Question

How does the interior and exterior decoration of the Dome of the Rock compare and/or contrast with Early Christian and Byzantine architectural decoration? Or of Buddhist and Hindu architectural decoration? What are some of the themes and design elements of Islamic religious architecture? Why are no animal or human figures shown in the architectural decoration of the Dome of the Rock?

Answer 1

The interior and exterior decoration of the Dome of the Rock can be compared and contrasted with Early Christian and Byzantine architectural decoration, as well as Buddhist and Hindu architectural decoration. The Dome of the Rock primarily focuses on calligraphic inscriptions and vegetative motifs in its decoration. Islamic religious architecture avoids the representation of human and animal figures, placing emphasis on the written word and abstract designs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interior and exterior decoration of the Dome of the Rock can be compared and contrasted with Early Christian and Byzantine architectural decoration, as well as Buddhist and Hindu architectural decoration. While Early Christian and Byzantine architecture often featured figurative art and intricate mosaics, the Dome of the Rock primarily focused on calligraphic inscriptions and vegetative motifs in its decoration. This is because Islamic religious architecture traditionally avoids the representation of human and animal figures, placing emphasis on the written word and abstract designs.