Architecture in global Islamic traditions

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AP Art History › Architecture in global Islamic traditions

Questions 1 - 10
1

All of the following are architectural features of a mosque except                                     .

muezzin

minaret

minbar

qibla wall

Explanation

A "minaret" is a tower on a mosque from which a crier, or muezzin, calls the faithful to prayer. A "minbar" is a podium for a reader of the Koran. The "qibla wall," found in the prayer hall, points the believer towards Mecca.

2

The                      was a basilica church that was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman invasion of Turkey.

An image of the building is shown below.

File:Hagia Sophia Cathedral.jpg

Hagia Sophia

Sistine Chapel

Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet

Crystal Mosque

Wazir Khan Mosque

Explanation

This is an image of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

It was first a Greek Basilica church under Constantine and converted to a Mosque when the Turks invaded and occupied Istanbul in 1453.

This is the only answer choice that fits the historical context of being converted to a mosque in this region (Istanbul, Turkey/Greece). Though the Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, it was built after the occupation.

Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagia\_Sophia\_Cathedral.jpg

3

All of the following are architectural features of a mosque except                                     .

muezzin

minaret

minbar

qibla wall

Explanation

A "minaret" is a tower on a mosque from which a crier, or muezzin, calls the faithful to prayer. A "minbar" is a podium for a reader of the Koran. The "qibla wall," found in the prayer hall, points the believer towards Mecca.

4

The                      was a basilica church that was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman invasion of Turkey.

An image of the building is shown below.

File:Hagia Sophia Cathedral.jpg

Hagia Sophia

Sistine Chapel

Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet

Crystal Mosque

Wazir Khan Mosque

Explanation

This is an image of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

It was first a Greek Basilica church under Constantine and converted to a Mosque when the Turks invaded and occupied Istanbul in 1453.

This is the only answer choice that fits the historical context of being converted to a mosque in this region (Istanbul, Turkey/Greece). Though the Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, it was built after the occupation.

Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hagia\_Sophia\_Cathedral.jpg

5

Minarets serve what function in Islamic architecture?

They call Muslims to pray.

They shield onlookers from the sun.

They indicate the location of Mecca.

They are purely decorative.

Explanation

Minarets are tall shafts. Each contains a staircase and a gallery, from which a muezzin calls Muslims to pray five times each day. Daily prayer is an important element of Islamic life.

6

What is the name for the specific type of high tower found on a mosque, particularly a mosque from the Middle Ages?

Minaret

Pyramid

Copula

Turret

Parapet

Explanation

One of the most important features of any mosque, a Muslim place of worship, is the space to broadcast the regular call to prayer. In the Middle Ages particularly, this was achieved through building a thin, tall tower at one corner of the mosque. This high tower was called a "minaret" and was often the tallest building in a medieval Islamic society.

7

What is the name for the specific type of high tower found on a mosque, particularly a mosque from the Middle Ages?

Minaret

Pyramid

Copula

Turret

Parapet

Explanation

One of the most important features of any mosque, a Muslim place of worship, is the space to broadcast the regular call to prayer. In the Middle Ages particularly, this was achieved through building a thin, tall tower at one corner of the mosque. This high tower was called a "minaret" and was often the tallest building in a medieval Islamic society.

8

Minarets serve what function in Islamic architecture?

They call Muslims to pray.

They shield onlookers from the sun.

They indicate the location of Mecca.

They are purely decorative.

Explanation

Minarets are tall shafts. Each contains a staircase and a gallery, from which a muezzin calls Muslims to pray five times each day. Daily prayer is an important element of Islamic life.

9

What cultural phenomenon is responsible for the seventh century revolution of art in the region Art Historians refer to as the Near East, creating a unity of theme amongst cultures amidst a diversity of styles, rulers, and peoples?

The Conquest if Islam

The Christianization of Rome

The conquests of Alexander the Great

The division of Alexander the Great's Empire following his death

Explanation

The Islamification of nearly the entire region created a common theme and mission, namely the construction of mosques. With this came a movement away from idolatry in lieu of the complex lattice work that ornaments many mosques. Thus, across an entire region, we see commonalities created by the recurring theme of Islam, and the aesthetics that accompany it, juxtaposed with the individual traditions upon which the religion was lain. This question tests a student's ability to frame a movement within the larger picture of history, while recognizing how cultural revolutions create both larger communities and individual differences with and between aesthetic traditions.

10

What cultural phenomenon is responsible for the seventh century revolution of art in the region Art Historians refer to as the Near East, creating a unity of theme amongst cultures amidst a diversity of styles, rulers, and peoples?

The Conquest if Islam

The Christianization of Rome

The conquests of Alexander the Great

The division of Alexander the Great's Empire following his death

Explanation

The Islamification of nearly the entire region created a common theme and mission, namely the construction of mosques. With this came a movement away from idolatry in lieu of the complex lattice work that ornaments many mosques. Thus, across an entire region, we see commonalities created by the recurring theme of Islam, and the aesthetics that accompany it, juxtaposed with the individual traditions upon which the religion was lain. This question tests a student's ability to frame a movement within the larger picture of history, while recognizing how cultural revolutions create both larger communities and individual differences with and between aesthetic traditions.

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