Byzantine art and Islamic art Visual & Performing Arts Essay

Byzantine Art and Islamic Art
Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
Date
4. How does Islamic architecture reflect Muslim beliefs and religious practice?
In Islamic architecture, there is focus the on the interior space rather than the exterior appearance where there is separation of male and female worshipers in mosques and many have domes and minarets. Mosques have a minaret, which is a tower used to call Muslims to prayer and Ottomans added a minaret, such as the case Greek architecture building, the Periclean Acropolis that the Muslims took over (Kleiner, 2017). Islamic architecture emphasizes religious and spiritual themes as a way to connect the spiritual space and physical space.
The decorations are highlighted n the interior and create effects unlimited space n the walls, pillars and vaults and include painted tiles and mosaics However unlike churches there is no depiction of people as represents living souls, and this is not allowed. The creation of animate giving beings reflects that they have divine power and Islam does not advocate for representing these figures in art. Decorations may include calligraphy where there are inscriptions especially in religious places. Arabic calligraphy in various scripts as a reminder of God and may include inscriptions of verses from the Quran, poetic verses as well as important names and dates in the decorations.
Muslim artists and architects developed geometric designs with greater degree of complexities where there are repetitions, symmetry and interlacing patterns. Rugs reflect the same decorative aspects as the ceilings and walls while there is emphasis on geometry floral motifs and repetition of elements. Besides the distinct domes and decorative patterns formed, symmetry is a common theme that reflects harmony, completeness and perfection in a unified manner. The concept of unity (oneness of God) in multiplicity in Islam with diverse cultures has influenced designs and circles are prominent in Islamic architecture as they represent the unity of Muslims as well as multiplici...