Architecture Art: Mosques vs. Palace

 Mosque started to establish in 900 C.E. by Islamic ruler who needed a place for congregational prayer. According to the textbook, there is a phrase that ‘early Islamic architectures drew inspiration from the description of the Prophet’s house’ as Muhammad’s house to preach and gather the faithful. Palace is a construction for royal families who had a daily exercise in here and call it ‘home’. Royal families also using this palace to discuss important political issues with nobles, set a celebration, and make a relationship with the foreign countries.

Both mosques and palace have been a huge impact on people’s life and their cultural construction art. These constructions built by best architecture and were good examples of architecture in that century. Each wall of these constructions has its own pattern of mosaics and shapes like ‘dome in front of the Mihrab’ and ‘court of the lions at Alhambra Palace’. Both ‘Mihrab’ and ‘Alhambra Palace’ are magnificent and most detail constructions. Several detail pillars on each side of these constructions support the roof and prevent the destruction.

Inside the mosques, there is the wall with mark ‘qibla’, and this place was built for Muslims who face forward during praying. Also, there are room called ‘iwans which used for study, rest, or schooling. The surface of every entrance of the mosques was covered with two colorful glazed tile mosaics, and the wall was covered with geometric patterns and stylized plant forms such as flowers, tendrils, foliages, and stems. Furthermore, there are two domes visible on the roof, and structure of constructions allows for light to enter through an opened window by the arches play over the glittering gold mosaics.

Unlike the mosques, the surfaces of entrance of the palace do not have glazed tile mosaics but simple wall with simple geometric shapes. There are many empty and open spaces through porches, open entryways, and pavilions. The foundation in outdoor connected to hole indoor of the palace by long and thin tunnel. Middle of the court of the palace was open, so the air and the sunshine can through both indoor and outdoor. Additionally, several diamond patterns covered the top of each pillar.

These constructions are very beautiful and artistic but it is useless and charged huge area of land. People must be using these places for the museum or other event places, so people can get two benefits: see old cultural constructions closely and directly, and find the right place to enjoy ceremonies or see other artist’s artworks.