4.614 Religious Architecture and Islamic Cultures, Fall 2002
An example of a minaret: a tower, circular, octagonal, or square in section, built next to or in a mosque, from which the Muslims are called to prayer. (Image by Nasser Rabbat.)
Highlights of this Course
This course on religious architecture includes extensive lecture notes covering every major period in Islamic architecture, and includes dozens of images. This course also includes a glossary of terms found in the lecture notes.
» Watch a video introduction featuring the course instructor.
Prof. Nasser Rabbat (RM - 56K) (RM - 80K) (RM - 220K)
Course Description
This course introduces the history of Islamic cultures through their most vibrant material signs: the religious architecture that spans fourteen centuries and three continents — Asia, Africa, and Europe. The course presents Islamic architecture both as a historical tradition and as a cultural catalyst that influenced and was influenced by the civilizations with which it came in contact.
Technical Requirements
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