Studying Islamic Architecture: Challenges and Perspectives

Hillenbrand, Robert

doi:10.2307/1568797

Cited by 15 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Like Byzantium, Sasania had a formative influence on Islamic Art, giving legacies like the iwan (one-side open bay) and chahartaqs (domed kiosks) (Hillenbrand, 2003). Seljuk Persia diffused ideas and forms (Edwards & Edwards, 1999); the architectural virtuosity and technical expertise characterizing this are often compared to the achievements of the Goths.…”

Section: Further Assimilationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Islamic Architecture and Arch

Rahman¹

2015

Int J. of BES

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The arch, an essential architectural element since the early civilizations, permitted the construction of lighter walls and vaults, often covering a large span. Visually it was an important decorative feature that was transmitted from architectural decoration to other forms of art worldwide. In early Islamic period, Muslims were receiving from many civilizations, which they improved and re-introduced to bring about the Renaissance. Arches appeared in Mesopotamia, Indus, Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek and Assyrian civilizations; but the Romans applied the technique to a wide range of structures. The Muslims mastered the use and design of the arch, employed for structural and functional purposes, progressively meeting decorative and symbolic purposes. Islamic architecture is characterized by arches employed in all types of buildings; most common uses being in arcades. This paper discusses the process of assimilation and charts how they contributed to other civilizations.

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Section: Further Assimilationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Islamic Architecture and Arch

Rahman¹

2015

Int J. of BES

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“…Yet lnalcık (1990) maintains that the foundation of the bazaar and associated bedestan, for the storage of bulk goods, was indeed a feature of much Islamic urban planning. Hillenbrand (2003) acknowledges that certain functional, institutional forms, related to commerce and hospitality, such as the caravanserai and bazaar, may be posited as broadly typical of this. Caravanserai were initially conceived of, particularly in the Medieval Central Asian context, as rest houses for groups of people, their goods and animals, travelling land routes between cities, and were often provided by the state.…”

Section: Ijchm 252mentioning

confidence: 99%

Commerce, empire and faith in Safavid Iran: thecaravanseraiof Isfahan

Bryce

O’Gorman

Baxter

2013

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is twofold: to explore how commercial hospitality has contributed to the development of urban areas in relation to commerce, hospitality, religious and imperial patronage in early modern, Safavid Iran (c. seventeenth century). Second, to combine material culture research methods in an analytical framework for future use. Design/methodology/approach -Data were collected during 27 site visits over three years to 14 caravanserai six bazaar complexes. A material culture methodology is proposed, designed and implemented, supplemented by analysis of textual sources. Findings -The form and function of caravanserai at Zein-i Edin broadly reflect the form and function of desert caravanserai common in much of the Islamic world. However, the complex within the Qaysariyya Bazaar in Isfahan reflects the convergence of specific dynastic, geopolitical and economic issues facing seventeenth century Safavid Iran shaping both urban form and commercial focus. These are consolidation of the Safavid dynasty, rivalry with the Ottoman Empire and the vital importance of trade with Mughal India.Research limitations/implications -The research is limited by its specific contextual scope but invites further investigation in analogous contexts across this milieu as well as further implementation of the material culture methods it adopts to both historical and contemporary commercial contexts. Originality/value -The paper explores, for the first time the development of commercial hospitality in early modern Iran and invites further consideration of the development of capitalism outside of Eurocentric teleologies. Furthermore, it presents a new and explicit methodological framework for using material culture as a means of enquiry.

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“…These designs are often carved on white marble in alternating patterns or on precious stones. The arabesque ( Figure 9), an ornament designed based on geometrical vegetal shapes, shows the dynamism that can exist in floral patterns (Hillenbrand, 2003). The arabesque displays how lines can be used to define space and to achieve complex designs.…”

Section: Figure 6: Calligraphymentioning

confidence: 99%

Symbols and Signs in Islamic Architecture

Ghasemzadeh¹,

Fathebaghalli²,

Tarvirdinassab³

2013

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Throughout history, Islamic signs and signification were recognized and appreciated by both Muslim and Non-Muslim scholars. The Islamic style of architecture is not only used in mosques, but also in other Islamic buildings and even in gardens. The architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles. The aim of this study is to contextualize the concept of Islamic architecture. It seeks to make the readers appreciate the heritage of Islamic architecture, and to clarify on misconceptions about Islamic architecture. This study examines various types of Islamic architecture and conducts a semiotic analysis of these works. The study defines the meaning and scope of Islamic architecture. It highlights the qualities and characteristics that make it unique and distinctive from other forms of architecture. It looks into the meanings and characteristics of the structures and explores the decorative styles used. Further, it explores the concept of Islamic architecture and analyses the meaning of some of the signs and significations. The findings indicate that the most common styles are calligraphy, geometry and floral designs. The study also finds that Islamic architecture encompasses both secular and religious artistic styles and has been influential in designing, constructing and decorating buildings in other cultures during both the ancient times and in the present day.

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Studying Islamic Architecture: Challenges and Perspectives

Cited by 15 publications

References 13 publications

Islamic Architecture and Arch

Islamic Architecture and Arch

Commerce, empire and faith in Safavid Iran: thecaravanseraiof Isfahan

Symbols and Signs in Islamic Architecture

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