Islam

by Henri Stierlin

To the western eye, cities such as Jerusalem, Mecca, Baghdad or Cairo can seem utterly alien. It is not only the way of life that is unfamiliar, it is also the astoundingly varied architecture. This volume surveys more than six centuries of Islamic architecture, from the late 7th century to the mid-13th, placing mosques, Koran schools and palaces in their cultural, religious and political contexts. Distinctive features are its view of building as reflection of Moslem thinking, and its focus on the Arab world. With more than 200 colour photographs, numerous plans, chronological tables and an extensive glossary, this is a reference work which appeals to the expert and the travel-hungry reader alike.

Genres: Architecture, Reference, Islam, Nonfiction, History

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 1994

About the author

Henri Stierlin, nacido en Alejandría en 1928. Entre 1964 y 1972, una colección de 16 volúmenes titulada Architecture Universelle fue editada bajo su dirección por las Éditions de l’Office du Livre. Ha publicado también Tanis-Trésor des Pharaons, París 1987, Les Pharaons bâtisseurs, París 1992 y L’Or des Pharaons, París 1993.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for the excellent photos of gorgeous buildings. 2 stars for the writing which was too technical for me.

[Zaid Aljamal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book features stunning images and diagrams that vividly capture the splendor of Islamic architecture during the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. However, there are certain aspects of the written content that need to align more closely with Islamic culture. For instance, the names of places should be presented with sensitivity to Muslim preferences rather than the author's inclinations. To illustrate, the Al Aqsa mosque in Palestine should not be described as situated on top of the temple mount. Another consideration is the use of years, which should be indicated in both the Muslim and Georgian calendars. Diagrams should not solely indicate north but should also incorporate the qibla direction, given its significance in spatial planning.

Several errors arise, possibly due to a lack of deep understanding of Islamic religion and history. It's important to clarify that Muslims engaged with astronomy not for horoscopes, but to explore the universe, navigation, timekeeping, and various scientific pursuits. Additionally, the book tends to draw comparisons between Islamic masterpieces and those from other civilizations in a manner that might inadvertently undermine the originality of Islamic innovation. While it's true that there was influence from other cultures, the manner of this influence is not accurately portrayed by the writers. Despite these concerns, the book contains captivating imagery. It is hoped that in future editions, these issues will be addressed and rectified.