On-line reflection 5: The Architecture of the Umayyad of Spain

Lecture 4

The Unifying Principles of Islamic Architecture: Iqtisad (Balance), Haya' (Modesty) and Dikr (Remembrance)

The Umayyad of Spain & Ottoman Turks

Architecture for Iqtisad : Balance

Balance

Essence of Islamic architecture is - achievement – of delicate balance between:- functional and spiritual elements - harmony thru’- point of intersection - most beneficial - stability of the soul. 

• moderation and balance - essential considerations - nature of aesthetics & have a profound impact on architecture
• Notion of “Heart” - relates architecturally to - anonymous external facades of Islamic buildings: The human body, as the container of the sacred nafs (soul) with the heart as - central core- the underlying symbolic metaphor for Islamic home:
  “Assuredly God does not consider your bodies, nor your appearances. Rather He considers your hearts.“
• lslamic composition for aesthetics: ÷ ta’Iif (composition), i’tidaI (harmony) and nizam (order)- derived as model for creativity and artistic activity, + to our life & behavior. 
• Proportional & geometric analysis of the ground plan and arches of the main iwan, door way, of the Taj Mahal Mausoleum, Agra, India. 

 Taj Mahal Mausoleum, Agra, India

Architecture of Haya : Modesty

Preservation of dignity:

1. Islamic architecture - based around - central core - open court that not only serves an environmental purpose but- addresses the different roles and responsibilities of the sexes.
2. Sanctuary, privacy & respect - at the heart of layout and divisions within Islamic architecture.
3. Architecture as- statements of ‘modesty’ - retaining the values of Muslims-their everyday existence, sacred actions and family lives. 

Mashrabiyya   

Meaning of Modesty : 

• Tawado (humility)
• Ih’tesham (decency) 
• Istehyah (awareness)   

Features

Mashrabiyya:

Privacy screen + aesthetic features + 

environmental features: climatic control 

(eg. material: interlocking wooden rods) 

Inside the Mashrabiyya

Bent Entrance: significant feature in maintaining – Privacy nature of family home + filter – admission into heart of sacred home

Mosque Entrance: Discreet approaches- evoct respect - before greet by magnificent size of central public spaces of court-yard 

Architecture as Dikr : Remembrance

• Architecture of monotony- building pillar upon pillar, arcade upon arcade - rhythmic precision mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes / zikr
  
• rhythmic precision mirrored in the contemplative chanting of God’s innumerable attributes
  
• manifestation of contemplation maintains a sense of unity through – rhythm-seen as the eternal and infinite nature of God’s essence. 
  

Repetition

SPAIN PERIOD ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of the Umayyad dynasty of Spain is characterized by the reinterpretation of the existing traditional architecture of the area as well the introduction of new architectural elements. One of the most important and representative structures of the Umayyad is the Great Mosque of Cordoba. It is considered as one of the wonders of the medieval world by both Muslims and Christians, as well as the greatest achievement of the Hispano-Islamic art and architecture. The mosque featured number of outstanding elements such as grand columns and capitals supporting arcades of horseshoe arches.

Great Mosque of Cordoba

Another distinctive example is Madinat al-Zahra (936 AD), built by Abd al-Rahman III, and was located a few miles west of Cordoba. The city exemplified the high standard of the artistic and architectural sensitivity in this period, as well as it marked the beginning of the luxurious palatial structures. The city consisted of three terraces and contained the caliph’s palace, villas, gardensandpools, mosque, market and governmental buildings as well as residential quarters.

Mezquita de Medina Azahara

This period also witnessed the construction of many different structures such as bridges. In 866 the Umayyad constructed the AlcantaraBridge, which was close to the ruins of a Roman bridge. In 1257, the bridge was demolished except for the piers and supports, and reconstructed by Alfonso X.

The freestanding minaret is the only remnant of the now demolished mosque, which was built in 930 during the reign of the first Spanish Umayyad caliph 'Abd al-Rahman III (912-961 C.E.). The minaret is now associated with the church of San Juan. It featured a square plan and constructed of brick and stone with double horseshoe-arched windows on each face.