By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: July 25, 2024
Which geometric design element is extensively used in Islamic art and architecture?
a) Circle
b) Square
c) Arabesque
d) Triangle Answer: c) Arabesque
The Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain is an example of Islamic architecture influenced by which civilization?
a) Greek
b) Roman
c) Byzantine
d) Moorish Answer: d) Moorish
What is the tall tower used to call the faithful to prayer in Islamic architecture called?
a) Spire
b) Steeple
c) Dome
d) Minaret Answer: d) Minaret
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is renowned for its:
a) Copper dome
b) Gold-plated dome
c) Silver dome
d) Brass dome Answer: b) Gold-plated dome
The Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, is located in which country?
a) India
b) Iran
c) Saudi Arabia
d) Egypt Answer: a) India
What serves as a focal point for prayer in mosques and is often adorned with intricate designs?
a) Minaret
b) Qibla
c) Mihrab
d) Sahn Answer: c) Mihrab
The Alhambra palace in Spain is known for its intricate:
a) Frescoes
b) Mosaics
c) Stucco work
d) Wood carvings Answer: c) Stucco work
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is named for the:
a) Blue tiles adorning its interior
b) Blue domes
c) Blue carpets
d) Blue calligraphy Answer: a) Blue tiles adorning its interior
Which type of Islamic architectural structure consists of a covered passageway around a courtyard?
a) Dome
b) Arcade
c) Minaret
d) Minbar Answer: b) Arcade
The use of horseshoe arches is characteristic of which Islamic architectural style?
a) Ottoman
b) Moorish
c) Mughal
d) Persian Answer: b) Moorish
Islamic art often features intricate designs based on natural motifs such as:
a) Human figures
b) Animals
c) Plants
d) All of the above Answer: c) Plants
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, was initially a Christian church before being converted into a mosque by which Islamic ruler?
a) Suleiman the Magnificent
b) Mehmed the Conqueror
c) Selim the Grim
d) Osman I Answer: b) Mehmed the Conqueror
Islamic architecture emphasizes:
a) Asymmetry
b) Complexity
c) Simplicity
d) Symmetry Answer: d) Symmetry
The word “mihrab” refers to:
a) A tower
b) A dome
c) A niche in the mosque indicating the direction of Mecca
d) A courtyard Answer: c) A niche in the mosque indicating the direction of Mecca
Islamic calligraphy is an essential element of art and is often used to:
a) Decorate mosques and manuscripts
b) Adorn carpets
c) Carve wood
d) Paint frescoes Answer: a) Decorate mosques and manuscripts
The use of mosaics is a prominent feature in Islamic architecture, especially in:
a) North Africa
b) Central Asia
c) Southeast Asia
d) South Asia Answer: a) North Africa
The use of muqarnas, or stalactite vaulting, is a distinctive feature of which Islamic architectural style?
a) Ottoman
b) Mughal
c) Mamluk
d) Safavid Answer: c) Mamluk
The use of pointed arches is a characteristic feature of Islamic architecture in which region?
a) South Asia
b) Southeast Asia
c) North Africa
d) Western Europe Answer: c) North Africa
The use of geometric patterns in Islamic art reflects Islamic beliefs about:
a) The diversity of nature
b) The transience of life
c) The unity of God and the universe
d) The chaos of existence Answer: c) The unity of God and the universe
The calligraphic script used in Islamic art is known as:
a) Hieroglyphics
b) Kufic
c) Cuneiform
d) Gothic Answer: b) Kufic
The use of muqarnas allows Islamic architects to create:
a) Flat roofs
b) Intricate domes and vaults
c) Tall minarets
d) Elaborate gardens Answer: b) Intricate domes and vaults
The Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, is renowned for its:
a) Blue tiles and majestic dome
b) Golden spires
c) Marble columns
d) Fresco paintings Answer: a) Blue tiles and majestic dome
Islamic calligraphy is often used to write verses from which holy book?
a) Bible
b) Quran
c) Torah
d) Gita Answer: b) Quran
The use of horseshoe arches in Islamic architecture was influenced by which civilization?
a) Greek
b) Roman
c) Visigoths
d) Persians Answer: c) Visigoths
The use of muqarnas in Islamic architecture creates the impression of:
a) Flatness
b) Depth and intricacy
c) Simplicity
d) Geometric precision Answer: b) Depth and intricacy
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is built on the site of:
a) The Temple Mount
b) The Kaaba
c) The Sphinx
d) The Tower of Babel Answer: a) The Temple Mount
Islamic architecture often features courtyards, reflecting the importance of:
a) Communal living
b) Privacy and contemplation
c) Agricultural activities
d) Trade and commerce Answer: b) Privacy and contemplation
The Great Mosque of Damascus in Syria is one of the oldest mosques in the world and is known for its:
a) Blue domes
b) Grand courtyard
c) Golden spires
d) Marble columns Answer: b) Grand courtyard
The use of arabesque patterns in Islamic art is meant to evoke:
a) Mysticism
b) Nature
c) Mathematics
d) History Answer: b) Nature
The Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, features:
a) Frescoes
b) Mosaics
c) Ornate stucco work
d) Wood carvings Answer: c) Ornate stucco work
