Transfer of Knowledge - Mosque of Cordoba

Question 1

Ruler of the Umayyad caliphate, such as ‘Abd al-Rahman I who commissioned the mosque in 785 CE.

Answer 1

Umayyad Emir

Question 2

1st Islamic structure in Europe

Answer 2

Mosque of Cordoba

Question 3

Large interior room with many closely spaced columns supporting its roof, used in the
Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 3

Hypostyle Hall

Question 4

An arch that curves inward at the bottom, a prominent architectural feature in the
Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 4

Horseshoe Arch

Question 5

An arch that is scalloped at the top, seen in the architectural design of the Mosque of
Cordoba.

Answer 5

Polylobed Arch

Question 6

Cluster of domes with rib-like structures, framing the maqsura and mihrab in the
Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 6

Ribbed Domes

Question 7

Fragments of older architecture or sculpture reused in a secondary context, such as
the spolia columns and capitals in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 7

Spolia

Question 8

A semi-circular niche in the qibla wall, symbolizing the direction of prayer, featured in
the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 8

Mihrab

Question 9

A screened area in front of the mihrab reserved for a ruler, emphasizing the connection
between religious and political authority in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 9

Maqsura

Question 10

Intricate patterns or pictures made by embedding small pieces of stone or glass in
cement, used for decorative purposes in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 10

Mosaics

Question 11

A type of plaster used as a wall coating, employed for wall and dome revetments in
the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 11

Stucco

Question 12

Wall coverings or facings made of marble, used for decorative purposes in the
Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 12

Marble Revetments

Question 13

Artistic use of writing, especially Kufic script for Qur'anic inscriptions and religious
texts in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 13

Calligraphy

Question 14

A series of arches supported by piers or columns, a characteristic feature of the
architectural design of the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 14

Arcade

Question 15

The wall in a mosque that indicates the direction of prayer, towards the Ka'ba in
Mecca, featured in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 15

Qibla Wall

Question 16

An arch that is scalloped at the top, a distinctive architectural feature in the Mosque of
Cordoba.

Answer 16

Cusped Arch

Question 17

An early form of Arabic script characterized by angularity, used for Qur'anic
inscriptions and other religious texts in the Mosque of Cordoba.

Answer 17

Kufic Script

Question 18

Commissioned by Umayyad emir Abd al-Rahman I in 785 CE in Cordoba, Spain.

Answer 18

Commissioning of the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 19

Fusion of Islamic, Byzantine, and Visigothic elements; notable for hypostyle hall,
distinctive arches, and ribbed domes.

Answer 19

Architectural Style of the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 20

Original Meaning of the Mosque of Cordoba

Answer 20

A religious and political symbol, reflecting Umayyad power and cultural
sophistication in Al-Andalus.

Question 21

Political Influence on the Mosque of Cordoba

Answer 21

Marked Umayyad establishment in Al-Andalus post-Abbasid overthrow;
symbolized independent Umayyad rule.

Question 22

Religious Influence on the Mosque of Cordoba

Answer 22

Signified Islam's influence in Iberia; a central mosque for the Muslim
community's religious practices.

Question 23

Reflected Al-Andalus’ multicultural society with a synthesis of Islamic, Roman, and
Visigothic cultural elements.

Answer 23

Social Influence on the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 24

Served for communal prayer, learning, and social gatherings; contained intricate
mosaics and marble in the mihrab and maqsura.

Answer 24

Functions and Artworks within the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 25

Utilized mosaics, marble, stucco, and Kufic calligraphy for decorative schemes and Qur'anic inscriptions.

Answer 25

Artistic Techniques of the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 26

Embodied cosmic order and divine presence through architecture and decoration; facilitated worship and reflection.

Answer 26

Symbolism and Values of the Mosque of Cordoba

Question 27

Impacted Islamic and Christian architecture in Spain; ribbed domes and horseshoe arches influenced Iberian styles.

Answer 27

Later Influences of the Mosque of Cordoba