Islamic Vocab Flashcards

1
Q

Abbasid Dynasty

A

third Islamic caliphate; capital at Baghdad; overthrew the Umayyad dynasty

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2
Q

Aniconic

A

a symbolic representation without images of human figures

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3
Q

Arabesque

A

a type of linear surface decoration based on foliage and calligraphic forms, usually characterized by flowing lines and swirling shapes

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4
Q

Caliph

A

Islamic ruler

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5
Q

Calligraphy

A

handwriting as an artform

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6
Q

Hadith

A

important tool for understanding the Quran; saying by Muhammad

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7
Q

Horseshoe arch

A

type of islamic arch which features an opening that is circular at the top yet boxy towards the bottom

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8
Q

Islam

A

monotheistic, abrahamic religion which regards Muhammad as their prophet

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9
Q

Iwan

A

a large vaulted chamber in a mosque with a monumental arched opening on one side

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10
Q

Kaaba

A

cubical shrine said to have been built for God by Abraham

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11
Q

Khamsa of Nizami

A

Five Poems, later illustrated by Bihzad in 1494

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12
Q

Kilim

A

pattern usually woven in wool with bold, geometric patterns and sometimes with brocaded details; done with slit tapestry

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13
Q

Koran

A

holy book of Islam

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14
Q

Kufic

A

calligraphy that is blocky and angular, with strong upright strokes and long horizontals

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15
Q

Madrasas

A

colleges for religious and legal studies

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16
Q

Mecca

A

holy site; Muslims must make a pilgrimage to this destination

17
Q

Miniatures

A

individual small-scale paintings

18
Q

Minbar

A

place for the prayer leader; symbol of authority, pulpit

19
Q

Mirador

A

very large window, or room with windows, that provides views to interior courtyards or exterior landscape

20
Q

Mosque

A

a building used for Muslim worship

21
Q

Muqarnas

A

small nichelike components stacked in tiers to fill transition between differing vertical and horizontal planes

22
Q

Nashki

A

a type of Muslim script that appears to flow and swirl

23
Q

Nasrid

A

the last Muslim dynasty in Spain

24
Q

Ogival/pointed arch

A

arch that is pointed on top

25
Q

Thuluth

A

script version of Muslim caligraphy

26
Q

Tugras

A

calligraphic imperial monogram used in Ottoman courts

27
Q

Umayyad Dynasty

A

661-750, ruled from Damascus in Syria, caliphs built mosques and palaces throughout Empire.

28
Q

Warp and weft

A

vertical and horizontal threads in weaver’s loom

29
Q

Qibla

A

mosque wall oriented towards Mecca as indicated by mihrab

30
Q

Mihrab

A

recess or niche that distinguishes qibla

31
Q

Maqsura

A

enclosure in front of mihrab for ruler and other dignatories

32
Q

Minaret

A

huge tower from which faithful are called to prayer