Arab and Islamic architecture

Islamic architecture

Islamic architecture
This website, produced by the Islamic and Arabic Arts and Architecture Organisation, gives a comprehensiveoverview, with readable articles and ample illustrations. The concept ofdecorationis explained, along withtechniquesand materials, includingmetalandwood. There is also discussion of architecture as theexpression of power, theimpactof Islamic architecture on the West

Introduction to mosque architecture
Khan Academy

Common types of mosque architecture
Khan Academy

What is Islamic architecture anyway?
By Nasser Rabbat

Symbols and signs in Islamic architecture
European Review of Artistic Studies

History of Islamic architecture
A series of photographs, diagrams and explanations

Introduction to Islamic architecture
By Rabah Saoud, Muslim Heritage website

Twenty-five fascinating examples of Islamic architecture
(list25.com)

Characteristics of Islamic architecture
By Eleanor McKenzie

Islamic architecture
Imam Reza website

Walking tours of Islamic Cairo
Three mapped-out routes for exploring the old city. (American University in Cairo)

Glossary of Islamic architectural terms
(American University in Cairo)

Islamic Egyptian sites
A large collection of illustrated articles (touregypt.net)

A commentary on Yemeni traditional architecture
by Derek Matthews (British-Yemeni Society Journal, 1996)

In the shadow of a master
An article on the extraordinary skills of craftsmen who build traditional minarets. By Trevor Marchand (British-Yemeni Society Journal, 2002)

The Alhambra
Constructed in Granada when Muslims ruled Spain, the Alhambra is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Here isa virtual tour.


ModernArab architecture

Contemporary Arab architecture(PDF)
Redefining identity through a new built environment. By Djemili Abderezak & Bellal Tahar,Department of Architecture, Sétif University, Algeria(planum.net)

Arab architectural heritage between mirrors and idols
The tradition-versus-modernity debate. By Jad Thabet (Al Jadid magazine, summer/fall 1998)

Contemporary Arab architecture
Toward an Islamic identity
By Udo Kultermann, Professor of Architecture at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.

Building on tradition(Part 1)
By Friedrich Ragette (Saudi Aramco World). See alsoPart 2andPart 3

Modernity and tradition in Dubai architecture
By Luiza Karim (al-Shindagah, September 1999)

World's tallest hotel opens its doors
The amazing Burj al Arab hotel in Dubai (BBC, 1 December, 1999)

Modern architecture in Dubai
A collection of photographs by Aidan O'Rourke

Zaha Hadid
Iraqi-born Zaha Hadid (1950-2016) was one of the world's leading female architects, noted for her deconstructivist designs. She won thePritzker Prizein 2004.

Zaha Hadid's 10 best buildings in pictures
The Guardian

Bursting the bubble
Bethan Ryder looks at the work of Bernard Khoury, a controversial Lebanese architect (Impressions magazine)

Raving and remembrance
Thomas Fitzel discusses Bernard Khoury's construction of BO18, an underground nightclub on the site of a civil war massacre

Beirut's icon of modernist architecture set to be revamped within a year
By Kaelen Wilson-Goldie, Daily Star, 2 July, 2004