The Prophet’s Mosque
Two categories describe the distinctive visual elements of Islamic art/architecture as decorated surface and structural shape. Understanding these characteristics of Islamic art/architecture proves a historical journey of the second holy mosque built next to the Prophet Muhammad’s home in Medinah in the 5th century 622 C.E. (Araffin 2005). The evolution of mosques from the humble rendering of the first erected with the Prophet’s own hands to the geometric patterned, repetitive designed, and calligraphy domed places of prayer and worship found in the Islamic world today is a testament to the faith in God of all Muslims globally. The ensuing ...
