Architecture
Much of the architecture in northern Africa has been influenced by Islam. Visually striking mosques (like the one shown to the right) are predominant throughout the region.
This influence began in the early 8th century when Islam's strength and unity was at it's greatest and controlled the northern border of Africa. These traders combined influences of indigenous designs with ideas from the Middle East. If you are intersted in learning more about the history of northern Africa this site or our page on history.
The design that was produced from these early Muslims is now commonly known as Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The fusion of the two styles of african architecure and islamic architecture create a deep feeling of mysticism and spirituality. The architectures is characterized by consisting largely of compact mud and tent structures. An strikingly identifying factor of Sudano-Sahelian architecture is how the support beams burst out the side of the building. Not only is this for structural support, but also for use as scaffolding in case rework had to be done. It is common for these structures to be surrounded by high walls. This type of architecture is highly regarded for its organic nature. In fact, western countries are trying to implement organic techniques into how they build their cities. Perhaps they could learn from the Sudano-Sahelian style of northern Africa.
This influence began in the early 8th century when Islam's strength and unity was at it's greatest and controlled the northern border of Africa. These traders combined influences of indigenous designs with ideas from the Middle East. If you are intersted in learning more about the history of northern Africa this site or our page on history.
The design that was produced from these early Muslims is now commonly known as Sudano-Sahelian architecture. The fusion of the two styles of african architecure and islamic architecture create a deep feeling of mysticism and spirituality. The architectures is characterized by consisting largely of compact mud and tent structures. An strikingly identifying factor of Sudano-Sahelian architecture is how the support beams burst out the side of the building. Not only is this for structural support, but also for use as scaffolding in case rework had to be done. It is common for these structures to be surrounded by high walls. This type of architecture is highly regarded for its organic nature. In fact, western countries are trying to implement organic techniques into how they build their cities. Perhaps they could learn from the Sudano-Sahelian style of northern Africa.
Many buildings like the ones seen above are beginning to be destroyed by groups of Muslim reformists who wish to erase northern Africa's Islamic roots and embrace a modern form of nationalism. Most of the destruction has occurred in Mali.
This video discusses several topics but focuses on Sahelian Sudanu architecture. It also highlights Dhar Tichitt, one of the earliest civilizations in all of Africa and it's architecture. Upon comparing the two styles of architecture, one can see the similarities and begin to infer how Sahelian Sudanu architecture could have came from this Dhar Tichittian architecture.
Art
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There is of course more contemporary art that is beginning to emerge from northern Africa. This contemporary art sheds some of the past influences but at the same time maintains some of the classic Islamic roots. For examples of contemporary northern African artists and their work, visit this site.
To learn more about northern African music as art, visit our page on Music.
To learn more about northern African music as art, visit our page on Music.
References
- Art, A. D. (n.d.). The Nature of Islamic Art | Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/orna/hd_orna.htm
- History of North Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2017, from http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?ParagraphID=edl
- Jones, J. (n.d.). Islam in North Africa. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his311/lectures/13na-isl.htm
- Keyte, M. (2015, August 23). 10 North African Contemporary Artists You Need To Know. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from https://theculturetrip.com/africa/tunisia/articles/ten-north-african-contemporary-artists-you-need-to-know/
- Oliver, P., & Hess, J. B. (2012, February 23). African architecture. Retrieved April 20, 2017, from https://www.britannica.com/art/African-architecture
- The Influence Of Islam On West African Architecture – Preservation Not Destruction! (2012, July 22). Retrieved April 20, 2017, from https://chocolatnegro.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/the-influence-of-islam-on-west-african-architecture-preservation-not-destruction/