Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth study of Islamic architecture, tracing its history and influences from many regions and architectural styles. The paper further elaborates on the different structures that exist within Islamic architecture, focusing on the four main types of structures that have been dominant throughout its history. These include the mosque, fort, palace and tomb. According to the paper, all have undergone changes in architectural style, but that remained uniquely Islamic because of their symbolic importance.

From the Paper
"Islamic architecture has a history that includes influences from many regions and architectural styles. Yet, Islamic architecture is comprised of four main types of structures historically that have been dominant throughout its history. These four types of structures include the mosque, fort, palace and tomb, all of which have undergone changes in arhitectural style, but that remained uniquely Islamic because of the symbolic importance that the Islamic people placed on elements of these structures (Bucknall 1). The Ka'ba is considered to be the first true Islamic structure and it is..."

Tags:architecture, islam, history

Abstract
This paper discusses the origins of the distinctly Islamic architectural style. The paper begins by discussing Islamic history and then goes on to discuss how Islamic architecture has set a standard for religious architecture that has influenced other religious groups and contributed to various architectural styles evident to this day. Additionally, the paper also discusses how Islamic architecture has more recently been influenced by the West, not for religious architecture, but for office buildings and residential units.

From the Paper
"In the Islamic tradition, the idea of the dome was developed with religious connotations. The first centralized Ottoman mosque was created at Diyarbakir in 1521 with four semi-domes and not mere vaults. The four corner areas are surmounted by four small cupolas, while the central dome is supported on four piers. This is the logical conclusion to the mosques of earlier times. The squareness of the mosque at human level represents earthliness, and the domes represent the heavens, much as the square and the circle do in Chinese architecture. The two-centered arch forms a spiritual limbo in the design. The interior is spacious and well-lit, another reference to the heavens (Goodwin 178)."

Tags:Ottoman, mosque, dome

Abstract
This paper discusses how Islamic architecture is comprised of four main types of structures historically that have been dominant throughout its history. It looks at how these four types of structures include the mosque, fort, palace and tomb, all of which have undergone changes in architectural style, but that remained uniquely Islamic because of the symbolic importance that the Islamic people placed on elements of these structures. Noted architecture includes the Ka'ba, Taj Mahal and the Alhambra.

From the Paper
"The Ka'ba is considered to be the first true Islamic structure and it is identified as such in the Qu'ran ("Ka'ba"). The Ka'ba was erected in Mecca after Muhammed successfully gained control of the city. It was built expressly for prayer and is believed to be one place on earth in which every soul that enters it knows safety through God's presence. Muhammed dedicated the structure to Islam; however, it contained evidence of the most critical figures of the history of the time ("Ka'ba"). These figures were Jesus, Mary and Abraham. It was not until centuries later that the use of earthly forms would be forbideen in Islamic structures because of the belief that these structures were rerpresentative of God, not man. "

Tags:Ka'ba, Taj, Mahal, Alhambra, mosque

Abstract
This paper will analyze some of the general principles of Islamic architecture, with a particular emphasis on the historical and cultural forces that shaped the development of this architecture over time. In this context, certain typical theoretical features of this mode of architecture may be identified.

Abstract
A description of a visual art piece (an Islamic mosque) and a performance art piece (a traditional Chinese instrumental)and an explanation of how each work exemplifies aspects of its native culture.

From the Paper
"If given the opportunity to construct an art museum housing one piece of Islamic architecture and one piece of traditional Chinese music that effectively demonstrate elemental characteristics of each work's respective culture, one could indubitably include both Egypt's historical Islamic Al-Azhar Mosque and conventional early Chinese instrumental piece "The Maidens of Tea Mountain". Each work, one visual and one performance, is a clear reflection of the cultural mores and traditions distinct to the society from which it emerges..."

Tags:Islamic architecture, Chinese music, visual art, performance art

Abstract
The paper examines the religious aspects of Hindu and Islamic architecture in the palace of Haram Al-Sharif and the Brihadisvara temple. The paper shows how by understanding the architecture of these buildings, the religious rituals and spiritual principles of those that lived within structures become apparent through mythology and belief systems. The paper discusses how these interlocking aspects of design and form are essential components of the religious principles of Islam and Hinduism that reside in these ancient and sacred buildings of once mighty civilizations.

Tags:islam, hindu, art

Abstract
The paper states that the Islamic rule over Spain lasted for almost 800 years, starting in 711 A.D., and left its indelible marks on the Spanish culture and European history. The author describes several Muslim contributions. The paper concludes that the contribution of the Muslims to the European Renaissance is obscured by centuries of prejudice and animosity towards the Muslims in Spain.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Background & Reasons for the Easy Conquest
Culture
The Golden Period (756-1031 A.D.)
Architecture
Language
Other Influences of Muslim Spain
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Andalusian Umayyad dynasty ruled Muslim Spain for about three centuries (756-1031). In the early part of the dynasty, Andalusia was an independent kingdom. It became a caliphate in 929 when Abd-ar-Rahman III proclaimed himself caliph. His capital, C'rdoba, became the most splendid city in Europe apart from Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), and as noted earlier, the Spanish civilization during the Muslim rule was far in advance of the rest of Europe. Numerous schools were built, many of them provided free education to the poor. There were several Muslim universities where medicine, mathematics, philosophy, and literature were studied and researched."

Tags:europe, culture, architecture, language, muslim, renaissance, conquest, golden, period, iberian, peninsula, jewish, christian, berbers, visigothics, rdoba, granada, alhambra, mosque, moorish, hispanic, agriculture, toledo, intellectual, center, library

Abstract
The following paper will discuss the differences and similarities between gothic architecture in England and gothic architecture in France and argue that, while the two styles or schools can be differentiated in many ways, the one thing that they each have in common is that each one sought to impress upon the credulous, God-fearing worshipper the might of God and the might of the Church which, in its earthly form, served as God's emissary. To gain a proper appreciation of gothic symbolism, however, a great deal of context is required and many different things will have to be touched upon. Specifically, the next several pages will define the concept, "gothic," will briefly define "gothic" architecture, will describe/define gothic architecture as it manifested itself in England and France, and will take some time to highlight the Romanesque influences (and Islamic influences) which made possible what we now know today as "classic" gothic architecture. With these matters resolved, the paper will discuss why the gothic style would have been adopted in both England and in France (besides the obvious desire to glorify the Christian God) and the distinctions that exist between English and French gothic architecture (they are rather substantial) will be highlighted along with any similarities which might exist to link the two.

From the Paper
Gothic Architecture in England vs. Gothic Architecture in France: A Description of both, Basic Similarities, the Key Differences, Generative Influences, and (most of all) Symbolism The following paper will discuss the differences and similarities between gothic architecture in England and gothic architecture in France and argue that, while the two styles or schools can be differentiated in many ways, the one thing that they each have in common is that each one sought to impress upon the credulous, God-fearing worshipper the might of God and the might of the Church which, in its earthly form, served as God's emissary. To gain a proper appreciation of gothic symbolism, however, a

Tags:symbolism, gothic, architecture

Abstract
The paper discusses how many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes, for instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. The paper also notes that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts, specifically, within the Islamic art tradition. This paper focuses upon how students can learn about a host of geometric concepts - symmetries, transformations, reflection/rotation- by understanding the symmetry found in Islamic art. The paper provides a serviceable definition of geometry; the next stage is to look at symmetry in Islamic art. From there, the paper looks at the mathematics of symmetry - particularly as mathematics appears to manifest itself in Islamic artwork. Lastly, the paper looks at how symmetry (as manifested in Islamic art) can be utilized to teach geometry in the contemporary classroom. The paper shows how the patterns that we see all around us when looking at Islamic art - be it in a gallery or in a classroom - provide a host of "teachable" moments that can energize the learning process.

From the Paper
"Many civilizations have long used artistic designs for a variety of purposes. For instance, some civilizations have used artistic designs for emblematic purposes, while some have used artistic designs for ornamental and/or architectural purposes; still others, perhaps unsurprisingly, have used artistic designs for spiritual symbolism. Another thing that is not at all a surprise is that artistic designs almost invariably utilize mathematical concepts. Specifically, within the Islamic art tradition, there has long been the extensive use of geometric and symmetrical..."

Tags:islamic, art, math

Abstract
Arguably Islam was the most influential of the cultural donors to medieval art and architecture, via Armenia as well as the cultures hugging the Mediterranean, but Islam itself had already influenced other cultures (Byzantine) and been influenced by even earlier ones (pre-Islamic Persia and more). This paper shows, therefore, that any tracing of Islamic influence in medieval European art and architecture must include the incorporated remnants of all the earlier inter-cultural donations. It shows that the two most influential contacts though which the cultural iconographies were spread are, arguably, the Crusades and the Moorish subjugation of Spain.

From the Paper
"Of particular importance to medieval life was the abbey and the priory. Particularly important were the Benedictine abbeys. While Benedict was a mid-sixth century cleric, and Islam itself, of course, could not have been influential until at least the start of the seventh century, Benedictine abbeys continued to be built for centuries, reflecting in great degree an Eastern influence. While "the typical plan of Benedictine abbeys and priories evolved out of the Roman country villa of late antiquity"......about 820, a plan for an idea monastery was created (Schuetz-Miller, 2000). It was considered to be the first pattern that took into account the relationship of all the parts to each other and to the whole, assuring geometric harmony; harmony had been a hallmark of Eastern life."

Tags:Mary, monastic, priory, Benedictine