Western Islamic Architecture: A Concise Introduction

Islamic mosques and palaces — from Spain to Egypt — are among the glories of world architecture and are universally studied and admired. This profusely illustrated introduction vividly describes that style, symbolized by the domes of mosques, mosaic-lined arcades, and filigreed interiors. A brief, scholarly essay, followed by drawings, maps, and photographs of excellent quality, contrasts the airy internal ornamentation of Spain's Alhambra with the austerity of Egypt's Mosque of Ibn Tulun, and compare both to the monumental Ottoman mosques built in Turkey.