Famous Islamic

• Famous examples of Islamic Architecture

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During the Islamic civilization, around 10th century, the activity of exploring pattern and symmetry truly blossomed. For a period of about 400 years there was vigorous creativity. This resulted in a large number of sophisticated geometrical patterns and two of the most sublime monuments to symmetry that have ever been built- namely, the Nasrid Palace of Alhambra in Granada in Spain and the Taj Mahal in Agra in India. The Alhambra is a walled city and fortress in Granada, Spain. It was built during the last Islamic sultanate on the Iberian peninsula, the Nasrid Dynasty (1238-1492). The palace is lavishly decorated with stone and wood carvings and tile patterns on most of the ceilings, walls, and floors. Islamic art does not use representations of living beings, but heavily uses geometric patterns, especially symmetric (repeating) patterns. As for the Taj Mahal, Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. It was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. It is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream."