Architecture of the Islamic West
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North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, 700–1800
Jonathan M. Bloom
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 It is richly illustrated with photographs, specially commissioned architectural plans, and historical documents.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.
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 It is richly illustrated with photographs, specially commissioned architectural plans, and historical documents.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.
Jonathan M. Bloom was the Norma Jean Calderwood University Professor of Islamic and Asian Art at Boston College and the Hamad bin Khalifa Endowed Chair of Islamic Art at Virginia Commonwealth University.
“For more than a millennium, as this richly illustrated volume affirms, Islamic architectural styles prospered around the western and southern Mediterranean - from the Alhambra to the Cappella Palatina.”—Apollo Magazine
“[A] remarkable volume . . . lavishly illustrated . . . The book offers cogent, fresh observations on nearly every page . . . The variety of styles and ornament is astounding . . . A delight for anyone interested in Islamic architecture and culture.”—L. Nees, Choice
“Offers a tantalising glimpse into the richness of the buildings of the Western Mediterranean, leaving the reader hungry for more- in short this volume serves as the perfect amuse-bouche for the non-specialist, and a welcome contribution for specialists in need of a competent, survey text to introduce Islamicate architecture of North Africa and al-Andalus to new students.”—Sarah Slingluff, Al-Masaq (Journal of the Medieval Mediterranean)
CHOICE Outstanding Academic Titles 2021
ISBN: 9780300218701
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
320 pages, 8 1/2 x 10 1/2
281 color + b/w illus.
281 color + b/w illus.