Böcker av Yasser Tabbaa

Presents transformations in Islamic architecture and ornament in relation to parallel theological and political changesThis volume collects Yasser Tabbaa's investigative and interpretive articles on medieval Islamic architecture, ornament and gardens in Syria and Iraq, with comparative expansions into Anatolia, Egypt, North Africa and Spain. The monuments in question, many of which have vanished in recent years, are examined within the context of the political divisions and theological ruptures that characterised the Islamic world between the 11th and 13th centuries.The writings cover such significant forms as muqarnas vaulting, proportioned Qur'anic scripts and cursive public inscriptions, and monument types such as the madrasa, the hospital, the tribunal (dar al-'adl) and the citadel palace. Collectively, they present medieval Islamic architecture as a transformative process that echoes Abbasid glory and signals future developments in later Islamic architecture.Key Features¿ Discusses monuments in Syria and Iraq, many of which have vanished without being properly studied¿ Explores innovations in medieval Islamic architecture within the shifting political and theological landscape¿ Reaffirms the centrality of the Abbasid Caliphate in these innovations and their dispersion throughout the Islamic world¿ Expands on the role of poetry in the transmission of garden and fountain types from the eastern to the western Islamic world¿ Explores the unprecedented expansion of Shi'i shrines in Syria, largely due to Iranian patronageYasser Tabbaa has taught Islamic art and architecture for 35 years in several major US universities, including MIT, the University of Michigan, and Oberlin College. He is the author of several books including Constructions of Power and Piety in Medieval Aleppo (1997) and The Transformation of Islamic Art during the Sunni Revival (2001).

This new MWNF Travel Book was conceived not long before the war started. All texts refer to the pre-war situation and are our expression of hope that Syria, a land that witnessed the evolution of civilisation since the beginnings of human history, may soon become a place of peace and the driving force behind a new and peaceful beginning for the entire region. Bilad al-Sham testifies to a thorough and strategic programme of urban reconstruction and reunification during the 12th and 13th centuries. Amidst a period of fragmentation, visionary leadership came with the Atabeg Nur al-Din Zangi. He revived Syria's cities as safe havens to restore order. His most agile Kurdish general, Salah al-Din (Saladin), assumed power after he died and unified Egypt and Sham into one force capable of re-conquering Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The Ayyubid Empire flourished and continued the policy of patronage. Though short-lived, this era held long-lasting resonance for the region. Its recognisable architectural aesthetic - austere, yet robust and perfected ¿ survived until modern times.The Ayyubid Era: Art and Architecture in Medieval Syria describes eight thematic Itineraries including, among others, the cities of Damascus, Bosra, Homs, Hama, Aleppo and Raqqa.This title is part of the series "Islamic Art in the Mediterranean". Each title in this series starts with a general introduction to the series, followed by an introduction to the particular title. For the eBook / Kindle version: the "Look Inside" link gives access to the table of contents of this title and to a part of its particular introduction. For the paperback version: the "Look Inside" link provides access to the general introduction. Note: only the eBook includes an index of locations.