MOORISH

ARCHITECTURE
 SUMMARY
2

Introduction : Abiyah
Moorish History : Ajai
Building types : Aiswarya
Moorish Arch : Abin
Moorish design : Alin
Moorish Calligraphy : Adwaith
Reference:https://study.com/academy/lesson/mooris
h-architecture-history-characteristics.html
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1.INTRODUCTION
Abiyah Grace Ebby
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INTRODUCTION

▸ Moorish architecture is a style of Islamic architecture that is

discernible in its intricately carved wood, repeating patterns, and
complex tilework.
▸ developed by the Moors, people of Arab descent who spread Islam
throughout the Middle East and areas of Africa.
▸ The Moors settled in the Maghreb, the Northwestern area of Africa,
which includes the countries of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, and
Morocco. This area also includes the disputed territories of Western
Sahara and the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
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INTRODUCTION

▸ This area also includes the disputed territories of Western Sahara and the Spanish cities of
Ceuta and Melilla. This area, which is also referred to as the Barbary Coast, has a rich and
complex history, stemming from ancient times and influenced by various cultures and religions
which at times have controlled the area.
▸ This area also includes the disputed territories of Western Sahara and the Spanish cities of Ceuta
and Melilla. This area, which is also referred to as the Barbary Coast, has a rich and complex
history, stemming from ancient times and influenced by various cultures and religions which at
times have controlled the area.
▸ The mixing of these forces has evolved Moorish architecture into a unique style that
encompasses elements from a range of architectural forms; thus, it includes both religious and
secular structures.
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MOORISH ARCHITECTURE?

▸ Moorish architecture is a variation of Islamic

architecture.
▸ It developed as a group of people of Islamic faith
spread from the Middle East to the Maghreb, a
group known as the Moors.
▸ Maghreb, where they ended up, is an area which
included parts of North Africa and Spain.
▸ Their architecture was noted for its unique
characteristics, a result of the intertwined
influences of culture and religion
2.HISTORY OF MOORISH
ARCHITECTURE
AJAI KUMAR H
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HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

▸ The Moors originated from Berber descent; they spread throughout North Africa in the 7th and
8th centuries.
▸ They conquered the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century. Their conquests spread throughout
Southern Europe and the Western Mediterranean, as well as areas of Spain and Portugal.
▸ They introduced Islam and Moorish culture to those areas, while incorporating elements they
found.
▸ Their influence is still seen in these countries today in homes, public buildings, mosques, and art.
3.MOORISH DESIGN
Alin Hari
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CHARECTERISTICS OF MOORISH DESIGN

▸ Moorish design is a subset of Islamic design, and it’s known for its
elaborate ornamentation (colourful tilework and plasterwork patterns,
from abstract geometry to floral-inspired motifs to Arabic calligraphy),
horseshoe and multifoil arches, and honeycombed vaults
called muqarnas, or mocárabe in Spanish.
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MOORISH DESIGN

DOMES
▸ Although domes and vaulting were not extensively used in western Islamic
architecture, domes were still employed as decorative features to highlight
certain areas, such as the space in front of the mihrab in a mosque.
▸ In the extension of the Great Mosque of Córdoba by al-Hakam II in the late 10th
century, three domes were built over the maqsura (the privileged space in front
of the mihrab) and another one in the central nave or aisle of the prayer hall at
the beginning of the new extension. These domes were constructed as ribbed
vaults. Rather than meeting in the centre of the dome, the "ribs" intersect one
another off-center, forming a square or an octagon in the centre. Ribbed Domes
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MOORISH DESIGN

DECORATVE MOTIFS
ARABESQUES
▸ The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration
consisting of "surface decorations based on rhythmic
linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage,
tendrils" or plain lines, often combined with other
elements.
▸ Another definition is "Foliate ornament, used in the
Islamic world, typically using leaves, derived from
styled half-palmettes, which were combined with
Arabesques
spiraling stems". It usually consists of a single design
which can be 'tiled' or seamlessly repeated as many
times as desired.
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MOORISH DESIGN

SEBKA MOTIFS
▸ Various types of interlacing lozenge-like motifs are heavily featured on the surface of and
are later found in other decoration such as carved stucco along walls in Marinid and
Nasrid architecture, eventually becoming a standard feature in the western Islamic
ornamental repertoire in combination with arabesques.
▸ This motif, typically called sebka (meaning "net"),is believed by some scholars to have
originated with the large interlacing arches in the 10th-century extension of the Great
Mosque of Cordoba by Caliph al-Hakam II.
▸ It was then miniaturized and widened into a repeating net-like pattern that can cover
surfaces.
▸ This motif, in turn, had many detailed variations. One common version, called darj wa
ktaf ("step and shoulder"), makes use of alternating straight and curved lines which cross
each other on their symmetrical axes, forming a motif that looks roughly like a fleur-de-
lys or palmette shape.
▸ Another version, also commonly found on minarets in alternation with the darj wa ktaf,
consists of interlacing multifoil/polylobed arches which form a repeating
Sebka Motif
partial trefoil shape.
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MOORISH DESIGN

MUQARNAS
▸ Muqarnas (also called mocárabe in Spain), sometimes
referred to as "honeycomb" or "stalactite" carvings, consists
of a three-dimensional geometric prismatic motif which is
among the most characteristic features of Islamic
architecture.
▸ The earliest forms of muqarnas in Islamic architecture were
used as squinches or pendentives at the corners of
domes, they were quickly adapted to other architectural uses.
▸ In the western Islamic world they were particularly dynamic Muqarnas
and were used, among other examples, to enhance entire
vaulted ceilings, fill in certain vertical transitions between
different architectural elements, and even to highlight the
presence of windows on otherwise flat surfaces.
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MOORISH DESIGN

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS
▸ Geometric patterns, most typically making use of
intersecting straight lines which are rotated to form a
radiating star-like pattern, were common in Islamic
architecture generally and across Moorish architecture.
▸ These are found in carved stucco and wood decoration,
and most notably in zellij mosaic tilework which became
commonplace in Moorish architecture from the Marinid
and Nasrid period onward.
▸ Other polygon motifs are also found, often in combination Geometric Patterns
with arabesques. In addition to zellij tiles, geometric
motifs were also predominant in the decoration and
composition of wooden ceilings.
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MOORISH DESIGN

ZELLIJ (TILE WORK)

▸ Tilework, particularly in the form of mosaic tilework called zellij (also
called azulejos in Spain and Portugal), is a standard decorative element along
lower walls and for the paving of floors across the region.
▸ It consists of hand-cut pieces of faience in different colours fitted together to form
elaborate geometric motifs, often based on radiating star patterns.
▸ Zellij made its appearance in the region during the 10th century and became
widespread by the 14th century during the Marinid and Nasrid period.
▸ In the traditional Moroccan craft of zellij-making, the tiles are first fabricated
in glazed squares, typically 10 cm per side, then cut by hand into a variety of pre-
Zellij (Tilework)

established shapes (usually memorized by heart) necessary to form the overall

pattern. This pre-established repertoire of shapes combined to generate a variety
of complex patterns is also known as the hasba method.
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MOORISH DESIGN

Multifoil Arches Arabic Calligraphy Muqarnas

Geometric Patterns Arabesques Zellij (Tilework)

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MOORISH DESIGN

Horseshoe Arch Lambrequin Arch Ribbed Domes Sebka Motif

4.MOORISH ARCHES
Abin Saji
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Moorish Arches

▸ Arches are a common feature in Moorish architecture; they are often detailed and create transitions
between spaces.
▸ The Moorish arch is usually rounded with some design elements and are made of either stone or brick.
▸ 3 types horseshoe, -polylobed, and lambrequin.
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Horseshoe Arches
▸ Horseshoe arches also known as the keyhole arch, is a distinct
form of Moorish architecture.
▸ These arches originated from Spanish Gothic architecture and
many of the elements crossover.
▸ It has been used since pre-Islam times, it has become a pinnacle
element in Islamic architecture and is seen in many ancient
buildings.
▸ The horseshoe arch is often rounded, but can also feature pointed
or decorative carvings.
▸ In this style, the arch is wider than its supporting columns, which
creates a harmonious, yet grand effect.
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Polylobed Arches

▸ Characterized by its scalloped edging, which

mimics circular leaf shapes.
▸ This style also originated from Gothic
architecture, but incorporates a larger amount
of lobes.
▸ This style uses precise patterns to create a
decorative, yet balanced appeal.
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Lambrequin Arches

▸ Closely related to the muqarnas style and use many ornate lobes
and points.
▸ It uses similar sculpting and often appears in areas that feature
muqarnas domes or alcoves.
▸ Lambrequin arches are commonly seen in significant buildings like
mosques.
▸ reminiscent of Gothic architecture, Moorish arches have evolved
to incorporate elements important to Islamic cultures, such as
intricate patterns and abstract designs. They showcase the rich
history of the Moors and the areas they occupy.
5.MOORISH CALLIGRAPHY
Adwaith Anil
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MOORISH CALLIGRAPHY

▸ Arabic calligraphy is a stylized form of writing which is created as

an art form and decorates many buildings of Moorish architecture,
especially in mosques and alcázars, as well as in pieces of Moorish
art.
▸ These inscriptions incorporate religious meanings, such as verses
from the Quran and Islamic beliefs; they also mark the artist and
creation date.
▸ Arabic calligraphy is often carved into mosques and alcazars and
feature religious scriptures.
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MOORISH CALLIGRAPHY

▸ Kufic script is a type of print that uses straight lines and few
decorative elements.
▸ This style later began to incorporate some design details to fill
more space and evolved to a point where the writing was almost
no longer legible.
▸ This simple style is common in formal structures. In the 12th
century, the cursive script called Naskh became common in
monumental buildings.
▸ Some of the designs that appear in Arabic calligraphy are knots
that tie letters together and lettering that merges into motifs.
6.BUILDING TYPES OF
MOORISH ARCHITECTURE
Aiswarya A
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FEATURES

• The Moorish architecture was used to create many

brick and stone structures in the Maghreb in the 13th
century and was used in both secular and religious
buildings.
• The Moorish design elements used in buildings have
spread to other areas of life and can be seen in
motifs, decor, and art.
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• Mosques are the most distinguishable buildings of

Moorish architecture. Intricately carved arches
• They often incorporate intricately carved arches which
lead to large domed rooms.
• This helps lead people towards significant areas of the
building, like prayer spaces.
• These carvings also appear on the mihrab, an area of
wall which indicates the direction of Mecca.
• Synagogues are another religious building, but feature
different structures.
• Synagogues are traditionally designed with carved
stucco, brightly patterned tilework, and interlacing, Synagogues with rounded
rounded arches. arches and patterened types of Arches
tile work
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FUNDUQS

▸ Funduqs are a kind of marketplace where local FUNDUQS

merchants stayed and stored their goods and later used
to sell items at market or auction.
▸ These multilevel commercial buildings contained
storage rooms and areas for merchants to rest, FUNDUQ - AL -
which were arranged around a central courtyard where NAJJARIN
sales would take place. WALKWAY
▸ Some of these buildings were plain and focused on
function, while others were more decorated.
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HAMMAMS

▹ Hammams are public bathhouses, similar to

classic Roman bathhouses.
▹ They consist of four main rooms for changing,
heat, warmth, and coolness.
▹ Because temperature is crucial to these
different rooms, domed and vaulted ceilings
helped regulate the air.
▹ Small holes in the ceilings are often felled with
colored glass to offer light, while rooms lack
windows to keep the air in.

ALI GHOLI AGHA

SULTAN AMIR AHMED ▹ Hammams are also covered in stucco and tile,
HAMAM
BATHHOUSE which were brightly colored or patterned.
 ALCAZAR
• The alcázar is a fortress complex similar to a castle or palace, in which
governmental officials would live and work.
• They were common throughout the 8th through 15th centuries.
• They consisted of multiple buildings for offices, venues, amenities, and housing for
significant leaders and their families.
• Alcázarares were built around outdoor gardens, which were a significant part of
Moorish life.
Alcazar
• The central courtyard allowed for privacy and revolved around a fountain, an
element symbolic of life. Residential homes were also built around gardens and
fountains because they offered a place for religious practice and spirituality. The
alcázar gardens were large and displayed the Moorish technologies of irrigation
and plumbing which were necessary to maintain these outdoor spaces.
Fountains
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