SUBJECT: Art & Architecture

TOPIC: Mosaics

Introduction

A simple form of art, Mosaic uses hundreds of small tile or pottery pieces to build large pictures and images either on the floor or on walls. The tiny little pieces of tile are known as tesserae. This technique has been adopted by many cultures throughout such as in Rome, Greece and in Middle East. The technique used in its cladding is very effective due to which this art form is long lasting Popular belief states that the Middle eastern architecture is heavily influenced by the middle ages roman and Byzantium culture and therefore has included their signature style of mosaic art form in their architecture. This holds true because the Middle Eastern region makes extensive use of this art form in its architecture especially in mosques and other such structures. Byzantium essentially inherited the mosaic art form from the Roman Empire. Even though now, Middle East is predominantly Islamic, it was once inhabited by other religions such as Greeks and Romans, thus mosaic art is invariably a part of architecture throughout the Middle Eastern region. But an important difference in Byzantium and Islamic mosaic art is the motif itself. Byzantium and Roma era made extensive use of animal and human figures. The mosaic art was depiction of life, thus extensive use of animals, birds and human forms. But in sharp contrasts, Islamic architecture even though has embraced mosaic art; it did not adhere to anthropomorphism. Adaptation of Sassanid and Byzantium styles along with Germanic Visigoths made a huge impact on the architectural designs of Islamic buildings and structure, but it essentially evolved this art to make a unique form of it self consisting of geometric patterns instead human and animal forms.

In order to represent the importance of mosaics in the Middle Eastern culture one can refer to Jerash, located in Amman. Right from AD 350, Jersah was inhabited by a large Christian community, thus many churches were built here. These churches had magnificent mosaic art sculpted on the walls and the floorings. Similarly examples of Mosaic art in the form of pebbles can be seen in Turkey’s Antolian region which date back to almost circa 700BC. Arrival of Christianity resulted in the use of mosaic notably evident in the structures of Damascus, Mecca and Medina.

History of Mosaic in Middle East: Pre Islamic Era

In order to understand how the Islamic culture got influenced by the mosaic art, it is important delve into the pre Islamic era where the Byzantium and Roman structures adorned the floors and walls of churches. Inspired by this art form, Islamic culture adopted the style in their constructions.

A fitting example of mosaic art form is represented in Tell Mar Elias which is believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Elijah. A church complex was discovered here in 1999, which now constitutes the present day Jordan. Artistically placed multi-colour mosaic consisting of geometric and floral motifs was found in the church.

The Holy Land of Jerusalem has the highest concentration of mosaic art present in its churches and other structures. One of the most important of these mosaic structures is the Armenian Mosaic. Discovered near Damascus Gate in 1984, it has vine clusters and birds such as peacocks, storks, ducks and pigeons. Similarly on the outskirts of Jerusalem many churches have been discovered consisting of intricate designing using floral, geometric and animal motifs.

Lebanon too showcases remains of the Byzantium and Roman churches and structures that contain mosaic art as the central theme. In the church of St. John the Baptist, a huge mosaic floor was discovered, which had geometric designs throughout. It was discovered Byblos, Lebanon.

Islamic Era

Even after the dawn of Islamic era, mosaic art form was the chief feature in all the structures in Middle East. During the Umayyad period, mosaic art remained the central art form and was incorporated in religious buildings and palaces. Tile mosaic was to become a trademark of Islamic architecture throughout the Arab world.

The first impression of Mosaic art in the Islamic architecture is seen in the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem. Built between 688-692, it consist of glass mosaic work, and as it is an Islamic structure, the motifs are geometric and do not contain any human or animal motif. The style is inspired by the Byzantium traditions and thus incorporates many aspects of similar architecture. Even though heavily adopted from the Byzantium era, use of anthropomorphism was strictly prohibited in Islamic culture. This gave rise to evolving of unique mosaic form which included intricate geometrical design dominated by use of contrasting colour. One of the common features of Islamic mosaic form is the repetitive use of set patterns to formulate a uge geometric motif placed centrally over the structure

The Umayyad Mosque situated in Damascus, which was the capital of the then Arab Caliphate, makes use of mosaic art to depict heaven in the courtyard of the structure. It is complete with the depiction of pretty flowers, beautiful trees and hills. A continuous depiction is observed in ‘Barada Panel’ which makes use of huge tiles, unlike the former use of small tiles. Being an Islamic structure, the mosque was devoid of any kind of human and animal motifs, even though being heavily influenced by the Byzantium style of mosaic art which essentially incorporated life forms and human and animal forms.

Recent excavations revealed intricate mosaic work at Qastal, Amman. Which are estimated to be from the era of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, the caliphate. These mosaics were present mainly on the floorings of highly decorative building that is considered to be a palace. The entire floor is covered with mosaic work except for the courtyard and stairways. The motifs include rosettes, geometric designs, natural elements etc. Many such excavation carried out in Jordan also revealed extensive use of mosaic art, either as glass or tiles, with geometric motifs, in its structures. Every structure excavated, clearly showed signs of Byzantium influence, thus portraying the effect of Roman and Byzantium culture and art on the Islamic architecture. Further research reveals that Middle East structures made extensive use of small tiles and glass not only in the exteriors but also in the interiors of their structures, this tradition is yet carried out today wherein one observes extensive use of mosaic art in structures especially tombs and mosques.

Evolving of the art

As stated earlier, even though evolved from Byzantium and Roman art, Islamic architecture in the Middle East incorporated its own style. But it is important to note that while evolving this art form; many essential elements of mosaic art were lost. Mosaic art was essentially depiction of life, but that essence was entirely lost in Islamic architecture. As anthropomorphism was strictly condemned, the sculptors used geometric motifs or Arabic verses to decorate the walls

Thus the disintegration of the original art form gave rise to a new style in mosaic art. This art is prevalent in all Islamic structures even today.

But critics are sceptical of this change as it has essentially ruined the essence of mosaic art. Historians believe that preserving the original art form is necessary in order to feel its essence even after many years, but the Islamic architecture changed this form and evolved it into the present form.

Conclusion

Thus it becomes evident that from centuries, the Middle Eastern architecture is heavily influenced by mosaic art form as is evident from structures, palaces and mosques. Even today, Middle East structures, especially mosques and governmental buildings make heavy use of mosaic art work to enhance the beauty of the structures. Mosques present in Egypt, UAE and other such Middle Eastern regions make heavy use of mosaic in its interiors as well as the exteriors but not in its original form but in the way evolved over the years.. Therefore it becomes much evident that the Islamic culture embraces the intricacies of mosaic art in most of its structures.

References

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Culture/Arts/Jan/21/Saving-the-Middle-Easts-biggest-mosaic-with-a-masterpiece.ashx#axzz1qqgW9iJv

World Architecture 1900-2000: Middle East v. 5: A Critical Mosaic - World architecture 1900-2000: a critical mosaic Vol 5
Published
01/11/1999
Publisher
Springer Verlag GmbH

http://islamic-arts.org/2011/medieval-islamic-mosaics-and-modern-maths/

http://www.jordanjubilee.com/history/mosaics.htm