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The influence of culture on Architecture
Arabesque
This decorative pattern is found on plates, ceilings, walls and other objects such as ornaments. Arabesque represent a symmetrical and abstract drawing of plantes, flowers, landscapes or exagerated arabic text. Arabesque, as an art form which became popular in Mosques because it was forbidden (harram) to portray images of God (Allah) or the Prophet Mohamed. You can see a prolific example of Arabesque decorations inside the Blue Mosque located in Istanbul Turkey.
Cupolas
This is a type of roof often shaped like a dome. It is usually meant to give a person situated under such roof (dome) the impression they are located under the sky and an impression of infiniti. They are often detailed with arabesque paintings or ceramic tiles.
Minaret
A minaret (meaning ¨light house¨ in arabic) is a tall and slim tower connected to a Mosque. Minaret towers are used as a sacred place from where a prayer can be chanted and broadcasted. These towers also represent the gate between heaven and earth. It also made Mosques easier to locate.
Gardens
Islamic architecture often include gardens. According to the Qur'an (the defining text of islamic religion), gardens serve to represent paradise. Usually gardens include flowing water and is surrounded by trees to separate it from the outside world and provide shade.
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