CEILING AT CORDOBA
This golden mosaic dome, built for the ruler al-Hakam II (961 -
976 CE) at Cordoba, Spain is a mixture of Byzantine and Islamic art. This
ceiling dome was part of the Islamic mosque that covered the mihrab, the area
that indicated the direction toward Mecca. Notice the richness of the design and
care with which the dome was constructed.
Points to Ponder:
-- Why would Islamic architects have designed such an elaborate ceiling?
-- What is more important, knowing the direction of Mecca, or knowing the Koran?
-- Notice the Arabic script in the design again. Why would there be words written on the ceiling?
-- Why are there no paintings of Muhammed or of Allah?