The architectural structures of both the Islamic Civilization and Byzantine Empire were both found somewhat similar when compared through the Hagia Sophia (Byzantine) and the Dome of the Rock (Islam). These grand religious structures were amazing achievements for the communities of people who got to witness them and or utilize them. Both the Dome of the Rock and the Hagia Sophia buildings include a dome structure, had a religious value or use, and marked a turning point in architecture for their community. Still standing today, these monuments prove to us just how sturdy the architecture of this time period was and is.
The Dome of the Rock, as talked about on this blog, is a large temple and shrine that is used for worshiping. The shrine was designed in an octagon shape, with a grand golden dome on the top. The whole thing is built on a rock that has religious meaning to both Jews and Muslims. This special rock is centered in the middle of the shrine. In front of the shrine is an entrance way made out of arches and held up by columns. It is one of the most glorious and longest standing shrines in the world today.
Hagia Sophia, greatly improved under Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire's rule,is now a grand church structure. The building has a giant dome on top, constructed completely out hollow bricks from lightweight clay. The dome rests on top of layers of windows that let light stream into the church. The inside of the building was covered in mosaic tiles portraying Christian scenes engraved in gold. It was considered the largest Cathedral for over 1,000 years.
The architectural structures of both Hagia Sophia and The Dome of the Rock both include a dome shape as a crown on top of the the structure
- Hagia Sophia:
- made from hollow bricks that were laid horizontally,
- on top of a square building so had to be held up by columns and arches,
- advanced architecture, should not be able to stand since the support is not made out of steel, but somehow it did
- Dome of the Rock
- intricate form, most complex thing the Islam had ever created up to this point
- both made out of gold,
- The building is called “islamic” because it has the looks of the distinct styles of Islamic techniques, but had byzantine structural influences
Each of the these religious buildings marked an importance to the religions of that time, and were used as a place of worship, meditation, and spiritual significance.
Dome of the Rock-
- spot where Prophet Muhammad rose up to heaven from (Muslim Tradition)
- Rock where Abraham was suppose to sacrifice his son to God from (Jewish Tradition)
- center of Gods dwelling and the creation of the world
- Hagia Sophia
- Greatest church of the time
- home of eastern orthodox religion
These two structures, Hagia Sophia and The Dome of the Rock, both marked significant turning points for the empires that built them, and lead to advancements in building techniques.
- Dome of the Rock-
- was used as a political leverage to show that Muslims were better than all other religions because they could build their shrine on a spot that was important to others
- Hagia Sophia-
- Byzantine empire was already one of the three main forces of architecture in the continent
- has survived as a cathedral, mosque, and museum
- built on site of the old Hagia Sophia that had been burned down
- new one marked triumph for Christians and Justinian
Overall, these two building, the Hagia Sophia and the Dome of the Rock, were important to the advancement of architecture in this time period as well as the factor of religion, both of which were important to the Byzantine and Islamic Communities.
- Brooks, Sarah. "Byzantium (ca. 330–1453)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/byza/hd_byza.htm (originally published October 2001, last revised October 2009)
- Dome of the Rock Shrine, Jerusalem. Digital image. Dome of the Rock Shrine, Jerusalem. Bible Walks, 18 Nov. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/DomeRock.html>.
3. Luxmore, Johnathon. "Hagia Sophia." CyberBrethren. NeoEase, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <http://cyberbrethren.com/2010/10/22/hagia-sophia-to-be-used-for-christian-worship-again/>.
4. "Dome of the Rocka." Britannica School. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/30854>.
5. Mango, Cyril A. Byzantine Architecture. New York: H.N. Abrams, 1976. Print.
6.Stewart, Desmond. Early Islam. New York: Time, 1967. Print
7."Byzantine Architecture." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://library.thinkquest.org/C005594/Medieval/byzantine.htm>
8. "Architecture of Hagia Sophia." Turkey For You - Turkey Travel Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://www.turkeyforyou.com/turkey_hagia_sophia_architecture>
9. Jarus, Owen. "Hagia Sophia: Facts, History & Architecture." LiveScience.com. Live Science, n.d. Web. 18 Dec. 2013. <http://www.livescience.com/27574-hagia-sophia.html>.
No comments:
Post a Comment