Islamic Art and Architecture (Islamic Study) MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: July 25, 2024

  1. Which geometric design element is extensively used in Islamic art and architecture?
    a) Circle
    b) Square
    c) Arabesque
    d) Triangle
    Answer: c) Arabesque
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. The Alhambra palace in Spain is known for its intricate:
    a) Frescoes
    b) Mosaics
    c) Stucco work
    d) Wood carvings
    Answer: c) Stucco work
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. The use of horseshoe arches is characteristic of which Islamic architectural style?
    a) Ottoman
    b) Moorish
    c) Mughal
    d) Persian
    Answer: b) Moorish
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Islamic architecture emphasizes:
    a) Asymmetry
    b) Complexity
    c) Simplicity
    d) Symmetry
    Answer: d) Symmetry
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. The calligraphic script used in Islamic art is known as:
    a) Hieroglyphics
    b) Kufic
    c) Cuneiform
    d) Gothic
    Answer: b) Kufic
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. Islamic calligraphy is often used to write verses from which holy book?
    a) Bible
    b) Quran
    c) Torah
    d) Gita
    Answer: b) Quran
  24. The use of horseshoe arches in Islamic architecture was influenced by which civilization?
    a) Greek
    b) Roman
    c) Visigoths
    d) Persians
    Answer: c) Visigoths
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. The use of arabesque patterns in Islamic art is meant to evoke:
    a) Mysticism
    b) Nature
    c) Mathematics
    d) History
    Answer: b) Nature
  30. The Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain, features:
    a) Frescoes
    b) Mosaics
    c) Ornate stucco work
    d) Wood carvings
    Answer: c) Ornate stucco work

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