4. After Muhammad’s death,
Muslim scholars developed a
law code known as Shari’ah. It
provides believers with a set of
laws to regulate their daily lives.
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
HOA-III
10. Nagsh means “Pattern” & Jahan means “World”. This square has been formed
among an organic context, with an indicative discipline in arrangement of hard &
soft surface.
HOA-III
11. Great Bazar of Isfahan, 1730. drawing
by G. hafted Van Essen.
Naqsh-e jahan square & Shah mosque in
night.
Naqsh-e jahan square in night with fountain.
HOA-III
15. Located in the lush plains of Zayandehrud
river and foothills of Zagros mountain range.
No geological obstacle exist within 90 km
(56 miles) north of Isfahan, allowing cool
northern winds.
1590 km above sea level.
Flatlands are most desirable for civilizations
to flourish
Mountains also influenced the shape of the
city
The city has been formed in accordance of
the conditions of the desert in which it is
located
More accumulation and density near the
river
Characteristics of natural environment:
•Topography and geographic formation
• climate
• vegetation
HOA-III
16. Characteristics of natural environment:
• Topography and geographic formation
• Climate
• Vegetation
climate inn Isfahan is “desert”
Summer- hot in days – max temp. 35 degree C
- low humidity and moderate at night- pleasant
Winter - days are mild
- nights are very cold
Average temp -15 degree C
Average rainfall – 130 mm
HOA-III
17. Characteristics of natural environment:
• Topography and geographic formation
• Climate
• Vegetation
Green areas on both sides of river were used
for agriculture in both cities but with the
passage of time these areas mostly changed to
the parts of the city and parks.
Axes of the city were emphasized by the
vegetation like a green line through the desert
Arid conditions – lack of vegetation
HOA-III
58. Presented by-Palak .V. Patel
-Kush Parikh
-Pooja Yadav
-Mitul Prajapati
-Shubham Harlalka
HOA-III
(All the detail information is written in the notes)
Editor's Notes
Arabian peninsula was a desert, lacked in water sources. People were nomads
Because of harsh surroundings, arabs organised themselves into tribes, each tribe ruled by a sheikh. Tribes were independent bt still connnected.
The Arabs lived as farmers and sheepherders on Arabian Peninsula. They developed and expanded caravan trades. They moved goods from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Ocean,the major Silk Road. Most Arabs were polytheistic untill muhammad started preaching.
Muhammad (570-632) announced himself the messenger of allah, the god. Started preaching new religion,Islam.
Teachings of mohammed.
Islam is monotheistic
Allah is all-powerful
Islam emphasizes salvation and hope for an afterlife (those who wish for life after death must submit themselves to the will of Allah
Muhammad is considered a prophet, similar to Moses; a man like other men
They do not believe that Jesus was divine (from god), instead they see him as a prophet
Islam stresses the need to obey the will of Allah
Muslims must practice acts of worship known as the Five Pillars of Islam
Islam is not just a religion, it is a way of life
After receiving Allah’s revelations, the Muslims developed the Quran (Koran) which is the holy book Islam.
The Quran contains the ethical guidelines and laws by which the followers of Allah are to live.
Those who practice the religion of Islam are called Muslims.
PROFESSION OF FAITH (SHAHADAH): Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam
2. PRAYER (SALAH): The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Mecca to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required.
3. ALMSGIVING (ZAKAH): Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; so almsgiving is obligatory. 2.5 percent of an individual’s net worth, excluding obligations and family expenses, is reserved for the welfare of the entire community, especially its neediest members.
4. FASTING DURING RAMADAN (SAWM) : The fast is an act of personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. It is also an exercise in self control.
During Ramadan, abstention from eating, drinking and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset.
The end of Ramadan is observed by three days of celebration – a time for family reunion and gift-giving
5. PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA (HAJI): The pilgrimage is an expression of Islamic faith and unity.
For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca, the pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.
Muhammad left no male successor, so his followers chose Muhammad’s father-in-law, Abu Bakr, to be their leader. He was named a caliph, or a successor to Muhammad in 632 CE. Under Bakr’s leadership, the Islamic movement grew rapidly.
The Muslims believed defensive warfare known as jihad could be used to expand Islam with the help of the military.
By 636 CE, the Muslim army defeated the Byzantine army; four years later they took the Byzantine province of Syria.
By 642 CE, Egypt and most of Northern Africa was controlled by the Arab empire.
The Arabs defeated the entire Persian army by 650 CE.
The Muslim army also tried to defeat the Byzantine empire in Constantinople, but their fleet was destroyed. This stopped Muslim expansion into eastern Europe.
In 732, Arab forces were defeated at the Battle of Tours in France, which stopped the Arab expansion into Europe.
In 750, Abu al-Abbas, a descendant of Muhammad’s uncle, overthrew the Umayyad dynasty and set up the Abbasid Dynasty.
In 762, the Abbasids built a new capital in Baghdad, on the Tigris River (modern day Iraq).
Persian influence was strong in Abbasid empire. Judges, Merchants and government officials were heroes instead of warriors.
All Muslims (regardless of ethnic background) were allowed to hold civil and military positions, and were allowed to intermarry with conquered peoples.
Gold age of Caliphate came under Harun al-Rashid, who was known for charity and his support of artists and writers. It was a period of growth and prosperity for Arab empire.
The Abbasids started a council headed by a prime minister, or vizier, who advised the caliph.
The dynasty declined when there were issues with succession to the caliphate and financial corruption.
The Islamic conquest of Persia (633–651) led to the end of the Sassanid Empire completely in 7the century by the ummayud dynasty. *how-* (is
Led to the eventual decline of the Zoroastrian religion in Persia.
the Arab conquerors tried to impose Arabicas the primary language
After ummayud , while still encouraging islam, dynasties legitimiised persian languange and customsconversion innto muslim.
Iran was indeed Islamized, but it was not Arabized. Persians remained Persians. And after an interval of silence, Iran reemerged as a separate, different and distinctive element within Islam, eventually adding a new element even to Islam itself. Culturally, politically, and most remarkable of all even religiously, the Iranian contribution to this new Islamic civilization is of immense importance. The work of Iranians can be seen in every field of cultural endeavor, including Arabic poetry, to which poets of Iranian origin composing their poems in Arabic made a very significant contribution. In a sense, Iranian Islam is a second advent of Islam itself, a new Islam sometimes referred to as Islam-i Ajam. It was this Persian Islam, rather than the original Arab Islam, that was brought to new areas and new peoples: to the Turks, first in Central Asia and then in the Middle East in the country which came to be called Turkey, and of course to India. The Ottoman Turks brought a form of Iranian civilization to the walls of Vienna."[1]
The achievements of previous Persians were not lost, but were to a great extent absorbed by the new Islamic polity.
A SHI’a brotherhood took over in 15 th century- shah ismail. Sunni ottomans in west and Babur (sunni) in east
Root of modern iran today
Shia-islam as the state religion
Society- meritocracy- officials were appointed on the basis of worth and merit and not birth
People – into sciences ,mechanical arts, They are very philosophical over the good and bad things in life and about expectations for the future. They lack good faith in business dealings, in which they cheat so adeptly that one is always taken in. They say their prayers and perform their rituals in the most devout manner
Constant war with ottomans. Cultural blending.
Golden age of safavid -shah abbas I- powerful- formation of new paid troops-
Creates a splendid city of elegant domes–isfahan- capital of safavid dynasty –
This region has had 2500 years of richly varied history, but modern Iran is essentially a Safavid creation.
Silk trading flourished, carpet weaving flourished, RUGS , INCREASED the use of gunpowder weapon
Friday mosque or masjid e jami of seljuq period(11-12century)
Ceramic tiles
Theme of the city – architecture- curving domes covered in a glorious array of Isfahan's coloured tiles
A new age in iranian architecture began with the rise of the safavid dynasty. Tradtional architecture evolved in its pattern and methods leaving its impact on the architecture the appearance of new patterns based on geometrical networs in the development of cities gave order to open urba spaces, and took into account the conservation of natural elements (water and plants) within cities
Christians, Jews, fire-worshippers, Muslims, and merchants from all over the world. He counted 162 mosques, 48 colleges, 1,802 caravanserais, 273 baths
and 12 cemeteries, indicating ‘Abbas’ extensive architectural work in the city. Among the most scenic quarters was the area behind the Ali Qapu, where a series of gardens extended to the Chahar Bagh, a long boulevard lined with parks, the residences of nobles, and the palaces of the royal family. Tile panels and frescoes from the pavilions of the Chahar Bagh in the Museum’s collection are examples of the lavish decoration of these structures.
wrestling, what gathered the masses was fencing, tightrope dancers, puppet-players and acrobats, performing in large squares, such as the Royal square. A leisurely form of amusement was to be found in the cabarets, People met at city ‘s places to drink liqueurs or coffee, to smoke tobacco or opium, and to chat or listen to poetry.
Clothing
Also known as Espahan, Sephan, Esfahan,or Hispahan.
3rd largest city of Iran
Nicknamed as “Nesf-e jahan” i.e. half of the world
Capital of Isfahan province of Iran.
340 km south of Tehran.
It is located on the main north- south and east-west routes crossing Iran and was one of the largest city of the world,
Flourished from 1050 to 1722, mainly in 16th and 17th century under Safavid dynasty.
Retains its past glory
Famous for its Persian-Islamic architecture.
The new centre of the city is a vast rectangular space, the Maidan-i-Shah (Royal Parade), designed for parades and polo. At its southern end there rises the most magnificent of Isfahan's swelling blue domes, on the Masjid-i-Shah (Royal Mosque). The tiles are shaped where necessary to fit the curve of the dome, as are those which clad the mosque's circular minarets. The dome is reflected in a great pool in the courtyard.On the east of the Maidan-i-Shah is a smaller blue dome, on the Mosque of Sheikh Lutfullah - built by Shah Abbas in honour of his father-in-law and used as his private chapel. There are other glorious buildings in Isfahan, but these domes have become the trademark of Persian Islamic architecture.
After shah abbas died , religious orthodoxy ,a prressure to conform to religious beliiefs increased. Wommen were to give up freedom for life for seclusion and wearing of veil
The Maidan-500X160m
Purpose- military parades and public executions played polo there
It is in north south axis
In its 4side is embellished by a monument
on the west side palace of the sublime gateway
On east theres shahs private mosque
On the north- bazar gate
On the south- shah mosque
200 Arcades of same size form the boundary of the maidan
This public space likes between old city and shahs palace city of Gardens
On the west side ali qapu palace-large shaded balcony where the emperor welcomed visitors and admire the events in maidan
Sheikhs private mosque- have no minarets
The main bazar gate symbolising the power of the merchants and marks the entry of the maidan
The mosque is used for agora,public gatherings debates and for prayer.
Plan is in symmetrical axis which points whole building towards mecca .
mosque was the concrete representation of an ideal garden in which grow the tree of light and tree of knowledge, a garden planted by god for man ,eden . Each of the four iwans represents the brance of the river which irrigates paradise , the floral décor represents idealised nature of eden
Mosque is the petrified garden built by man in the image of the paradise described in the quran
From the arcade the tilt is not visible .it is as if the façade of the mosque faces the maidan.
The mosque is tilted because –faces mecca
-visible from a larger distance
- transitional zone between the secular and the spiritual world.
Minarets are 42mts high
Iwan-35 m high in rectangular facades. They form symmetry of the courtyard. They are similar proportion.However al floral patterns and designs are different .
Muqarnas-these are complex concave hollow structures that function as ornamental device
Mystical writing upon its volumns
Alignment of the pendentives on the stalic type vaulting(muqaranas) symbolizes 7 cities of god
Key of the Vault where everything starts-symbolises unity of god ,source of all creation
Three turquoise volutes symbolises three world of creation-animal mineral and vegetable
Ablution area- is a cleaning space ti.e used to clean your impurities. Also know as wudu.
Mosaic gives the hierarchy of the spaces
Brick work in the ablution area . The brick is apparent but glazed brick(extruded clay, ceramic glazed masonry units)
Reveals the sophisticated geometrical creation
After the transition area you enter a courtyard where there is a pool.in plan it gives the sense of centrality as if it was acting as the source of life.
Iwan –huge rectangular porche
Above iwan on west there is an observational platform which is used to check the lunar cycle., hour of the start of prayer and date of the start of Ramadan
Planning is inspired by Persian architecture and palaces. Civilian architecture turned into religious architecture
Large turqoish dome dedicated to prayer
Inside the dome there is large square room 23m side beside that there are two other prayer halls. One for women and other for men.
In the main hall 4 sighns indicate the direction of mecca .
The quibla(the wall)- those who pray face this wall.
Mihab- built in element in the quibla. Empty niche behind the little door.
Minba-By a staircase through which the imam(muslim leader) can face the congregation(gathering of faithful) to preach.
Rectangular hollow which symbolises the tomb of the celebrant by disappearance of his earthly body to augment(to increase) his spiritual presence
Pointed Arches connect the overall building forms
Combination of two curves which end at a point
In the prayer hall the arches are used in 3 ways
1-openings
2-reliefs on walls
3-in corners for false angles
The dome-
False corners Fitted into each corners donot effect the floor size . But they turn upper part of hall into octagone. The eight sides spread the load more evenly thus allowing higher dome
Spin the pointed arch on one axis we will get an onion dome.
Highest point in the city. A colour symbol for people from the far .
Dome has to be seen from far away while the vault have to be in proportion with the room hence they used double dome.
However it was made for the reason of the acoustics .architecture multiplies the echo 16times and amplifies the verses which are spoken at the center of the hall
They are hypostyle rooms with pillars supporting the vaulted ceilings.
Only the roof and columns use stone which was rarely employed in Persia.
Stone blocks of columns are attached by led staples which withstand the shocks of possible earthquakes.
Courtyard of madras- on each side of two rooms edged with two courtyards edges with regularly spaced niches .these are madrasa or quranic school where the mulars taught.
There were no doors or no closed area between the prayer halls and madrasas
In the lower parts marbles are used
This displays its construction technique ,the use of brick displays the colour of desert and the sand of its origins
High porches of iwan , the deep set arcades,, the void between the two vaults of the dome , the central pool all combine to create shade, air and coolness for the visitors, the architecture of the mosque uses its orientation and volume to protect against heat
Floral patterns
Kalahamunis
Coloured work in which the craftsmen work with oxides of copper and cobalt to form the deep blue of lapis lazuli,
Two methods used. 1st as shown above. Other in which they made tiles of the design required. However there was one problem in this that for achieving different colours they had to bake the tile at different temp. and also the pattern is not so clean
Decoration of madrasa was geometrical .it is caliraphic style known as cufic in which the letters are simplified and all the curves become right angles .also known as masons writing
Names of allah are written repetedly –allah hussain Hassan ali and Fatima
On the domes and minarets the cufic calligraphy is written large so that it can be read from a distance
In Persian architecture did not write the verses of kuran on the walles or minarets