The products of a highly-developed architectural style even today bear witness to the greatness of Arabic culture. To the western eye, cities such as Jerusalem, Mecca, Baghdad or Cairo can seem
utterly alien. It is not only the way of life that is unfamiliar, it is also the astoundingly varied architecture. This volume surveys more than six centuries of Islamic architecture, from the
late 7th century to the mid-13th, placing mosques, Koran schools and palaces in their cultural, religious and political contexts. Distinctive features are its view of building as reflection of
Moslem thinking, and its focus on the Arab world.With more than 200 colour photographs, numerous plans, chronological tables and an extensive glossary, this is a reference work which appeals to
the expert and the travel-hungry reader alike.
