Art and architecture Social and cultural exchange in Al-Andalus

moorish architecture of praying hall.



interior of synagogue.



a casket made of ivory carved decoration , engraved silver demonstrating traditional islamic art.

it important note distinction between islamic art , architecture not important since 2 tied together. muslim art limited, in sense, islamic religious dogmas frown upon glorification of human being or animals in form of art. muslim art tends avert depicting people or animals in art. art of al-andalus had distinctly arabic , islamic inspired flavor, , manifested in sculptures , mosaics, as, other artifacts served dual purpose besides of being aesthetically pleasing. made these works distinctly andalusian combination of various artistic elements catholic, classical roman, , byzantine artistic traditions. culmination of christian , moorish art culminated in 11th century. style became known mozarabic art. artistic style included ceramics incorporated mosaic works. included use of repetitive patterns revolving around flower-like designs within sculptures , crafted works. moorish ivory caskets in al-andalus showed signs of western influences. depicted individual people , human forms, element not typical in islamic art. visigothic tradition had influence on rulers of cordoba adopted crowns in style of worn visigothic kings. many of these artistic elements incorporated architectural works, reflected muslim rulers’ desire associate ancestral roots in middle east, , indeed assert arabic heritage, though many of these rulers hybrids in terms of genealogy. indicative of multi-cultural influences culminated in unique architectural style of al-andalus. 1 famous example illustrates desire of muslim rulers’ tie ancestral homeland, while @ same inadvertently reflecting multiculturalism, great mosque of cordoba. construction began under reign of abd ar-rahman in 784 ad , completed in 987 ad. built in part demonstrate linkage between al-andalus , ancestral land of arabs in syria. great mosque of cordoba’s architectural layout , style shares many similarities great mosque of damascus (completed 715). share many of same features prayer halls, high ceilings held double-tiered arcades on columns, , many mosaics. 2 share similar foundation myths, further points muslim attempts in al-andalus reconnect nostalgic sense of homeland.despite these similarities, mosque not purely arabic in style. combination of roman, byzantine, , visigothic architectural elements. capitals , column closely emulate older visigothic , roman building found throughout city of cordoba. red , white colored arches reminiscent of roman aqueduct of merida. mosaics themselves, although connected @ great mosques of damascus, hybrid of christian , arabic influence. artisans produced these mosaics, both @ great mosque , @ cordoban palace estate al-rustafa, called byzantium. example of cultural exchange within architecture illustrated medina azahara, meaning beautiful city, on outskirts of cordoba started in 996 ad, abd-ar-raham iii al-nasir, served capital of iberian caliphate. roman influences can seen throughout incorporation of old roman statue of goddess present in gardens of building. feminine form appeared along various gates city. capitals , columns of palace in style of christian cathedrals, while byzantine influence seen throughout construction of palace. byzantium artisans believed have come teach these techniques andalusian artisans. of original byzantium artisans remained in al-andalus , became integrated andalusian society. likewise, christians , jews adopted arabic architectural elements own churches , synagogues built under moorish rule. became known mozarabic style. mozarabic architecture included absence of exterior decoration, diversity of floor plans, use of horseshoe arch in islamic style, , use of column support, capital decorated vegetable elements. moorish styled architecture continued popular long after muslim rule pushed out of spain reconquista. many christian cathedrals built in moorish architectural style. jewish synagogues, sinagoga del transito in toledo (built between 1357–1363), built in moorish style. spanish-moorish artistic style exemplified sinagoga del transito became known mudejar style. overall, architecture of al-andalus reflective of cultural exchange took place between christian , arabic architectural styles, latter being representative of need of muslims leaders form connectedness ancestral homelands.