Sarah Margaret- arcitecture

Sarah Margaret Cimino

December 16, 2013

E Block 

         I am finding the similarities between architecture in religious gathering places from Islam and the Byzantine Empire. There is the Dome of Rock from Islam and the Hagia Sophia from the Byzantine Empire. The architecture in the two is very similar and have the same style. They are very similar because they were built around the same time period and have similar designs that were common then.

         

The Dome of Rock from Islam was the earliest architectural monument of Islam located in Jerusalem. It was built on the site of where the second Jewish temple was located. Muslims believe the Dome of Rock was the place that Muhammad ascended to heaven. The Dome of Rock was built with mosaics and had similar aspects to the Great Mosque of Damascus. This place is to represent paradise for the faithful Muslim. It was also built using the Syrian cut-stone technique.

        

The Hagia Sophia also called the Church of Holy Wisdom was constructed in 5 years while Justinian was ruling. It served as the cathedral of the city. It was originally called Megale Ekklesia meaning “great church”, then the name Hagia Sophia came into use around 430. The interior of the Hagia Sophia was paneled with colored marbles and stones. Marble columns were taken from ancient buildings and reused in the inside of the building. Hagia Sophia is located also on the site of an earlier church.  The Hagia Sophia was built three times and the third is still standing.

Outline

1.    During the Islamic time, architecture was very big and fascinating. They used several aspects that made it unique.

a.    Mosaics were very commonly used in many buildings and added much more color.

                                              i.     For example in the Dome of Rock

b.   Dome shape

                                              i.     Helped support the walls

c.    Architecture was most unique in religious buildings

2.    The Byzantine Empire had very detailed and intricate architectural designs that were very similar to Islam’s.

a.    Combination of basilica and symmetrical plan

                                              i.     Very complicated

b.   Mosaics and dome shape

                                              i.     Very common and used in several religious buildings

c.    Hagia Sophia

                                              i.     Incorporated many mosaics and details and marble

Both Islamic and Byzantine architecture are very similar and have several of the same aspects such as mosaics and the dome shaping.

Bibliography

·       Columbia University, Press. "Hagia Sophia." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition(2013): 1. History Reference Center. Web. 17 Dec. 2013.    http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?vid=2&sid=777af84b-3f3b-4d8b-9232-5cdaf7a8005f%40sessionmgr111&hid=124&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=39027794

·       Columbia University, Press. "Islamic Art And Architecture." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1-2. History Reference Center. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?sid=9df85213-6437-4906-981d-fbbb78b0b7ad%40sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=124&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=39013670

·       Columbia University, Press. "Byzantine Art And Architecture." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1-2. History Reference Center. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?sid=78a3b7aa-8289-4aa1-b757-085a29ed8bf2%40sessionmgr115&vid=1&hid=124&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=39049639

·       Columbia University, Press. "Islamic Art And Architecture." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6Th Edition (2013): 1-2. History Reference Center. Web. 17 Dec. 2013. http://web.ebscohost.com/hrc/detail?sid=4671fc2d-ba6b-41f5-b7b7-5144a7257d88%40sessionmgr198&vid=1&hid=124&bdata=JnNpdGU9aHJjLWxpdmU%3d#db=khh&AN=39013670