Islamic Art Web Hunt

http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Architecture/Architecture.html

http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Art/Art1.html

http://www.sfusd.k12.ca.us/schwww/sch618/Islam_New_Main.html

Above are links to pages within an excellent site regarding Islamic art. Below are a list of questions that you and your team will answer within the next two days. While the answers to these questions can be found readily within this site and your text, you are certainly free to peruse other reputable sites if you feel the need to complete your task.


1. What is the significance of the Kaaba to Muslims? Why is it considered the "center" of Islam?

2. Which architectural features can be found as part of a mosque? (Name at least four.)

3. What was the Silk Road and why was it so important to the Islamic Empires?

4. What did the Prophet Muhammad think about pictures? (Explain and quote one hadith.)

5. Why is calligraphy such an important form of art in decorating mosques? (How was it used and what does the calligraphy represent?)

6. What are the features of arabesque designs? Draw an example on the back of your paper.

7. What are some features of tessellations? Draw an example on the back of your paper.

8. How can you explain that some Muslim artists painted religious pictures when Muhammad objected to making images of idols? Are these paintings acceptable to all Muslim cultures?

9. How was the Prophet Muhammad usually portrayed (shown) in religious paintings?

10. Why are secular paintings so important to us today? What can we learn from them?

11. What is a pray rug and how is it different from an ordinary rug?

12. Briefly, how are rugs made? (What equipment and materials are needed and how are they made?)

13. What are some common design features found in tiles?

14. Where are tiles often used in architecture? (Give two or three examples.)

15. How did royal patronage help artists? (See the conclusion.)