It’s hard to imagine a church without an image of Jesus and/or the Virgin Mary.
Or bible stories told in stained glass in the church windows.
In Islam the portrayal of humans and animals in art is considered idolatry, and forbidden. But there are many other ways to please the eye.
Islamic architects and artists were masters of geometric design. Whether they were working big…
…or small…
…in iron…
…ceramics…
…or stone.
It was a specialty of Islamic art and architecture…
…to create beauty using geometric patterns…
…color…
…and repetition.
Calligraphy was a valid form of artistic expression in art as well as architecture.
Alhambra, a palace fortress built in Granada, Spain in the 10th c. is a Unesco World Heritage site.
It is described by Moorish poets as “a pearl set in emeralds” because of its color, and the surrounding green woods and gardens.
When you look at these graceful arches, you can see why the arch is another outstanding feature of Islamic architecture.
Radiating structures are often used, but there is nothing common about them at the Great Mosque in Cordoba.
They are uncommonly beautiful, built on an impressive scale and to great effect.
Islamic artists created for the glory of their god, and rarely signed their work. I’m no expert, but just beneath the surface…
…I can sense the joy of creation…
…and the spirit of the creator within those patterns.
All words and images copyright Naomi Baltuck
Click here for more interpretations of The Weekly Photo Challenge: Ornate.
Writing Between the Lines 