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Islamic architecture

Western Islamic Architecture: History and Style

By Liam Nagle / Arab America Contributing Writer Western Islamic Architecture refers to an architectural style that was created by the inhabitants of the various Muslim caliphates, emirates, and other empires that have existed from the 700s even to today. The architectural style can be mostly seen in western parts of the Arab world – … Continued

The Origin of Islamic Symbols, The Star & the Moon

Moon and star are symbols almost always associated with Islam, during the month of Ramadan, and during Eid holidays. The stars have been used in architectural designs throughout history, and the moon has even made its appearance on mosque pillars. The crescent moon topped off the exquisite design of the pillar dome and athan tower. Muslims are bombarded with (lantern) moons and star decor this Ramadan, But did we ever come to think what is the origin of islamic symbols and is it really Islamic? Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, discusses the importance of these symbols in Islam.

Islamic Art in the Metropolitan Museum

By: Souria Dabbousi / Arab America Contributing Writer The Islamic art in the Met’s collection dates from the seventh through the twenty-first century. With pieces from as far east as Central Asia and Indonesia and as far west as Spain and Morocco, it has more than 15,000 artifacts that represent the immense diversity and breadth … Continued

What Was the “Golden Age of Islam,” Really?

By Salma Heram / Arab America Contributing Writer The Golden Age of Islam is often taken to be a period of scientific, economic, philosophical, cultural, and scholarly prosperity in Islamic civilization, estimated to be between the 8th and 13th centuries. This period is most commonly marked by advancements in mathematics and the sciences, as well … Continued

Khan al Khalili- the Center of Old Islamic Cairo

By: Caroline Umphlet / Arab America Contributing Writer Khan al-Khalili is the most famous market in Egypt, and even one of the oldest open-air markets in the entire Arab World. Located in the heart of old Islamic Cairo, it stretches about half a square mile and is easily walkable from end to end. The market … Continued

Tulip: The Ottoman Obsession

The Tulip design takes center stage in Islamic design and architecture, trip to Turkey will show you elaborate and archaic designs of tulips on every facet of their world, appearing on ceramic dishes, tea cups, plates, tiles, embroidery, carpets, and of course on old and historical buildings, monuments, and mosques. Which begs the question, why is this floral design so popular in Islamic architecture and design. Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki, explores the geometric shapes and patterns have always been a part of Islamic art and architecture since Islam forbade the drawings of human, from it blossomed a theatrical feat of creativity.

The Stolen Design: The Notre Dame

Arab America contributing writer, Menal Elmaliki talks about France’s most famous architectural masterpiece. It is one of Europe’s finest gothic cathedrals and was first built in 1163 and was finished in 1345. Menal dives deep into the theme of gothicism and the Arab influence of its design and Arab roots. Parts of the building, the twin towers and the rose window were copied from the architectural design of a Syrian church in Qalb Loze. Some historians trace the design to the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo.

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