As a result, Indo-Islamic architecture may be seen across the state. Gujarat's peculiar Indo-Islamic architectural style borrowed micro-architectural components from previous Maru-Gurjara architecture and used them in the mihrab, roofs, doorways, minarets, and facades. The most distinctive feature of this style is its use of white plaster on red sandstone background.
The first evidence of Islamic architecture in India dates back to 7th century when Arab traders built mosques in Malabar (now part of Kerala) at various ports. In 877 AD, another wave of Arabs arrived in India and this time they brought with them advanced engineering skills which they used to build dams, bridges, and ships.
Over the next few centuries, many more mosques were built across Gujarat using these innovative techniques introduced by the Arabs. The most important centers of learning from where these techniques emerged include Baghdad, Damascus, Basra, and Samarqand.
In 1596, the first Englishman Thomas Cavendish visited Gujarat and recorded seeing "great monasteries" built with "marble, stone, and timber". This must have been about the time when the Portuguese began building churches in Gujerat using wood instead of mud or brick. By 1669, the Dutch had also started building houses in Ahmedabad using wood.
The Indo-Islamic architecture reflected the new sultans' artistic legacy and encompassed both religious and secular constructions. While indigenous architecture is known as Trabeate, in which the space is spanned by beams set horizontally, Islamic architecture is arcuate, in which arches are utilized to bridge a space. The Beyoglu district in modern-day Istanbul is an excellent example of this style.
During the Ottoman Empire era, many buildings were constructed using local materials such as stone, brick, and wood, but also using elements from other cultures including Arabesque windows, European-style doors, and Indian features such as domes and minarets.
In conclusion, Indo-Islamic architecture represents the cultural blend that characterized the Ottoman Empire. It was an eclectic mix of different styles and techniques that resulted in a unique visual language that can be seen in present-day Turkey.
Gateway of India, Mumbai/Indo-Saracenic architecture/Architectural styles: Indo-Saracenic. It was built in 1924 by George Wittet and Company, London.
The gateway consists of four towers each capped with a helix-shaped clock tower and surmounted by a flagpole. The central tower is 73 m high while the others are 72 m. The complex also includes two large arches that were part of the original entrance to Bombay (now called Mumbai). These graceful stone structures are now used as public toilets.
George Wittet had also designed the Imperial Hotel in Bombay (which was never built). He died before he could complete his project. His son took over the work but did not live up to his father's standards. The main attraction of this place is not the architecture but the view from the top of the gatehouse where you can have a fine view of the city.
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Islamic style architecture is characterized by its heavy use of stone. The walls and domes are made of stone, as are the floors inside the buildings. Wooden beams are used to support the structures above floor level. The use of wood is also common in Islamic architecture for doors, windows, and furniture.
Alai Darwaza is an example of Islamic style architecture. It is a large three-storey structure with a dome on top. Inside, there are several rooms where people could have lived or gathered for religious discussions.
This type of building was very popular in Iran and some other parts of the Middle East. They were often built as royal residences for the rulers, but they could also be converted into mosques if the ruler decided so. The Alai Darwaza in Shiraz has been converted into a museum where people can see how it used to be back in its glory days.
All that remains of many of these buildings in Iran today is the foundation because they were used for storing grain. But many examples can still be seen in various countries around the world including Pakistan, Turkey, and Syria.
The construction of forts and tombs bore a remarkable similarity to Islamic architecture under the patronage of the Mughal rulers. The Persian and Indian styles were cleverly combined to produce works of high quality and accuracy. This article focuses on only two types of Mughal buildings: forts and tombs.
Forts were large fortified settlements built by various Indian rulers to protect their cities from invasion. They usually consisted of an outer wall with open spaces between the walls for movement of soldiers and supplies. The Mughals built several forts around Delhi to protect it from invasion. The most important of these was called after its creator, the Red Fort. It covered about 20 acres and was surrounded by a deep trench filled with water to prevent vehicles entering the fort.
Inside the fort there were mosques, temples, libraries, residential quarters for officers, servants, and camp followers (who were often slaves or women bought from slave traders). There were also prisons, slaughterhouses, and other public facilities.
Forts were also used as royal residences when the capital was moved to a new city. For example, the Mughals used the fort now known as Purana Qila (old fort) in Delhi as their residence when they shifted their capital to Delhi from Shahjahanabad (now known as Mumbai).
Mughal architecture is a distinct Indo-Islamic architectural style that emerged in northern and central India from the 16th to the 18th centuries under the patronage of Mughal monarchs. It's a stunningly symmetrical and beautiful mash-up of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture. The most famous example is the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The Mughals were descendants of Turks who had invaded Central Asia and Iran many generations before they arrived in India. They adopted many aspects of culture from around them, including the art of building mosques and tombs. As part of their own empire-building efforts, they also incorporated elements of various styles they encountered during their travels. For example, the Great Mughals built using Italian architects and engineers, while the small princely states were administered by officials from across Europe and the Middle East.
In terms of design, Mughal architecture is known for its use of white marble and bright colors. The main buildings are usually surrounded by large gardens, which contain many varieties of trees, flowers, and herbs. These provide relief during the hot Indian summers and help keep the environment cool in the cold winters.
One of the greatest architects of all time was Muhammad Jumahi (1591-1656), who was born into a family of stone masons in Gorgan, Iran.
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