An example of a minaret: a tower, circular, octagonal, or square in section, built next to or in a mosque, from which the Muslims are called to prayer. (Image by Nasser Rabbat.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Nasser Rabbat
MIT Course Number
4.614
As Taught In
Fall 2002
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
This course introduces the history of Islamic cultures through their most vibrant material signs: the religious architecture that spans fourteen centuries and three continents — Asia, Africa, and Europe. The course presents Islamic architecture both as a historical tradition and as a cultural catalyst that influenced and was influenced by the civilizations with which it came in contact.