The influence of spolia on islamic architecture

Ali, Muhammad Mumtaz

doi:10.2495/ha-v1-n3-334-343

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The most well-known example is that of the Arch of Constantine in Rome, whose spolia have over the years been variously interpreted in one or more of these ways (for brief overviews, see: Brandenburg 2011, 56-59;Liverani 2011, 33-38; for a detailed © Equinox Publishing Ltd. 2021 description: Elsner 2000; Pensabene 2015, 92-108). Analogous debates have also begun in disciplines that focus on other geographical and chronological contexts, including Islamic Art History, although the explanations for reuse, if attempted at all, are often similar to those already mentioned (for instance, see : Allen 1986;Bente 2006, 142-143;Ali and Magdi 2017).…”

Section: Problematizing "Reuse"mentioning

confidence: 97%

Different Fates of Architectures

Pini

2021

JIA

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This paper aims to problematize the issue of reuse and reoccupation of architectures and building materials in the Near East. So far, the vast majority of research and published work dealing with this topic (not only in the field of Islamic Archaeology and Art History) have focused on the monumental complexes of urban centres. In this framework, the concept of spolia has been at the centre of a long and still heated transdisciplinary debate. Vernacular architecture and rural contexts have, for the most part, been neglected. Frequent episodes of reoccupation of earlier structures, even if thoroughly described in archaeological reports are almost automatically branded as the result of pragmatic behaviour of local communities benefitting from the availability of abundant building materials from ruined structures. However, the vast number of ways in which reuse and reoccupation might have occurred is often overlooked. Even conceding that most of the evidence is likely due to some form or other of “pragmatism,” the different ways in which these appear need to be more fully explained and interpreted. This paper, which builds on existing scholarship of reuse and reoccupation, argues for a rethinking of the methodology. Other experiences, most notably those investigating the late Antique and early Medieval western Mediterranean, provide a useful point of reference for where to start the discussion. This paper will demonstrate how extending the perspective from the single building to the broader context, including the surrounding landscape, is ultimately the only way to fully comprehend the archaeological evidence and possibly better understand and explain the different “fates” of architectures.

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Section: Problematizing "Reuse"mentioning

confidence: 97%

Different Fates of Architectures

Pini

2021

JIA

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“…Utilitarian and Economic Motives: One of the earliest and most tangible interpretations of the reuse of spolia lies in utilitarian and economic motives. Ancient civilizations such as Pharaonic Egypt engaged in the reuse of durable construction materials for economic reasons, reducing labor efforts in extraction and craftsmanship (Macaulay, 1975;Ali & Magdi, 2017). This practice extended into the early Christian period, where architectural elements from Roman classical buildings found new life in the churches (Underwood, 2019;Huberts, 2014;Hansen, 2015).…”

Section: Interpretations Of the Reuse Of Spoliamentioning

confidence: 99%

Reuse of Heritage Spolia in Iraq: A Historical Exploration

2024

ISVS

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The practice of the reuse of 'Spolia' involves the extraction of architectural elements and materials from heritage buildings for relocation to other sites or structures. If employed, it provides unique opportunities to conserve valuable resources and foster sustainability in architectural conservation. Unfortunately, this is an issue often overlooked by most local institutions, private stakeholders, building industry practitioners and the conservationists. In this context, this paper examines the historical traditions of the reuse of Spolia in Iraq.The research employs a descriptive analytical approach, with case studies as a method. Data is sourced from an examination of literature on the historical architecture of Iraq. It follows a periodization that spans from the ancient Mesopotamia to the contemporary era. Data is also obtained through onsite observations and interviews.It concludes that in the pre-Islamic Iraq, the reuse of building materials predominantly served economic and utilitarian motives. Symbolic reuse of architectural elements has been more prominent during the Abbasid rule and the subsequent periods. The modern local practice of the reuse of Spolia not only prioritizes economic considerations but also emphasizes aesthetic values, intertwining with the emulation of local identity.

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“…The very concept of Islamic architecture' is highly contested in today's architectural discourse because it has remained uncertain if a building considered Islamic truly represents 'Islamic architecture'. Ali et al (2017) gave an example from Egypt where some ancient architectural features were used to design Islamic structures to attest that what is perceived to be 'Islamic architecture' is, in fact, an imitation and replication of earlier designs and building methods.…”

Section: Mohammad a Mulazadehmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Islamic Architecture By Focusing on the City of Yazd, Iran

Mohammad A. Mulazadeh

2024

maqolat

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This research aimed to investigate Islamic architecture and its architectural impact on the city form and building structure in the Islamic world. This research's theoretical base was founded on the frequently used term 'Islamic architecture' in the literature that allegedly has created its physical expression. The method of literature review was used to confirm whether 'Islamic architecture' created its iconic physical structures. The Iranian city of Yazd was selected as a case study to document if any identified element in the ancient city of Yazd was affected by the so called 'Islamic architecture'. The reviewed literature revealed no agreement among researchers to confirm that there is a recognised physical form, theory, or method to represent 'Islamic architecture' in the Islamic world. This finding and literature review point to a clear conclusion that there was no typical form of architectural design that could show the existence of so-called 'Islamic architecture' all over the Islamic world. This paper may stimulate and excite the Islamic advocates’ interest to further investigate and introduce evidence of recognised physical form or iconic structure to portray Islamic architecture.

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The influence of spolia on islamic architecture

Cited by 5 publications

References 1 publication

Different Fates of Architectures

Different Fates of Architectures

Reuse of Heritage Spolia in Iraq: A Historical Exploration

Investigating the Islamic Architecture By Focusing on the City of Yazd, Iran

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