Posted at Nov 18/2007 06:04PM:
Audrey: Muqarnas is an architectural term referring to the area of transition between the square walls of a building to the domed ceiling of the building. It is generally a series of rounded indentations in the shape, which help the angles of the corners and flat sides of the building eventually morph into the rounder shape necessary to support the dome.
Posted at Dec 10/2007 08:49AM:
ian: It has been one of the most characteristic aspects of islamic architecture since its inception somewhere in the 10th century. Its origins are not clear. early examples come from both Iran and Egypt but it saw great florescence in the latter under the Fatimids. Byt the 11th century was very widespread and used in more than just domes and vaults. A similar technique known as muqabaras was employed in the Western Islamic lands.
See the folowing detailed discussion
