Identify the architectural elements of the Islamic mosque and ...

[newbem]

Identify the architectural elements of the Islamic mosque and discuss their significance.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the technique and effect of mosaic in Byzantine churches.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[shaquita]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. The mosque includes a multicolumned covered area, the hypostyle space, where worshipers gather for prayer.
2. It includes the qibla, a wall that indicates the direction of Mecca.
3. On the qibla is the minbar, or stepped pulpit for the preacher.
4. Also on the quibla is the mihrab, a niche commemorating the spot where Muhammad planted his lance in the direction people should pray.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. To create a work in mosaic, small pieces of stone, glass, or tile, called tesserae, are arranged in a pattern or image.
2. Byzantine artists wanted to create a symbolic, mystical art.
3. Gold mosaic could be made by sandwiching gold leaf between two small squares of glass, and polished glass was also used.
4. Tesserae could be set unevenly, at different angles, to create a shimmering, transcendent effect, heightened by the light from the church windows.