This is the definitive survey of Islamic architecture. Working from a social, rather than a technical perspective, Hillenbrand shows how the buildings fulfilled their intended functions within the community. Lavishly illustrated.

The Dictionary of Islamic Architecture provides the fullest range of artistic, technical, archaeological, cultural and biographical data for the entire geographical and chronological spread of Islamic architecture - from West Africa through the Middle East to Indonesia, and from the seventh to the eighteenth centuries of the Common Era. Over 500 entries are arranged alphabetically and fully cross-referenced and indexed to permit easy access to the text and to link items of related interest. Four main categories of subject matter are explored: * dynastic and regional overviews * individual site descriptions * biographical entries * technical definitions Over 100 relevant plans, sketch maps, photographs and other illustrations complement and illuminate the entries, and the needs of the reader requiring further information are met by individual entry bibliographies.

Offers a survey of Islamic architecture through essays that discuss how different structures reflect the culture, and profiles with maps, photographs, details, and descriptions of noteworthy buildings.

An authoritative survey situating some of the Western world’s most renowned buildings within a millennium of Islamic history Some of the most outstanding examples of world architecture, such as the Mosque of Córdoba, the ceiling of the Cappella Palatina in Palermo, the Giralda tower in Seville, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, belong to the Western Islamic tradition. This architectural style flourished for over a thousand years along the southern and western shores of the Mediterranean—between Tunisia and Spain—from the 8th century through the 19th, blending new ideas with local building practices from across the region. Jonathan M. Bloom’s Architecture of the Islamic West introduces readers to the full scope of this vibrant tradition, presenting both famous and little-known buildings in six countries in North Africa and southern Europe. It is richly illustrated with photographs, specially commissioned architectural plans, and historical documents. The result is a personally guided tour of Islamic architecture led by one of the finest scholars in the field and a powerful testament to Muslim cultural achievement.

This book provides a history of Islamic architecture from the 7th century through the 17th century, in the Middle East, Africa, Spain, and India, including photographs and plans of the most significant and well known mosques, palaces, madrases, and other Islamic buildings in the world.

The ongoing debate among practitioners and in academia about the meaning and understanding of Islamic architecture will be energized by this book. It contains essays by architects and academics from various parts of the world which clarify how the carious disciplines of the design profession can be employed to build in the spirit of Islam. Divided into three sections the book covers: *meaning from Faith, which draws meaning from the Islamic faith in order to propose a built environment that is universally beneficial *analysis of History, which examines historical buildings and planning concepts, and suggest how to apply lessons learned to contemporary practice *contemporary Trends, which discusses current trends in architecture, education and socio-economic aspects of various Muslim countries. Illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to students and scholars, practising architects and planners alike.