Islamic Architecture Comparison Essay Example
Islamic Architecture Comparison Essay Example

Islamic Architecture Comparison Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (782 words)
  • Published: January 21, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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In this paper I will be giving my personal analysis on two distinct Islamic architectural structures that have some similarities as well as some differences that complement each other even though they may be from opposite ends of the empire or building technique and even sometimes have a personal touch subject to the architect themself or current leader of the time. I will identify non visual aspects such as the intended purpose of the structures and underlying issues or problems it has faced or is currently facing.

My main source will be the d2l content webpage with the chapter presentations and especially any linked videos pertaining to the compared buildings. My two architectural feats of art that i will be comparing are goin

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g to be the Taj Mahal and the Dome of the Rock. I understand that these do not share the same purpose but i feel they are relevant examples. First let us look at the similarities in their styles. In the case of the Taj you see the signature dome that is used so prevelately in Islamic art.

In fact the Taj has many dome like topped structures but only the main dome in the middle has the same style as being the focal point of many Islamic buildings and is like the Dome of the Rock. Speaking of, it also has multiple domes but again the main one in the middle of the building is the defining aesthetic. They are both built on raised a platform which is important because they were built so many years apart and so far apart. They both are heavily geometrically based i

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terms of their design in a sense of the building as a whole and in the detail of the art on and in the structures.

One difference from what i noticed is that the Taj does not use any type of Greco-Roman style pillars unlike the Dome of the Rock. Another difference is that the main building in the center has a square shape with a huge middle arch on each side. Where as the Dome of the Rock is an octagonal shape and has only one main entrance with many small arches. Both instances are very congruent of Islamic art but are also different in the style of the arches, with the Dome of the Rock having a rounded arch and the Taj having a more pointed tipped arch.

Now their respective regions of where they were built are in India for the Taj Mahal and in Jerusalem for the Dome of the Rock. With this information we can conclude that they are definitely separate in terms of the style of the region. For the Taj, India would be considered eastern Islamic architecture and for the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem would be considered central Islamic architecture. What this means is the style of where they originated were incorporated into the buildings themselves.

The materials used to create these wonders are certainly very different and reflect the era they came from. The Taj Mahal is almost completely made out of white marble which was a highly prized resource and was used as a show of wealth and beauty. The Dome of the Rock on the other hand is made of many

more materials. The dome is all wooden and stands on stone pillars, with the outer walls being made of porcelain. Not what we would consider a quality material today, but that is completely subjective and they used what they believed was appropriate for the time.

The Taj Mahal was built for the sole purpose of being the final resting place for the deceased queen Mumtaz Mahal. Today it serves as a mere tourist attraction for domestics and foreigners alike. The Dome of the Rock is completely different in its purpose and has a very colorful history. It was built to replace a previously destroyed temple with its main purpose as a mosque for Muslims to pray in. It has since gone through much hardship mainly including hostile takeovers which was used a beacon of power against their enemies.

Overall the significance in these two examples of Islamic art is truly amazing and it undoubtedly shows that the history of the architecture is solidified as such a distinct style and unique form that no matter when or where it comes from, it stays true to its origin. I feel that Islamic art speaks to a certain meaning that is more than just what we can see. You have to bring oneself to a specific apex or somewhat of an overlapping parallel if one wishes to not only see what it means to you, but to feel what it means.

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