Muqarnas is an ornamentation element applied in Islamic architecture. It fills the inner parts of semi-domes with its honeycomb shape. Historically, muqarnas grew in their decorative use in the 12th century during Islam's golden age
Here are 20 extraordinary examples
A thread…
1/ Exquisite mirrored Muqarnas at Al-Askari Mosque, Samarra, Salah al-Din Governorate, Northern Iraq
2/ Astounding geometric Muqarnas details at Imamzadeh Jafar, Iran
A thread on @_Muratpalta Ottoman miniature take on movies…
1/ Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Ottoman Miniature Style @_Muratpalta
A 1971 fantasy film which tells the story of a poor child named Charlie Bucket who, after finding a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar, visits Willy Wonka's chocolate factory with four other children
As you probably guessed, this work depicts the final moments of Scarface (1983), where Tony Montana takes revenge on a team of assassins who have infiltrated his lavish compound
Eid al-Fitr translates as "the festival of the breaking of the fast" & marks the end of Ramadan. On Eid, many Muslims attend the mosque for Eid prayer.
To celebrate #EidAlFitr here are 24 exquisite domes & minarets, adorning mosques across the world #EidMubarak
A thread…
1/ Green Mosque, Turpan, China
Located in the center of the XinJiang province in an area known as the "Turpan Depression", the lowest & hottest place in China.
This a close up of the entrance and two central minarets to 'the green mosque' #EidMubarak#EidUlFitr
2/ Putra Mosque (Pink Mosque), Malaysia
Construction of the mosque began in 1997 and was completed two years later. The pink-domed Mosque is constructed with rose-tinted granite. The mosque can accommodate 15,000 worshippers #EidMubarak#EidUlFitr
Friday is the holy day for Muslims, and Fridays in Ramadan are especially important. Muslims gather for congregational prayer (Jum’ah) in Mosques.
To celebrate the last Friday in Ramadan, here are 10 contemporary artists illustrating & painting Islamic architecture…
A thread…
1/ Canadian artist @salwanajmart is a contemporary realist & calligraphy painter.
With a strong admiration of Islamic history & architecture, her detailed & colorful paintings pay homage to the most magnificent mosques built throughout the centuries…
2/ Fascinated with Islamic architecture & changing cityscapes, Turkish artist @afaruk_yilmaz is known for his iconic drawings, contrasting heritage from the past with modern buildings in his detailed colourful illustrations
Muslims believe Laylat al-Qadr, is the night God first revealed the Qurʾān to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through the angel Gabriel. It takes place on one of the final 10 nights of Ramadan.
For #LaylatalQadr here are 23 Qur’anic manuscripts in museums & collections.
A thread…
1/ Folio from Qur’an, 1075-1100 Saljuq
Iran @NatAsianArt
Sura al-Ma'ida (the Table spread) 5:34 and part of 35, recto begins with "illalladhina"; verso: sura 5:parts of 35 and 36, verso begins with "waja[a]hidu; Arabic in black eastern kufic (New Style) #Ramadan#LaylatulQadr
2/ Folio from Qur’an, 9th - 10th century
North Africa @brooklynmuseum
The “Blue” Qur’an, named after the rich, indigo-dyed parchment used for its folios, is arguably one of the most extraordinary luxury manuscripts ever created #Ramadan#LaylatulQadr
Mosques are adorned beautifully, with coloured mosaics & tiles. This is believed to reflect the divine beauty of the universe. For this reason, the artistry of mosaics are regarded as an expression of faith
For Ramadan, here are 24 mosaics in Mosques around the world
A thread…
1/ Mosaic from the Jāmeh Mosque of Isfahān, Iran
Also known as the Friday Mosque of Isfahān (مسجد جمعه). The mosque is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions & renovations on the site from around 771 to the end of the 20th century #Ramadan
2/ Mosaic from The Gūr-i Amīr, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Built in 1404, by Timur. It has an important place in the history of Central Asian Architecture, & influenced Mughal architecture, including Gardens of Babur in Kabul, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi & the Taj Mahal in Agra #Ramadan