AP Art History : Understanding terminology that describes architecture in global Islamic traditions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Architecture
What is the name for the specific type of high tower found on a mosque, particularly a mosque from the Middle Ages?
Turret
Copula
Pyramid
Minaret
Parapet
Minaret
One of the most important features of any mosque, a Muslim place of worship, is the space to broadcast the regular call to prayer. In the Middle Ages particularly, this was achieved through building a thin, tall tower at one corner of the mosque. This high tower was called a "minaret" and was often the tallest building in a medieval Islamic society.
Example Question #2 : Architecture In Global Islamic Traditions
Minarets serve what function in Islamic architecture?
They call Muslims to pray.
They indicate the location of Mecca.
They are purely decorative.
They shield onlookers from the sun.
They call Muslims to pray.
Minarets are tall shafts. Each contains a staircase and a gallery, from which a muezzin calls Muslims to pray five times each day. Daily prayer is an important element of Islamic life.
Example Question #992 : Ap Art History
Which artistic technique or structural component is NOT found in Islamic art?
Muqarnas
Joggled voussoirs
Architrave
Wooden strapwork
Mosaics
Architrave
An architrave is the structure that rests above the tops of columns and is found primarily in Greek and Roman architecture. All the other techniques or components are found in Islamic architecture. Examples include the following:
Joggled voussoirs: Madrasa-Mausoleum-Mosqure of Sultan Hasan, Cairo
Muquarnas: Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada
Mosaics: Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Wooden strapwork: Kutubiya Minbar, Marrakesh
Example Question #3 : Architecture In Global Islamic Traditions
Many Islamic sculptures, buildings, and other three-dimensional artworks are adorned with detailed __________ due to ideals detailed in the Qur'an. This form of artistic expression is/are one of the most common in the Islamic world.
mosaic
calligraphy
drawings of family life
landscapes
floral work
calligraphy
Calligraphy is the one of the most common artistic expressions due to adherence to Qur'an ideals that prevent idolatry by banning the artistic rendering of figures. Mosaic is characteristic of Islamic architecture, but calligraphy is present in both architecture and sculpture.
Example Question #4 : Architecture In Global Islamic Traditions
The in a mosque oriented towards Mecca is called a _____________.
minaret
qibla
minbar
mihrab
qibla
The qibla is the wall in a mosque oriented toward Mecca that indicates the direction of prayer for the congregation. The minbar is a niche in the qibla wall, often arched like a doorway or passage toward Mecca, while the minbar is a raised, stepped platform from which the imam addresses the congregation. The minaret is a tall, slender tower in a mosque from which the faithful are called to prayer.
Example Question #1 : Architecture In Global Islamic Traditions
In the mosque pictured, there are four column-shaped figures surrounding the central dome. These figures are called __________.
minarets
obelisks
columns
balusters
pagodas
minarets
Minarets are the surrounding towers in a mosque. Mosques have anywhere from one to four minarets (sometimes more).
A pagoda is a type of roof and cannot be the answer. Columns and balusters are not common in Islamic architecture, but these two are not usually independent structures.
Though minarets share the shape of an obelisk, they are not as minimalist in design.
Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagia_Sophia_Cathedral.jpg
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