#Great Mosque-Cathedral

[themuseumwithoutwalls]

MWW Artwork of the Day (6/24/23) Umayyad Spain (Moorish, 8th-15th c.) Interior view: Great Mosque-Cathedral (8th c. CE) Córdoba, Spain

The building is most notable for its giant arches, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. These were made from pieces of the Roman temple which had occupied the site previously, as well as other destroyed Roman buildings. The double arches, pictured above, were a new introduction to architecture, and helped support the tremendous weight of the higher ceilings. The double arches consist of a lower horseshoe arch and an upper semi-circular arch. The famous alternating black and white voussoirs of the arches were inspired by those in the Dome of the Rock. They resemble those of Aachen Cathedral, which were built almost at the same time.

[k-i-l-l-e-r-b-e-e-6-9]

Church of All Saints on Mamayev Kurgan

[conformi]

Adalberto Libera, Horizontal Housing Project, Tuscolano III, Rome, Italy, 1950-1954 VS Great Mosque or Mezquita | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Córdoba, Spain, 785 | 16th century

[dlyarchitecture]

[bayofalgecirascranes]

If any movie studio/writer/director is brave enough to adapt The Horse And His Boy I want the Calormen to have the aesthetic of the Caliphate of Cordoba/Al-Andalus in general partially because I’m biased, partially because it’s probably better to base them off of a country that doesn’t exist anymore and partially because the architecture is just… so beautiful.

[one-time-i-dreamt]

I was on tour with all the musicians I ever played with. We visited a huge religious building that looked like a gothic cathedral and a great mosque mixed up. It also had giant cacti growing on its turrets.

[art-that-fucks-you-up-tournament]

SET EIGHT - ROUND TWO - MATCH ONE

"Blue Plate Special” (2017 - Jeff Lee Johnson) / "The Great Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba" (c.700 AD)

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL: Very much a "scroll past it, scroll back up, scroll again, scroll up again" work for me. Every time I look at it(including this upload) I've caught something I missed before. It's not world-shaking, but it's not supposed to be. It's supposed to be a world that's just a little off. (@hugintheraven)

THE GREAT MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CÓRDOBA: i feel like standing in it would be a religious experience on its own. like i would fall to my knees in here and start worshipping whoever the architect is this is so stunning. (@chaoticwhoknows) (the previous poll had the entire commentary)

("Blue Plate Special" is a digital painting created by Jeff Lee Johnson and posted to his deviantart in 2017.

The "Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba" is located in Andalusia, Spain. It was likely originally a Visigoth church, and later turned into a mosque in 785. It was expanded numerous times and converted into a cathedral in 1236. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)

[ulysses000]

Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia. Translation: Dreams come true if you're not an asshole

"Wave" by Aivazovsky is kept in the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

I can't remember the exact name of the village, but it's somewhere in Crimea, presumably south.

Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. The photo shows a part of the Kul Sharif Mosque. Sanji holds echpochmak, a Tatar and Bashkir national dish, a bun with meat. On the territory of the Kazan Kremlin there was a New Year's fair, where I tried my first echpochmak with duck liver and finally fell in love with it.

A monument to flooded ships in my hometown of Sevastopol. I drew this because of a phrase I saw a long time ago. "Why do we need Paris and the whole world? Imagine me in Sevastopol kissing with you." "Зачем нам Париж и весь шар земной? Представь: я в Севастополе целуюсь с тобой."

Does it all make any sense? I don't know. I just decided to put northblueboys in Russian cities and go through my pics. Next year I'm going to visit Volgograd and I'm in great anticipation because I'll be able to see the Motherland Calling with my own eyes, like for real, like wow. (Also, @/sobakensyn's gift made me think of rusreal)

[marykk1990]

My next post in support of Ukraine is:

Next site, is a little different again. We're visiting 4 different religious buildings in Ukraine. Pic 1, Saint-Sophia Cathedral. Pic 2, Ar-Rahma Mosque. Pic 3, Kyiv Great Choral Synagogue, all located in Kyiv. Pic 4, White Lotus Buddhist Temple, in Cherkasy, Cherkasy Oblast.

Don't believe the lies that President Zelenskyy is persecuting Christians or any other religious group. The "russian" Orthodox so-called religious group isn't a religious group at all. Its purpose is to push muscovy propaganda & lies & to control muscovy citizens.

#StandWithUkraine

#СлаваУкраїні

[howtomuslim]

Mosques: Architectural Marvels

From the ornate domes that pierce the skyline to the intricate geometric patterns adorning their walls, Islamic mosques stand as architectural masterpieces that transcend time. These sacred spaces reflect not just religious devotion but also artistic excellence and cultural richness.

The Grandeur of Islamic Mosques

Islamic architecture is a canvas of creativity, where beauty intertwines with spiritual significance. The towering minarets and graceful arches symbolize a connection between the earthly and the divine, inviting worshippers into a realm of tranquility and reflection.

The Quran beautifully mentions the importance and the purity of mosques: “The mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform prayers, and give zakat” (Quran 9:18). The beauty and grandeur of these mosques echo the reverence Muslims hold for their faith and the Creator.

Notable Mosques Around the World

Spanning continents, Islamic mosques vary in style and design, each telling its own story. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, known as the Blue Mosque, mesmerizes with its cascading domes and intricate blue tiles. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi astounds with its pure white marble and opulent chandeliers, a testament to modern Islamic architecture’s magnificence.

“Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, then Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise” (Sahih Bukhari 439, Sahih Muslim 533).

Islamic mosques not only serve as places of worship but also as community hubs fostering unity, learning, and charity. Their beauty transcends religious boundaries, inviting admiration and awe from people of diverse backgrounds.

Islamic Influence on European Architecture

Islamic mosque architecture indeed played a pivotal role in influencing the evolution of European architectural styles, particularly during the Medieval period. The contact between the Islamic world and Europe, especially during the Crusades and through trade routes, allowed for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and artistry.

The magnificence of Islamic mosques, with their intricate geometric designs, ornate calligraphy, and towering minarets, captivated the imagination of European travelers and scholars. During the Middle Ages, as Europeans encountered these architectural wonders in regions like Spain, Sicily, and the Middle East, they were deeply influenced by the sophistication and beauty embedded in Islamic architecture.

Transition to European Architecture

The impact of Islamic architecture on Europe can be seen in the emergence of what is now known as “Romantic Architecture.” The pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and soaring spires characteristic of Gothic architecture find their roots in the designs observed in Islamic mosques.

For instance, the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain, initially a mosque, was later transformed into a cathedral. Its horseshoe arches and intricate mosaics influenced the construction of cathedrals like the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing a fusion of Islamic architectural elements with Christian symbolism.

Moreover, Islamic architectural techniques, such as the use of horseshoe and pointed arches, were integrated into European structures, enhancing their stability and height. This incorporation of Islamic architectural principles laid the groundwork for the evolution of European styles, transitioning from the Romanesque to the Gothic period.

Legacy and Cultural Exchange

The cross-cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Europe not only impacted architectural styles but also cultivated an environment of intellectual exchange. Muslim scholars preserved and expanded upon the knowledge of ancient civilizations, which eventually made its way to Europe through translations of works from Arabic to Latin.

This exchange of ideas, facilitated in part by the awe-inspiring beauty of Islamic architecture, contributed to the Renaissance and the flourishing of arts, sciences, and architecture in Europe.

In essence, the influence of Islamic mosque architecture on European styles was profound, serving as a catalyst for the emergence of new architectural forms, techniques, and aesthetic sensibilities that continue to resonate in the stunning structures dotting European landscapes.

In conclusion, Islamic mosques are not just architectural marvels but embodiments of spiritual devotion, cultural richness, and artistic brilliance. Their beauty encapsulates the essence of Islam, drawing both Muslims and non-Muslims into a world where faith meets artistry in a breathtaking symphony.

Learn more about Islam on our website: howtomuslim.org

[aroundtheworldmary]

Visited: September 29th, 2023

Córdoba was another trip we took and this took place in late September. Córdoba is located in the north-central section of Andalusia. It is about 80 miles northeast of Sevilla. The city was under the rule of Romans at one point but then went under the rule of the Visigoths from the 6th to early 8th century. In 711 the city was captured and destroyed by the Muslims. Then Abd al-Rahman in 756 claimed and made the city his. He founded the Great Mosque of Córdoba which was a visit of ours. It was an Islamic mosque but was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century. The inside is magnificent and something interesting to note is that some of the bricks on the arches have been painted on because they ran out of time and or materials to expand it. The streets of Córdoba are very thin and cobblestone. We also got a tour of the Jewish quarter and got to see a live Mosque which was small. The colors all over the town were beautiful and I wish I had more time to explore. They also had a bunch of leather, beautiful plates which they are known for. Overall a quick but memorable place. All the photos taken were done by me and taken on September 29th, 2023. 

[theme-park-concepts]

If disney was to make a brand new theme park focused on “the magic of the movies” what lands would you have in the park?

I love that this prompt is not just "the movies" but "the MAGIC" of the movies. That's actually thematic, that's something you can construct a narrative around and emphasize that takeaway. Movies are magical and the park demonstrates that.

So why are movies magical? Well one obvious reason is they make impossible things real. All sorts of special effects and illusions. But I'm not sure that's the only reason. There's something particularly special about walking into that dark room with a flickering projector, popcorn, trailers, other people gathered with you excited to see something new for the first time before you all go in a trance for 2 hours...it's a ritual gathering...spiritual, not unlike a church or temple. So that's a thing we should keep in mind. What's else? Well there's something inherently magical about the movie/story itself and its ability to transport us someplace else, almost like a portal. And not just see other places but let us experience other feelings in a safe way. And maybe there's something inherently magical just about being able to control and conjur light, the ability to make an image and make it move and bend to our will.

And since this is a Disney park, maybe we should try to feature Disney movies.

So let's start with the icon and move out from there. Out of the observations we made earlier I think the fact that movies are a spiritual, church-like ritual experience that bring us together, connect us together...the magic of that...I think the centerpiece of the park has to be an elaborate movie theatre designed in such a way as to evoke a cathedral, mosque, etc. Elaborate, breathtaking, etc. and whatever experience is inside really needs to be a reverent love letter to movies (and tbh the great movie did a LOT of this thematic work both by choosing the Chinese theatre, and the ride itself). Not to get too into the details, but that's definitely the right track.

As for lands...keep in mind this is a tumblr post with not that much thought put into it. But my initial reaction is:

----a land specially devoted to illusions and special effects, both practical and digital. Attraction ideas would be a stunt show, some sort of guardians esque coaster where you get sucked into CGI and VFX computers, some sort of behind the scenes attraction maybe more akin to the horror makeup show or the old foley shows. There's also something really cool about being on set...idk how you'd channel that but would be great to implement somehow.

---a land devoted to color and light and sound/music. Torn between whether this should be an animation land, or whether this should be more abstract. I almost lean towards abstract and having it be the entrance land of the park. Where we start with amorphous blobs of color and sound and as we move towards the park icon it gets more controlled and specific and evolves into distinct structures. Would play really well for nighttime shows as well. But then again animation probably demonstrates our ability to control those things more than anything else. Maybe there's an animation attraction in the land. Probably staring sorcerer and streamboat Mickey because this is a Disney park after all.

And then maybe at the back of the park there's a series of mini lands all connected by various imaginative portals/transportation devices...the ability of movies to transport us to other words...maybe the movie cathedral is big enough these portals are at the back of it? And these could be various IP oriented worlds. Maybe some are tied to one specific IP, maybe others are more genre or studio based. I always liked the idea of a Pixar land, a Lucas Land, a Marvel land, a animated musical land. You could easily do it that way and keep the content more evergreen.

I've got a thing for symmetry though...maybe the color and light land should mirror the special effects/magic land. The other lands in the back, and there should be a separate entrance land in the middle? Idk what it would be. Like you could do Hollywood I guess but that's overdone and the theme is the magic of movies not Hollywood...Hollywood is just one place that makes movies. Haven't really talked about the camera yet...or editing...those are pretty critical unique bits about movie making...the ability to specifically direct the audience and make them see only what you want them to see, manipulate their perspective of time and space. Kinda magical to be able to construct a different reality. Could you make a land about that? Might be interesting to do something with a giant camera obscure or something. Idk. I like that road thematically but it might be almost too abstract to turn into a physical environment.

Ok so maybe the park needs an entrance land, maybe color/light/music land is enough. And the park is just lopsided or has space for expansion. That's what you get. Phase 2 lol.

[eirasummersart]

A medium of art you don't work in but appreciate

Refering to this.

Thank you for the ask! Let's answer this one too C: Adding this after the full answer, I'm gonna add a read more because it turned out quite long hahaha

7. A medium of art you don't work in but appreciate?

Ah, what medium of art don't I appreciate? I love art! I love reading, listening to music (and singing, but I'm not great at it hahah), sculpture, etc.

With reading, I mostly read fanfics lately, but I enjoy lots of typical books and authors too: Chaos Walking (Patrik Ness), the Lord of the Rings, Rick Riordan's books in general, MXTX's books, the Castle in the Sky. Those are the ones that come to mind first, my faves~ Of course, I include here manga and comics, there's sooo many I love as well. I do draw, but don't usually do comics (maybe someday!). Lately I've been loving Jujutsu Kaisen and Akagami no Shirayukihime, but I could recomend so many good ones.

With music I just always need some music if I'm not watching anything that has sound otherwise, I love so many kinds of styles, but I have a preference for melodic, mellow songs~ specially ones that I can sing along too. Lots of classical too (Chopin is my fave~). And piano is my fave instrument to listen to <3 I kinda talked about music already in the previous ask, so I won't go into more detail hahah

For sculpture I don't really have a particular artist I like, it's more a casual love. But all those "realistic" sculptures are mind blowing to me, how it seems completely real, specially fabric or expressions, but it's made of marble or another hard material.... man, so much talent, I admire them so much.

If we talk about drawing/painting I'm not proficient at but I still admire: watercolour is gorgeous and I am incapable of it. I love the art made with it! Oil and classic paintings as well, there's so many classic artists who have made amazing pieces. My fave is Monet! But I also greatly admire the ones from the victorian period in general. The way they render fabric and clothes is SO GOOD. I kinda emulate it unconsciously when I do my shadding ahah but I am sure it looks nothing like that xD Like, look at this art called "Flirtation" by Frédéric Soulacroix, that fabric 🙏🙏🙏 And the background is gorgeous too.

Also, I really enjoy watching movies/tv shows. Wether they're animation or not. Specially if they have good plot and/or if they have good photography/animation. There's so many beautiful works of arts in that medium as well. Ghibli movies are some of my faves (Howl's Moving Castle is my fave movie ever), Lord of the Rings movies are also masterpieces. I've also enjoyed lately the Poirot movies they've been making recently, they're really interesting and have great photography as well~

I have to say, I don't often watch theater/musicals because they're expensive and I'm broke af. But the times I went to see some, they're amazing as well 🙏 I'll include dance performances here too, because they're in a similar category to me.

I enjoy seeing architecture as well. My fave period for architecture is gothic! The way they did all those high arches and beautifully decorated walls. And the stained glasses! Sooo many great buildings!! Most of the ones I can see around where I live and was able to travel are churches or cathedrals. They are such beautiful buildings, even though I'm not religious in any sense at all, I always love visiting them and seeing them. But there's sooooo many amazing artstyles out there as well! Lique some Mosques are absolutelly stunning, with their intricate colorful patterns! There's so much good architecture to admire as well...

Also, I'll add that videogames are a form of art in my opinion as well, and I admire lots of creators. There's SO MUCH variety in this media, it's insane. Stuff like Return of Obra Dinn or Papers Please by Lucas Pope (who makes it all, including music, he's so talented), Baldur's Gate 3 (currently enjoying this one), Chants of Sennar, Binding of Isaac, Fire Emblem, Kingdom Hearts, etc. So many different styles but so fun and interesting. And also, so many good RPGs with amazing stories I don't think can be told in a better way using other media (Persona series, Tales of series, Dragon Age, the Nonary Games, Mother saga, Xenoblade Chronicles, etc.)

Sorry for the big rambling, I guess you didn't expect me to go into such a extended answer hahahah I really, really love all art of creation, it's such an amazing thing that someone visualizes something and can create it so everyone else can see.

I've said this over and over again, I wish I were filthy rich, so rich I could never ever use all my money, only so I could be an art mecenas (I think it's called patron in English, I like the word we use in Spanish tho XD) and give money to aaaall my favourite artists so they can just create without any worry at all, just focus on their art and not the money they need to make to survive. Just create their own stories, characters, art pieces, or create fanworks of any kind. I don't even want to request stuff I want to see, I just want to see what they want to create! What their mind can imagine and how they see the world!!!

Ah, if only...

Anyway, this has gone for long enough hahah thanks again for giving me the oppotunity to ramble~

And if you read till here, thanks as well for your time~ Feel free to send more questions for this ask~ (or anything else, really, if you want me to expand on any of these topics I mentioned here haha I'd be happy to~) P.D.: Just as I posted it, I also remembered tappestry/weaving/any kind of thread art. AND OF COURSE, fashion/outfit makers and designers!!! There's so much art in this world... so hard to remember it all, but it's all around us <3

[wise-journey]

Discover the Rhythm of Ouagadougou

Experience the rhythm of the heart of West Africa by taking a thrilling journey to the vibrant capital city of Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou. Absorb the multitude of cultures, delve into the intriguing history, and immerse yourself in the bustling yet fulfilling street life of Ouagadougou. For any passionate traveler, the city's vivacious atmosphere and enchanting spirit is a must-see experience.

Best Time to Visit Ouagadougou

Plan your trip during the city's cool season which runs from November to February to get the most out of your visit to Ouagadougou. With pleasant temperatures and sunny days, this period is ideal for exploration and sightseeing.

Reaching Ouagadougou

The primary international gateway to Ouagadougou is Thomas Sankara International Airport. I opted for a direct flight from Paris, landing straight into the vibrant city life of Ouagadougou.

Accommodation in Ouagadougou

Budget or luxury, Ouagadougou ensures a comfortable stay for every traveler. I opted for a delightful guesthouse in the central city, offering both affordability and a glimpse into local living. For those who wish to indulge in luxury, grand hotels such as Laico Ouaga 2000 and Sopatel Silmande offer top-tier experiences.

Things to Do in Ouagadougou

Strolling through the lively streets of Ouagadougou provides a real sense of the city's energy. Visit the bustling local markets filled with color and chatter, explore historical marvels like the Grand Mosque and the National Museum. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the nearby wildlife parks is an absolute must.

Ouagadougou Dining Scene

The culinary scene in Ouagadougou is rich and diverse, catering to all tastes. From sampling traditional dishes at Sogna Yiri to indulging in fine French cuisine at L'Eau Vive, dining options are aplenty. Don't forget to try the delectable street food, offering a true taste of Burkina Faso's culinary heritage.

Ouagadougou - Stunning Sights

Historical landmarks like the Ouagadougou Cathedral and the Moro-Naba Palace are captivating sights for tourists. Marvel at their striking architecture and learn about the city’s past. For a dose of nature, a visit to the Bangr-Weogo Urban Park is highly recommended.

Ouagadougou City Tours

Taking a city tour in Ouagadougou is a great way to acquaint yourself with its rich history. Opt for guided tours that cover city monuments and museums. Cultural tours provide a deeper understanding of the captivating Burkinabé traditions.

Nightlife in Ouagadougou

The city comes alive at night with bustling markets and lively bars. Hear the soulful live music at local joints or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll beneath the starry African sky.

Ouagadougou Transport

Shared taxis and minibuses make up the city's main mode of public transport. Besides being affordable, they offer insightful glimpses into local Ouagadougou life.

Shopping in Ouagadougou

The local markets of Ouagadougou are filled with exquisite jewellery, local crafts, colorful textiles, and traditional masks, making shopping a delightful experience for visitors.

Final Thoughts on Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou, with its radiant warmth, undeniable charm, and vibrant life is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Ensconced in its rich cultural heritage and renowned for its heartwarming hospitality, the city is a must-add to your travel bucket list! Read the full article

[toshodai]

Some miscellaneous photos of architecture Izumi-san took while visiting Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey. Most are of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, built (for the third time) during the sixth century.

While its library only takes up a small portion of its vast interior, the domes and free-standing columns of the mosque's exterior can be seen in Belehebei-Tzi, the capital of the Hyron Autonomous Region spotted during Theo's conveyance to Aftzaak in chapter 15.

Some excerpts from the Hagia Sophia's official website:

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque / Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi, with its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. With its breathtaking domes that look like hanging in the air, monolithic marble columns and unparalleled mosaics, is one of the wonders of world’s architecture history. The sheer dazzling beauty of mosque with its magnificent play on space, light, and color provokes worship in the believer!

Today's Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya, Latin: Sancta Sophia, Spanish: Santa Sofia, Russian: Собор Святой Софии, literally: Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom) is the third building constructed in the same place with a different architectural understanding than its predecessors. Hagia Sophia considered the embodiment of Byzantine Architecture and also said changed the history of architecture.

From the time of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan, every sultan strived to beautify the Hagia Sophia even more, and the Hagia Sophia was transformed into an entire complex with structures such as mihrab, minbar, rostrum, minarets, sultan’s office, shadirvans (fountain providing water for ritual ablutions), madrasah, library, and soup kitchen. In addition, great importance was attached to the interior decorations of the Hagia Sophia Mosque during the Ottoman period. Hagia Sophia was adorned with the most elegant examples of Turkish arts such as calligraphy and tile art and the temple gained new aesthetic values. Thus, Istanbul's Hagia Sophia was not only converted into a mosque but also this common heritage of humanity was preserved and improved. [...] The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 as a section called the Historic Areas of Istanbul, which includes Istanbul’s other major historic buildings and monuments. Today it is a landmark of Istanbul and one of the most visited sights in Türkiye.

[fuzzysparrow]

The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was originally constructed as a place of worship for which religion?

The Hagia Sophia was originally built for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church, however, it became a mosque after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. The Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537 AD in Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. Its construction was ordered by the Byzantine emperor Justinian the Great (482-565).

Between its construction and 1453, the Hagia Sophia was used as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral except for a brief period during the Latin Empire, when it was turned into a Roman Catholic cathedral.

After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror (1432-1481) turned the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The building remained a mosque for several centuries until 1934 when Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), the president of Turkey, decreed the Hagia Sophia become a museum. It was not until July 2020 that the Islamist Turkish government under Tayyip Erdoğan (born 1954) ordered the Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque.