Society, Culture, and Architecture in the Caliphate
The Muslim population showed wide disparities in the city and in rural areas. It was structured in large groups:
Social Structure in Muslim Society
- The Aristocracy: Consisted of families linked to the emirs and caliphs, enjoying political and economic power.
- The Intermediate Social Group: Made up of officials, merchants, craftsmen, small landowners, and farmers who possessed a certain economic level.
- The Great Mass of People: Usually composed of farmers, ranchers, and artisans who had no property, or small merchants who displayed their goods on the street. This group possessed a precarious economic situation and were obliged to pay taxes, and many lived in poverty.
Slaves also existed within this society.
Role of Women
Women in the Arab world could often only be seen by their husbands or their families. They spent the day locked in their homes, and when they left, they were veiled. They did not choose their husbands; rather, the bridegroom’s mother often chose their future daughter-in-law. Men, however, could have several wives whom they were obliged to keep.
Non-Muslim Populations
Non-Muslim populations, such as Christians or Jews, remained within the expansion of the caliphate. They were permitted to keep their property and their religion, but in exchange, they had to pay a special tax. Some converted to Islam.
Urban Life and City Layout
The Muslim population was primarily urban, living in cities where major commercial and craft activities took place. The streets were narrow and had an irregular path; some were dead ends. Houses could be one or two floors, and the rooms were arranged around a courtyard which was the center of family life.
The spaces which differed in the cities were:
- The Medina: Located within the city walls. Most were houses, mosques, and souks (markets).
- The Alcázar: The residence of the governor. It was also walled and separate from the medina.
- The Suburbs: Located outside the city walls. They housed cemeteries and neighborhoods that did not fit into the medina.
Cultural Synthesis and Transmission
Muslim culture was characterized by the collective wisdom and the art of the conquered peoples. Muslims imposed their religion and language, and in this way, they recovered the culture and science of antiquity, incorporating elements from Persian, Chinese, Indian, and Muslim sources.
Through trade routes, the Arabs transmitted to Europe some technical advances such as the astrolabe, the manufacture of paper, the compass, and gunpowder, as well as intellectual advances like the number zero.
Islamic Art and Architecture
Islamic art excels in architecture compared to the underdevelopment of sculpture and painting. This is due to the recommendation in the Quran not to reproduce the figure of Muhammad or that of any human or animal figure.
Characteristics of Islamic Architecture
The main characteristics of Islamic Architecture include:
- Decoration
- Common materials
- Arches
- Slender columns
- Roofs
Decoration is developed in abundance in the interior. The most employed motifs are calligraphic, geometric, and plant-based. Common materials such as brick and plaster were used, often covered with tiles, wood, and other fine materials. Arches used include semicircular, canted, lobed, and horseshoe arches. Slender columns were frequently used. The use of gabled roofs was common, as were vaults, muqarnas vaults, and ribbed vaults. Ribbed domes were also used.
Key Architectural Forms
- Ribbed Vault: A vault whose ribs cross in the middle.
- Ribbed Dome: A small dome resembling orange slices.
Major Building Types
The most characteristic buildings were the palaces and mosques.
- Palaces: Were surrounded by gardens and fountains. They consisted of a public area to receive ambassadors and officials, and a private area which was the residence of the caliph and his family.
- Mosques: Were places of prayer and the building of Islamic art par excellence. They had to be oriented toward Mecca.
Elements of a Mosque
Mosques distinguish the following elements:
- Minaret: A tower at one end of the courtyard, from where the muezzin calls to prayer.
- Mihrab: A niche located in the Qibla wall. It indicates the direction of Mecca.
- Qibla: The wall oriented toward Mecca where the prayers are directed.
- Prayer Hall (Haram): A hall filled with columns.
- Courtyard (Sahn): An entry area to the mosque, often featuring a fountain for ablutions. Muslims must perform ablutions to purify themselves before entering to pray.