A Study On Islamic Architecture History Essay

A Study On Islamic Architecture History Essay Construction of the  Great Mosque at Cordoba   marks the beginning of Islamic architecture in the  Iberian Peninsula. Muslims as well as the Christians consider it a wonder of the medieval ages. At the site of a Christian Visigothic Church, the construction of The Great Mosque of Cordoba began between 784 and 786. Abd ar-Rahman, who bought the church and his descendants, modified it over two centuries to transform it into a mosque, starting in 784. The mosque itself was built in four phases  and is observed as a trademark of sacred Islamic architecture. After taking over Cordoba in 1236, Ferdinand III king of Castile set apart the Great Mosque to be the city’s cathedral, Mezquita, and used it with negligible changes for the next three hundred years.   [ 1 ]    In 929, when Abd al-Rahman III declared himself caliph, the Spanish Umayyads had attained the peak of their supremacy. The caliph displayed his novel position by building, about 13 kilometres Northwest of Co rdoba, the palace city of Madinah al-Zahra, with its focus to impress the world and exhibit its massive military. He made it his empire’s managerial and legislative headquarters. The construction in Medina al-Zahra proceeded swiftly, particularly since Abd al-Rahman III put in one third of the state revenues in its progression. Finally, he brought in the largest and most grand secular venture of his period, which stayed matchless irrespective of the numerous cities founded until its end. As the caliphate fell in the 11th century, the city then was sacked and smoldered. The new Minister of Calipf Hisham II, Vizir-ul-Mansur shifted his attention towards the east of Cordoba and abandon the city during his reign. Later, the Berber troops destroyed this palace-city in 1010.   [ 2 ]    Iconography The Great Cordoba Mosque is most renowned for its giant arches, with 856 columns of  onyx,  marble  and  granite. These legendary arches were made from remains of the Roman te mple which had occupied the spot previously as well as other ruined Roman buildings As most of these components were different sizes, their amalgamation into an articulate piece, was in itself a major architectural achievement. The double arches were a novel introduction to architecture and helped carry the tremendous weight of the high ceilings. However, the hypostyle architecture consists of a rectangular prayer hall with extraordinary manifestation of its interior and an enclosed courtyard. The prayer Hall had aisles upright to Qibla and a wall showing the direction of the Qibla. The mosque also has luxuriously gilded prayer niches for the elites with a centrally located dome has blue tiles ornamented with stars. The Mihrab is a masterpiece of architectural skill, with geometric and fluid floral designs. The most opulent interior ornament is positioned in the maqsura, the prayer space reserved for the ruler, which was specially customized for the caliph, al-Hakam II. Screens crea ted of highly structured intersecting cloisters separate the maqsura evidently from the rest of the prayer hall. The main hall of the mosque came into use for a variety of purposes. It served as a central hall for teaching, and to manage law and order, during the tenet of Abd-Al-Rahman. The walls of the mosque were indulged in carved Quranic inscriptions. Some of the most prominent features were an open court (sahn) surrounded by screens of wood, minarets, colourful mosaics, and windows of coloured glass.   [ 3 ]

Summary Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Summary - Article Example Science and technology are our greatest assets, and we must continue to help those students progress in their fields. The changes that Kerr proposes begins with a greater dependency on tuition. If students are serious about their degrees, and if they are entering higher-paying professions, they should be able to take on a higher tuition. This may seem like a negative to attending a research college, but it will also provide students with more learning opportunities while in school. Another proposition is that the government should be more concerned in the welfare of these students, especially since the students will be playing a large role in the economy. The public should also become concerned with the success of these students, and should help by providing facilities for learning, such as hospitals. Kerr believes that since these students will be helping society and the government with their education, then society and the government should be willing to help them in return by allowing them to receive this education. In â€Å"Magnet Schools and the Pursuit of Racial Balance,† Ellen Goldring and Claire Smrekar look to a different style of schooling, one that takes into consideration the importance of racial diversity. Magnet schools were originally designed in 1960 to offer students both educational opportunities that they would not find in traditional schools and unique experiences in racially segregated environments. However, the number of magnet schools have drastically risen since then, starting with an impressive spike that was seen in 1975, but many began to take different approaches to their teaching methods or what they offered. Even though segregation has stopped being a pressing issue, parents and teachers alike are still concerned that magnet schools uphold this one important aspect. A study was done among magnet schools in St. Louis

Differences between Christian Beliefs and Buddhist Beliefs Research Paper

Differences between Christian Beliefs and Buddhist Beliefs - Research Paper Example This paper illustrates that in Christianity, the Ten Commandments is a list of rules imposed on Christians for the proper conduct of their lives. The goal of Christianity is to go to heaven after death. Thus, one must follow the Ten Commandments and God will allow them into heaven. In contrast, the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism is a set of suggestions for a more satisfactory life. The goal of Buddhism is to achieve Enlightenment, or nirvana, through one’s own efforts as there is no higher power than one’s self. Beliefs of Christianity and Buddhism As an organized religion, Christianity, when practiced by an individual, can be the only religion that is recognized. This is due to the belief that all other religions are false and practicing them would be sinful. Also, Christianity, more specifically Catholicism, contains only three central figures - the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It is considered to be a sin to believe in or worship any o ther idol. According to Christian law, it is impossible to believe in God and to believe in other deities. Buddhism, as a way of life, has no contradiction in following more than one religion; there are many people that practice both Buddhism and another religion, even Christianity. There are also no creator gods or deities to worship. Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, is the founder of the Buddhist path and philosophy, but he is regarded more as a mentor or a leader rather than a god. Therefore, there has never been a purpose to worship him, nor did he ever desire it or request it from others. Christianity is organized based on hierarchical structure within the Church and specific days of observance. Christianity consists of numerous people of importance, such as the Pope, Deacons, bishops, monks, priests, ministers, youth ministers, and Sunday School teachers. Each person plays an important role in the running of the Church and in the teaching and spreading of the Chri stian message. Certain days of importance and holidays are observed, like Sundays, which is reserved for church, and other days that celebrate occasions in the life of Jesus, like birth (Christmas) and his resurrection (Easter). Buddhism, however, has no priestly hierarchy, though practitioners are able to become monks. These monks are similar to the monks of Catholicism, though they do not share the same religious duties. As previously stated, Siddhartha Gautama is recognized as the founder of Buddhism, but he is little more than a fellow practitioner of old. In regard to days of observance, Buddhism does not deem one day holier than another. Instead, practitioners are encouraged to celebrate every day that they are alive. Some people do observe the birth of the Buddha, but it is not considered to be a sacred holiday. Salvation is another vast difference between the two religions. In Christianity, salvation is achieved through faith, a relationship with Jesus Christ, and daily repe ntance of sin.