Arches

Arches, the Mosque at Cordoba, Spain

The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba (also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba or the Mezquita) in Córdoba, Spain is one of the greatest achievements in Moorish architecture. Construction of the mosque began in the 8th century after the Islāmic conquest of al-Andalus.. Begun by Abd al-Rahman I in A.D. 785 and expanded three times by his successors in the Umayyad dynasty, the mosque could hold 40,000 people. Córdoba became the capital of the Umayyad caliphate. With the caliphate came the artistic and architectural style elements of Syria and Byzantium, which mixed with existing design and building elements to become what is known as the Moorish style. The use of horseshoe, multifoil, and other arches in mosques in Spain helped spread Islāmic design throughout Europe. Arches served structural and functional purposes but became more decorative in Moorish design. The Mezquita combined Moorish and European elements. The innovative double arch arcade, with horseshoe arches supporting semi-circular arches, permitted a higher ceiling in the hypostyle prayer hall.

Join Becky’s July Square Perspective #31.

Only one rule, the image must be square. Thank you Becky for hosting this wonderful challenge. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for October.