This subject is one of my personal favorites, so I should really leave this nice documentary as an introduction and write about some of the literature and such later on. So, for now, I leave you to your viewing pleasure!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
From out the steppe...
One of the biggest factors in the political, social, cultural, economic and military development and historical narrative in all of Eurasia are the various waves of people coming out of the central steppe, bent on conquest, trade, colonization and new pastures. The ancient kings of the fertile crescent and China, the Romans and their subsequent inheritors, the Christian kingdoms and Islamic sultanates of medieval Europe and the Middle East and even Russian Communists would all face their wrath, and be left changed in the wake of contact.
This subject is one of my personal favorites, so I should really leave this nice documentary as an introduction and write about some of the literature and such later on. So, for now, I leave you to your viewing pleasure!
This subject is one of my personal favorites, so I should really leave this nice documentary as an introduction and write about some of the literature and such later on. So, for now, I leave you to your viewing pleasure!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
The stylings of paradise
Whatever you make think of the religion, the region, the people or the tenants of Islam, it's hard to argue against the beauty, intricacy and fascinating pattern work of Islamic art and architecture. From the high domes of the grand mosques to the swirling and dizzying line work of calligraphy and interior decoration, Islamic art can't help but affect the viewer and impress the power and majesty of the religion and its buildings onto them.
It is well known that Islam is preoccupied with attainment of paradise in the afterlife, but the mosque is designed to convey that sense to the living worshipers here on earth. Having seen a few mosques myself, such as the grand mosque in Najaf, Iraq, I can only say that they must be seen to be fully understood and appreciated. Words, pictures, and even this film cannot compare.
So, I leave you with this well done and compelling documentary about Islam's quest for paradise here on earth, all through the employment of art, architecture and spacial planning. Enjoy!
And in case you're still curious, here are a few links to further information about Islamic art, pattern work and architecture.
Patterns in Islamic art
Introduction to Islamic Architecture
Images of Islamic art
It is well known that Islam is preoccupied with attainment of paradise in the afterlife, but the mosque is designed to convey that sense to the living worshipers here on earth. Having seen a few mosques myself, such as the grand mosque in Najaf, Iraq, I can only say that they must be seen to be fully understood and appreciated. Words, pictures, and even this film cannot compare.
So, I leave you with this well done and compelling documentary about Islam's quest for paradise here on earth, all through the employment of art, architecture and spacial planning. Enjoy!
Patterns in Islamic art
Introduction to Islamic Architecture
Images of Islamic art
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