Story of Islamic Architecture

Using a broad historical narrative to explain the religious, social and political influences that shape the Islamic architectural form, The Story of Islamic Architecture reveals an architectural splendour that despite its diversity has coherence and continuity. Beginning with a brief description of the Muslim faith, the introductory chapters of this book illustrate how religious attitudes determine the form and function of Islamic art and architecture. The book then considers the genesis of a distinctly Islamic architecture from the first monuments when the Umayyad Caliphate, bringing with it political and mercantile acumen but scarce architectural knowledge, was totally dependent on the art, craft and building skills of the indigenous population in the countries it had conquered. These early monuments illustrate how the story of Islamic architecture is one of continuing adaptation, change and innovation in response to the complex cultural and racial diversity which constitutes the MusYeomans, Richard is the author of 'Story of Islamic Architecture ', published 1999 under ISBN 9781859641088 and ISBN 1859641083.