Histoire critique de lárchitecure 2

Course Plan: History of Architecture in the Muslim World
Level: First-year Architecture Students
Duration: 12 sessions

General Objectives

  • Develop a historical understanding of architecture in the Muslim world through major dynasties.
  • Understand the evolution of architectural forms and styles in different geographical contexts.
  • Acquire technical and stylistic vocabulary related to Muslim architecture.

Session 1: General Introduction

  • Definition and significance of architectural history.
  • The impact of political, economic, and cultural contexts on architecture.
  • Overview of major periods and dynasties covered in the course.

Session 2: The Rise of Islam and the Arabian Peninsula Context

  • Socio-economic and cultural context before Islam.
  • Influence of pre-Islamic architectural traditions.
  • Early places of worship and the foundations of Islamic urbanism.

Session 3: Early Muslim Architecture (610-661)

  • Architecture under Prophet Muhammad and the first caliphs.
  • The Kaaba and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
  • Influence of local traditions (Byzantine, Persian, Arab).
  • Architecture under Kalifs erachidun

Session 4: Umayyad Architecture (661-750)

  • Introduction to the Umayyads and their territorial influence.
  • Key mosques: Damascus, Cordoba.
  • Desert palaces and architectural innovations.

Session 5: Abbasid Architecture (750-945)

  • Urban planning and the foundation of Baghdad and Samarra.
  • Evolution of architectural and ornamental techniques.
  • Persian and Mesopotamian influences on Abbasid structures.

Session 6: The Fragmentation of the Abbasid Dynasty and the Rise of Local and Unifying Dynasties

  • Overview of local and centralizing dynasties.
  • Regional developments in Muslim architecture.

Session 7: Architecture of the Unifying Dynasties in the West: Fatimids, Almohads, Almoravids

  • Stylistic characteristics and innovations.
  • Notable constructions: Al-Azhar (Fatimid), Koutoubia (Almohad).
  • Urbanism and its impact on cities in the Maghreb and Spain.

Session 8: Architecture of Local Dynasties in the West: Umayyads of Spain, Idrisids, Marinids, Aghlabids, and Hafsids

  • Differences and similarities among these dynasties.
  • Study of major monuments: Cordoba Mosque, Qal’at Beni Hammad.
  • Andalusian influence on the Maghreb and vice versa.

Session 9: Architecture of Local Dynasties in the East: Ayyubids, Mamluks, Safavids, Mughals, and Ottomans

  • Development of architectural forms and ornamentation.
  • Notable structures: Cairo Citadel (Ayyubid), Taj Mahal (Mughal).
  • Influence of the Ottoman Empire on the Muslim world.

Session 10: Architecture of Major Muslim Dynasties in Algeria

  • Rustamids, Zirids, and Zianids.
  • Ottoman influence on Algerian architecture.
  • Case studies: Mosques and Ottoman palaces in Algeria.

Session 11: Comparative Approach and Evolution of Architectural Forms

  • Comparison of styles across different dynasties.
  • The evolution of construction techniques and materials.
  • Summary of cultural influences and architectural exchanges.

Session 12: Summary and Review

  • Discussion on the architectural heritage of the Muslim world.
  • Influence of this architecture on modern and contemporary periods.
  • Evaluation and research perspectives for further study.