Compare and contrast the architecture of an Islamic mosque with that of a Gothic
cathedral. Then, you will respond to these structures by describing to your reader an actual
place that currently holds meaning for you, and why.
PART 1: Write a Formal, Religious and Historical analysis of each structure.
Each structure should have its own section/paragraph where you include your analyses. I
find it easier to have a third section/paragraph where I compare/contrast each structure.
Through your analyses, you need to answer:
– How does the architecture reflect the beliefs and rituals of its worshipers?
– I expect to read the word pilgrimage at least twice in your essay, relating it to each
structure.
Use USE A MINIMUM OF FIVE VOCABULARY WORDS to describe each structure—both the
Islamic mosque and Gothic cathedral. You need to incorporate the terms into your
essay in a way that clearly expresses their meaning. Some vocabulary words to use
and define within the context of your writing: pilgrims, tesserae, mosaic, relief
carvings, calligraphy, icon, nave, aisles, altar, arabesque, stained glass, rose window,
pointed arches, rib vault, dome, minbar, minarets, mausoleum, Mecca, Allah,
Muhammad, qibla, mihrab, arcades, arches, columns, axis, transept, portal, relics, rib
vault, flying buttresses, stylized, mosque, cathedral, emphasis, composition,
hierarchical scale, and symmetry.
The Taj Mahal, which has a fascinating story and structure, but it is NOT a mosque, It does
include a mosque on its grounds.
PART 2: Where do you connect with yourself or a higher power in a meaningful way? Write a
paragraph describing the architecture of a space that you find meaningful, even spiritual.
This could be your church, synagogue, mosque, gathering place, campground or park,
disco, home, etc. What aspect of the architecture encourages you to feel the way you do
about the space? How does the architecture reflect your beliefs and rituals?
Selected Vocabulary Terms:
flying buttresses: an arch built on the exterior of a building that transfers some of the weight to the vault.
vault: an arch-like structure supporting a ceiling or roof
pointed arches: arches with two curved sides that meet to form a point at the apex.
stained glass: colored glass used fore windows or decorative applications
rib vault: an arch-like structure supporting a ceiling or root, with a web of protruding stonework.
nave: the central space of a cathedral or basilica, the long axis
transept: the shorter axis in a church floor plan
ambulatory: the area at the far end of the nave, behind the choir and apse (contains the alter), where pilgrms
circle around to visit individual chapels, may which hold sacred relics.
groin vault: an architectural feature created by the intersection of two vaults
calligraphy: the art of emotive or carefully descriptive hand lettering or handwriting. The majority of Islamic art
is decorative and often makes beautiful use of calligraphy to show the word of Allah. Islamic art never depicts the
figure of God. Human figures are not show within the holy space of a mosque.
pilgrimage: journeying to holy sites where significant religious events occurred or where relics or holy objects
are kept. Pilgrimage is integral to the practice of Christinaity, Islam, and Judaism. One of the five important
commitments of the Muslim faith (known as the Five Pillars of Islam) is the obligation to visit Mecca once in
one’s lifetime…to honor the house of Allah.