Evolution of Islamic Architecture: Caliphate to Nasrid Styles

Periods of Islamic Art

Caliphate Period

During this era, architecture saw the widespread use of the horseshoe arch, characterized by increased height. Architects adopted the Corinthian capital from Roman art, while arch segments were aligned horizontally toward the "kidneys" of the arch, a style known as the enjarjazo arch. By the mid-10th century, the caliphal arch, lobed arch, and the Alfiz were introduced. Vaulting techniques were common, excluding the dome. Decoration focused primarily on simple geometric patterns and plant motifs. The most characteristic architectural construction of this period is the Great Mosque.

Almohad Period

Following the disruption of the Caliphate into various Taifa kingdoms, the Almoravids arrived to unify the territories. They were followed by the Almohads, who originated from Africa and remained until the 13th century. In the architectural field, buildings were often raised on stilts, utilizing pointed horseshoe and lobed arches.

Regarding Almohad vaults, architects introduced thinner, multiplied nerves that did not meet in the center. Muqarnas were introduced—geometric shapes resembling stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Decorative plant motifs, known as atauriques, were frequently used. The most relevant example of this period is the Giralda.

Nasrid Period

This period marked a return to the use of columns, characterized by narrow, smooth, and thin shafts. The column rests on a base, and the capital comprises a cylindrical body topped by a parallelepiped. Inside, false arches were used to open bays, while the traditional horseshoe arch disappeared, being reduced only to the mihrab. The most widely used style became the stilted arch, where the arrow of the bow extends above the semicircle, creating an angular appearance. Architects utilized stalactite vaults of all kinds. The most important architectural building of this period, despite its civil nature, is the Alhambra in Granada.