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This course focuses on the history of Muslim cultures through its religious architecture. Representative examples of mosques, madrasas, and mausolea from different parts of the world will be studied from the birth of Islam in 7th-century to nowadays. They will be analyzed in their architectural, urban, and stylistic contexts, and will be examined in conjunction with their historical, political, and intellectual settings. The survey also emphasises distinguished patrons, influential thinkers, and outstanding designers. By studying the significant monuments it will be possible to examine the processes underlying not only cultural exchanges between Muslim dynasties and nations themselves but also between Muslim and non-Muslim societies, as well as the stylistic transformations taking place in Islamic art and architecture in general. Far from being monolithic in its conception Mosque architecture in Muslim societies throughout the history demonstrates a remarkable aesthetic dexterity and cultural diversity.
