Integrating the Medieval Iberian Peninsula and North Africa in Islamic Architectural History
Glaire D. Anderson
How do Islamic art survey texts present the architecture of West, and how does this presentation shape perception Maghrib in university classrooms? Examining Great Mosque Qayrawān Cordoba as they appear four representative widely used history texts, article argues that a common historical narrative characterises early medieval North Africa ultimately derivative artistically inferior to Iraq, Egypt, Iberian Peninsula. The points shared chronological moment, which witnessed expansion prayer hall during reign ‘Abd al-Raḥmān II several building projects undertaken around same time by Aghlabid emirs Ifrīqiya. these two programmes relation one another leads different conclusions about monuments West than are offered privilege formalist readings. proposes utility pan-Straits approach emphasising specific contexts (historical, political, religious, social, artistic) within addressing problematic issues raised narrative. Such an approach, especially if combined with critical studies colonial structures informed scholarship on may offer means for discipline re-evaluate place larger art. It also provide move beyond inherited discourses its canon.
Journal of North African Studies