Masterpieces of the Umayyads: The Birth of Islamic Art"

Islamic Art and the Umayyad Dynasty

The Umayyad dynasty (661-750 CE) was a very important time in the history of Islam. During their rule, they built some of the most famous buildings and created beautiful art that is still admired today. The Umayyads took ideas from different cultures but added their own special touches that became important in Islamic art.

Two Major Contributions of the Umayyads to Islamic Art

Buildings and Architecture

The Umayyads built impressive buildings like mosques and palaces. They used big domes (round roofs), arches, and courtyards in their designs. These buildings mixed ideas from other cultures but also introduced new Islamic features, like beautiful designs and writing. These buildings influenced later Islamic architecture.

Mosaic Art and Decorations

The Umayyads decorated their buildings with colorful tiles and mosaics (tiny pieces of stone or glass arranged to make pictures or patterns). These mosaics often showed gardens, palaces, and patterns but didn't include pictures of people or animals, as that wasn't allowed in Islamic art. These decorative designs became a big part of Islamic art.

Famous Umayyad Buildings

Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem)

The Dome of the Rock, built in 691 CE in Jerusalem, is one of the most famous buildings from the Umayyad period. It's important because it's located on a sacred site for both Jews and Christians. It's also believed to be the place where the Prophet Muhammad went to heaven. The Dome is famous for its large golden dome and beautiful decorations.

Great Mosque of Damascus (Syria)

The Great Mosque of Damascus, built around 715 CE, is one of the oldest and biggest mosques in the world. The mosque mixes different building styles but also shows the unique Islamic touch with its courtyards and prayer rooms. It's well-known for its amazing mosaics that show gardens and palaces, representing paradise in Islam.

Impact on Later Islamic Art

The buildings and art created by the Umayyads helped shape how Islamic art developed in later years. The beautiful patterns and decorations they used were copied by other empires like the Abbasids and Ottomans.