unit 6 architecture and art in al andalus

UNIT 6: ARCHITECTURE AND ART IN AL-ANDALUS 2nd ESO

ISABEL GARCÍA-VELASCO teachermsisabel.com

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO STUDY IN THIS UNIT? 1. Characteristics of the architecture in Al-Andalus.

2. The Great Mosque of Cordoba.

3. The Alhambra.

2

Glossary Remember to add the terms that we explain along the unit.

The glossary should be at the end of the notebook.

WORDS FOR THE GLOSSARY WILL BE IN PINK.

3

1.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ARCHITECTURE IN AL-ANDALUS

1.1 Characteristics The architecture in Al-Andalus combined the Visigothic and the Islamic characteristics.

They used poor materials such as bricks, plaster or tiles but decorated their buildings with beautiful decorations.

5

1.2 Visigothic elements ✗

✗

✗

The horseshoe arch was used by the Visigoths and became one of the most characteristic elements of the Islamic architecture.

The Umayyads, accentuated the curvature of the horseshoe, added a key or central voussoir and added the alternating colours to accentuate the effect of its shape. The Mozarabs also adopted this style of arch into their architecture and illuminated manuscripts.

They reused the Visigothic columns and capitals.

6

Muslim horseshoe arch

Visigothic horseshoe arch

7

1.3 Islamic elements ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗

The polylobed or multifoil arch is typical of the Moorish architecture in Al-Andalus.

The muqarna or mocarabes dome, formed by small stalactites simulating a cave.

Caliphal domes.

The calligraphic, interlacing an arabesque decoration.

Brightly-coloured tiles were used to decorate the bottom part of walls. The tiles were normally blue, black, green or yellow.

8

Aljaferia Palace (Zaragoza)

9

10

2.

THE GREAT MOSQUE OF CORDOBA

It was the main mosque in Cordoba, which was gradually made bigger, as the population increased. It was built on the site of a Roman temple and a Christian church. When the Christians took control again of Cordoba made it a church and in the 16th century, they added a cathedral

The double arches above the columns were a new idea to make the ceiling higher.

inside.

12

13

DO YOU WANNA VISIT THE GREAT MOSQUE? 14

Do you remember the names of the different types of Muslim decoration?

1.

2.

3.

15

3.

THE ALHAMBRA

✗

✗

✗

The Nasrid kingdom produced the greatest Moorish architecture in Al-Andalus, influenced by the former constructions and the Christian architecture.

The most famous example was the Alhambra in Granada. It was a palace, citadel and fortress, residence of the Nasrid sultans and high officials, reached its splendor in the second half of the 14th century, The palace and its gardens were fully decorated and had beautiful fountains to made the palace cooler, in addition purified and reflected the buildings.

17

LET’S VISIT THE ALHAMBRA

18

Investigate: ●

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Using the ICT investigate about another famous Moorish building and create a card with these elements: Name.

Date and period.

Location.

Main characteristics.

Function.

19

HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ARCHITECTURE IN AL-ANDALUS? Let’s play Plickers!!!

20

That’s the end of this unit!

Any questions?

You can find me at: ✗ ✗

@teachermsisabel contactme@teachermsisabel.com

21