A large amount of the structural ideas that are a part of Moorish Architecture were a part of, or a consequence of, the "Grand Mosque of Cordoba." To contextualize this page better, watching the video above is recommended.
Arches
One of the most noteworthy aspect of Moorish Architecture are the arches that are frequently present within the buildings and structures that were constructed this time.
Horseshoe
Featured above is what is commonly referred to as the "horseshoe arch" or the "moorish arch." The key aspect of this particular type of arch is the fact that it continues to curve past the horizontal axis. This shape is inspired by the Romans, as well as Visigothic styles of architecture. Originally, the simple "horseshoe" shape was made in mass under the Umayyads of Cordoba. These were the typical rounded shapes, and while the Moors did also often create this, the "moorish arch" was often taller, with a bit of a point at the top, as pictured to the right. |
"Horseshoe arch / Marrakech" by Images George Rex CC by License
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Polylobed
The next significant type of arch are the "polylobed arches," which are distinguishable by how it is seemingly a series of smaller arches connected together. These were popularized by them being added to the Great Mosque by al-Hakam II.
The next significant type of arch are the "polylobed arches," which are distinguishable by how it is seemingly a series of smaller arches connected together. These were popularized by them being added to the Great Mosque by al-Hakam II.
"Polylobed arches in the Mudéjar-style Patio de las Doncellas at
the Alcazar of Seville in Spain (14th century)" by Azukiki CC by License
the Alcazar of Seville in Spain (14th century)" by Azukiki CC by License
Lambrequin
The final arch is the one pictured to the right, known as a "Lambrequin arch." This arch has a similar appear to the polylobed, but is more intricate in design. This style is actually derivative of "muqarnas," which is a specific style of vaulting (or self sustaining arches) from islamic architects in particular. While this style is more often used as a transition between walls and a domed ceiling, it was used as sturdy arches in mosques as well. |
"Tinmal mosque arches" by Robert Prazeres CC by License
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domes
One of the most widely recognizable features amongst Islamic architecture are the frequent usage of domes. While usage of domes wasn't as common in Western Islamic societies, there are still some noteworthy ones to mention.
"Dome - Mihrab - La Mezquita - Córdoba" by José Luiz CC by License
The domes featured above is probably the most significant amongst those found in what was Al-Andalus. This can be found in the Grand Mosque of Cordoba, and was also an addition made by al-Hakam II. This dome has a number of features that are worth mentioning. First, one of the most striking is the golden arches that are found surrounding the top of the dome. This is a different style of vaulting, known as ribbed vaulting. This style, versus that of muqarnas, allows for larger mosaics to be designed. Speaking of which, there are mosaics nearly throughout the entirety of the dome.
decorative motifs
One thing that is very unique of this islamic architecture are the recognizable design motifs that can be observed in a lot of the different constructions of this style of architecture. In particular, there are three major motifs: Arabesques, Geometrical Figures, and Calligraphy. One important thing to preface for these motifs are that direct depictions of figures from the scriptures is strictly prohibited, so artists and architects had to do a work around for this, namely, these different decorative ideas.
"Arabesques carved in stucco over an archway in the al-Attarine Madrasa in Fes (14th century)" by Robert Prazeres CC by License
Arabesques
The first motif that shall be noted are the various natural imagery, specifically that of flora, also known as "Arabesques." As you can see, in the image above, there are a number of patterns that are meticulously embedded. In the top half, there is a large circular shape that has a flower, which are surrounded by vines with definitive leaf shapes within the vines. One reason that this kind of imagery is used is likely due to the hesitation to create humanistic arts. In compensation, appreciation of nature, such as flora, is appreciation of Allah's creation.
The first motif that shall be noted are the various natural imagery, specifically that of flora, also known as "Arabesques." As you can see, in the image above, there are a number of patterns that are meticulously embedded. In the top half, there is a large circular shape that has a flower, which are surrounded by vines with definitive leaf shapes within the vines. One reason that this kind of imagery is used is likely due to the hesitation to create humanistic arts. In compensation, appreciation of nature, such as flora, is appreciation of Allah's creation.
Image above is CC0 Public Domain
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Geometric Patterns
Probably the most iconic decorative feature within Moorish and Islamic architecture are the strong presence of precise geometric figures. Some of the most significant features are: (the overlapping of) squares, (the overlapping of) circles, pentagons, hexagons, and eight-sided stars/octagons. Furthermore, the shapes and patterns that they may appear in have specific meanings. For example, the circle in particular is frequently used to represent both diversity and unity in nature. In terms of patterns, these geometrical figures can be used to create arabesques themselves, as seen in the image on the left, there are flower like shapes. There are also a lot of design rules and guidelines for the geometric motifs, such as a grid of octagons in contact has squares as the residual spaces, and every octagon is the basis for an 8-point star. |
Calligraphy
The last motivic idea that will be discussed here is the frequent usage of calligraphy throughout different architectural constructions. To reiterate, the reason for the presence of these motifs, and this one in particular, is that one is not allowed to directly create an artistic interpretation of a figure from any of the scriptures. However, there is nothing against using phrases from them. So, due to the intricate nature of Arabic, many phrases from Hadiths or similar scriptures are used. |
"Kufic Arabic inscriptions in gold mosaics above the mihrab of the Great Mosque of Cordoba (10th century)" by Richard Mortel CC by License
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Types of Buildings
Obviously, there are a myriad of types of buildings. One of the most noteworthy features of the Islamic rule in Al-Andalus was the high amount of tolerance that was shown. The islamic architects not only designed plenty of mosques, but synagogues, palaces, and even bathhouses as well. The neat part of that is you can still very much tell that these buildings are still recognizable as having been created by Islamic architects.
Sources
Field, R. (2004). Geometric patterns from Islamic Art & Architecture. Tarquin.
Giese-Vögeli, F. S. (2007). Das Islamische Rippengewölbe: Ursprung, form, Verbreitung. Gebr. Mann.
Hankin, E. H. (1998). The drawing of geometric patterns in Saracenic Art. Archaeological Survey of India.
Marçais, G. (1956). Architecture musulmane d'occident: Notes critiques sur Deux Livres récents. Les ribâts de Sousse et de Monastir d'aprés A. Lézine. Impr. S.A.P.I.
Sutton, D. (2007). Islamic design: A genius for geometry. Bloomsbury.
Giese-Vögeli, F. S. (2007). Das Islamische Rippengewölbe: Ursprung, form, Verbreitung. Gebr. Mann.
Hankin, E. H. (1998). The drawing of geometric patterns in Saracenic Art. Archaeological Survey of India.
Marçais, G. (1956). Architecture musulmane d'occident: Notes critiques sur Deux Livres récents. Les ribâts de Sousse et de Monastir d'aprés A. Lézine. Impr. S.A.P.I.
Sutton, D. (2007). Islamic design: A genius for geometry. Bloomsbury.