

• Identify the types of books produced in the medieval Islamic period and discuss the formal qualities of their illuminations.

• Compare and contrast the Hagia Sophia with the Mosque of Selim II in Turkey.