Middle Eastern Art and Architecture

To understand middle eastern art or architecture, first thing is to identify what we can call middle eastern regions. Although various controversy exists about the boundaries of middle east, it mostly covers the following regions: Arabian Peninsula, Levant, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Persian Gulf, North Africa.

Middle east include region like Egypt (north Africa), Iraq (Mesopotamia), Palestine (Levant) and many other significant zones that are considered as a hub of art and architecture and had significant hold on culture and diversity over changing centuries. Middle Eastern art and architecture are significant due to their cultural preservation, religious and spiritual expression, global influence, technological advancements, artistic innovation, and their role in facilitating cross-cultural exchanges. They play a vital role in shaping our understanding of history, aesthetics, and the artistic achievements of the Middle East and beyond.

For example, the built of the Roman Colosseum had spectacular similarity to the pyramids of Egypt. Though they belong to different time period it is safe to assume that the last Pharaoh of Egypt had significant influence over Roman dictators that resulted in this cross-culture transmission of architecture, hence transmitting not only a form of art but actually sharing the history and cult of Alexandria to Rome. 

The middle eastern culture of art and architecture spans a vast timeline, starting from the Mesopotamic period (4000 BCE - 539 BCE) to the contemporary culture and art that exists today (1922 onwards). In between it has evidenced the uprising and fall of several empire over its explorable terrain and thus now we have a huge history of art and architecture to look at and analyse in these regions. Its fascinating how uniquely they are dissimilar but how much same basis they used to form the skeletal structure for each monument or temples or any buildings of significance.

Middle east has not only evidenced a shift in culture but also religion resulting in creation of different frameworks. The Babylonians were polytheistic and build temples like the Tower of Babel followed by the Egyptian time period that has an intricate bonding with the concept of deities and the preservation of humans by building pyramids that have complicated architectural build. Its almost a mystery that how the Egyptians managed to create such structures with ease. This art is not only bound to rocks but also is reflected in carvings and fonts that we term hieroglyphs. The wall paintings in the inner side of the pyramids are believed to be a way to commute with Gods. The rise of the Islamic art and architecture from 7th century onwards changed the course of the tide. Islamic architecture is notable for its mosques, palaces, madrasas (educational institutions), and mausoleums. Key features include domes, arches, geometric patterns, and calligraphy. The Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain and the Alhambra palace complex in Granada are renowned examples of Islamic architecture. Famous fictional writers have been fascinated by these architectural views and made them eternal in their works. Islamic influences are seen in later Persian architecture, particularly in the intricate tilework and dome structures of mosques, such as the Masjid-i Imam in Isfahan. Persian miniature paintings are also famous for their detailed and vibrant depictions of scenes from literature, history, and mythology. The Ottoman Empire left a lasting impact on the art and architecture of the Middle East. Ottoman architecture is characterized by large domes, semi-domes, and intricate decorations. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans and exemplifies their architectural style. Ottoman art also included calligraphy, ceramics, and textiles.

These are quantitative analysis of middle eastern art and architecture but their significance doesn’t end here. Middle Eastern art and architecture serve as a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the region. They provide insights into the beliefs, traditions, and way of life of ancient civilizations, preserving their history for future generations. Middle Eastern art and architecture have influenced artistic styles worldwide. Elements such as geometric patterns, arabesque designs, calligraphy, and the use of colourful tiles have been incorporated into various artistic traditions, including European art during the Renaissance and Islamic-influenced architecture in other regions. Middle Eastern architecture has contributed to the advancement of architectural techniques and engineering. Structures like the arch, dome, and vault were perfected and used extensively in Middle Eastern architecture, influencing architectural practices around the world. The development of advanced construction methods, such as the use of brick and stone, allowed for the creation of monumental structures with great durability. Middle Eastern art encompasses a wide range of artistic mediums, including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and miniature paintings. These artistic forms have evolved over centuries, showcasing the region's creative expression, innovative techniques, and aesthetic sensibilities. Middle Eastern artists have explored themes such as spirituality, mythology, history, and cultural identity, contributing to the global artistic discourse.

At the end, Middle Eastern art and architecture often reflect this cultural amalgamation, incorporating influences from neighbouring regions and distant lands. They serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness and shared artistic heritage of diverse culture.

~Sohini Naskar