Muqarnas Domes and Cornices in the Maghreb and Andalusia

Abstract

Muqarnas domes and cornices represent a unique element in Islamic architecture. Muqarnas embody a form of architectural ornament with a cellular structure. This style includes an endless variety of longitudinal friezes and, in particular, generates a system that builds astonishing vaults consisting of complex combinations of units that are challenging to distinguish. The geometric divisions of a squinch create a large number of mini-squinches that produce various Muqarnas arrangements. The Muqarnas architectural ornament can be understood by juxtaposing the different individual forms together to cover a space, creating a vault, dome or linear cornice. Here, we aim to investigate the origins of the Muqarnas cellular structure and to establish the substantial difference between the Muqarnas located in the Eastern and Western regions. Emphasis is then placed on the methodologies for assembling and building the Muqarnas in the Maghreb and Andalusia.

The Pavilions at the Alhambra’s Court of the Lions: Graphic Analysis of Muqarnas

“…It should be noted that other authors have proposed a different number of basic pieces or consider that some of them are divided in others [30]. In any case, the three flat figures proposed by Jones and Goury do not resolve the great diversity of muqarnas groupings existing in the Alhambra, where other auxiliary geometries, such as small triangles or squares, frequently appear to enrich many compositions.…”

A Deformed Muqarnas Dome at the Sala de los Reyes in the Alhambra: Graphic Analysis of Architectural Heritage

“…On the other hand, there are many studies on muqarnas compositions in the Iberian Peninsula [43][44][45], Morocco [46], the Mediterranean basin [47][48][49], Persia [50], and elsewhere [51,52] Later examples, also in Palermo, can be found in the Zisa Palace and the Quba Palace [53][54][55].…”

“…On the other hand, there are many studies on muqarnas compositions in the Iberian Peninsula [43][44][45], Morocco [46], the Mediterranean basin [47][48][49], Persia [50], and elsewhere [51,52]. Among the earliest examples of muqarnas from the West is the wooden ceiling of the Palatine Chapel of the Royal Palace of Ruggero II in Palermo (ca.…”