Introduction
The medieval Islamic city was influenced by the enthusiastic patronage of art and architecture, examples being Mamluk rulers and the amirs of the Mamluk era. The architectural projects from this period comprised of both small and multifaceted complexes. The buildings helped the society in many ways and could be used to hold important functions, religious and commercial activities amongst others. Buildings were developed in the form of mosques, hospitals, kuttab, and Kurf amongst others. The architectural projects demonstrated the urban and artistic order that was significant in ensuring that the fundamental pillars of Islam were observed within the society. The paper will offer a candid analysis of how the rise of military patronage state changed the urban and artistic order of the medieval Islamic city (Rabbat, 2006).
The art of the Ayyubid era
The Ayyubid dynasty was established in 1171 by Kurdish Zengid after rebuffing a crusader army that had stretched up to the gates of Fatimid Cairo in Egypt. From then on, the general also expanded the territory to Yemen and Syria in 1174 and 1180s respectively. The conflict between Muslims and the Crusaders occurred during the entire Ayyubid period. Jerusalem was seized in 1187 by Muslims but ceded 60 years later after a failed treaty. Moreover, the sultanate used the Mamluks in their military organization. The Mamluks were slave soldiers (Stowasser, 1984). The fall of the Ayyubid Dynasty was led by the Turkic Mamluks and occurred in 1249-50. It was followed by the formation of the Mamluk Sultanate.
Before the Mamluk Sultanate, it is viable to argue that the urban and artistic order of the medieval Islamic state experienced massive transformations during the Ayyubid dynasty. People during this era had grown popular because of their artistic skills in inlaid metalwork and ceramics, especially underglaze painted wares and luster (Hoffman, 2004). The objects obtained during this period also depict numerous Christian scenes from the inlaid metalwork pieces. The brass works had signatures or artists speculated to have come from Mosul and had bolted out of the region due to the fear instilled by the Mongol armies. The effect of the Seljuq Iran was evident in ceramics that originated from Syria.
Moreover, the Ayyubid patrons also celebrated the success in this year because of their competent skills in carved woods and enameled glass. The techniques, procedures and methods developed during the Ayyubid dynasty established the groundwork of the arts during the Mamluk era. It should also be remembered that the Ayyubids had competent skills and knowledge as they were vigorous builders. Their substantial patronage resulted in marvelous architectural activity in Egypt and Syria. Furthermore, the city of Damascus and Aleppo were revived by the local courts. The fortified citadel of Cairo is a remarkable profane architecture developed during this period (Tabbaa, 1997).
In addition, higher institutions of religious learning, referred to as the madrasas, were established. For example, Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub in Cairo and Zahiriya in Allepo. The Ayyubids were interested with the Sunni education system. It is also important to note that women played significant roles as patrons of architecture in the Ayyubids period. For instance, Rabia Khatun, Salah al-Din’s sister was on the frontline of the construction of the Madrasa Al-Sahiba in Damascus. It took place in 1233. The Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi’i (1211) in Cairo is an example of a memorial building and devout architectural ingenuities that emerged during that period.
Picture of a mosque, where madrasa took place
(Global.wonderings.com, n.d)
The Citadel of Cairo
Salah al-Din, the Ayyubid ruler, established the fortified citadel of Cairo during his reign. After overcoming the Fatimid Caliphate, Saladin decided to construct a wall that could engulf both Cairo and Fustat. The Citadel’s location was advanced as it was well-protected by the army. Most of the government operations took place in this region. The wall took many years to be completed, and the construction ended in 1184 long after the demise of its founder. The ruler established a well-planned system that supplied water at the Citadel. It ensured that human beings and animals enjoyed the plenty water supplied by the well of the spiral. The Citadel is a historic medieval Islamic buttress that consists of enclosed mosques and museums, and an army barrack. The Citadel is a tourist attraction center as it contains important museums and striking mosques.
(AskAladin.com, 1999)
The art of the Mamluk sultanate (1250-1517)
The Mamluk Sultanate rose after the fall of the Ayyubid dynasty. The Ayyubids never depended on family succession to leadership, and it’s also noteworthy to remember that salves could be recruited and upgraded into the governing class. After overthrowing the Ayyubids and capturing their throttleholds, the Mamluks became very powerful. Within no time, they established the most prolific Islamic Empire during the later middle ages, which consisted of Mecca and Medina holy cities. Cairo was developing very fast, and it was considered to be among the greatest artistic epicenter of the Arab world.
The development of Art and Architecture during the Bahri Mamluks period resulted from the unstinting patronage of the Mamluks. The booming trade in silks and spices had grown in tremendous ways, and it boosted the stability of the kingdom. The already existing techniques garnered from the Ayyubids were further developed to advance the state of arts. Mamluks established to honor and respect because of their master skills in enameled and gilded glass, textiles, woodwork, and inlaid metalwork. The indigenous production improved because of the skills. A good example is the Venetian glass industry that developed as a result of the Mamluk glassware. The military patronage led to the establishment of the madrasas, minarets, mausolea, and hospitals under the leadership of Qala’un.
Furthermore, the patronage of art and architecture also resumed during the Burji Mamluks period.The textiles and carpets produced had grown popular in the international market. The money-spinning trade in textiles was economically viable and empowered the kingdoms. Also, the activity of Pilgrim led to the development of trade as they moved to Mecca and Medina. In the process, enormous warehouses were constructed to gratify the upwelling in the trade, for instance, the Khan al-Qadi. In addition, the region also noted rapid growth and establishment of mosques, madrasas, and the Sabun.
Nevertheless, Art and architecture advanced during the mid-15th century under the leadership of Qa’itbay. During his time in power, Mecca and Medina's shrines were expansively reinstated. Major towns and cities experienced religious centers and commercial buildings. The complex of Qa’itbay is among the most popular structures developed during this period. The prominent officials and the dominant emirs were also exhilarated to participate in building and construction. The erection of houses and buildings went ahead until under the leadership of Qansuh al-Ghawri. From then, the state started to feel an economic burden from these activities (Hoexter, 1998).
Also, the Portuguese popularity and might had expanded massively as they started to occupy some parts of the Indian Ocean. This barred the Mamluks from trading affecting their source of wealth. As time passed, the Mamluk realm was integrated into the Ottoman Empire. Despite this, the Mamluk visual culture had much influence to the Ottoman Empire.
Al-Madina Souq
The Al-Madina Souq is the largest historic market across the globe and it situated at the epicenter of the Syrian city of Aleppo. It is built of 13 kilometers protective wall. It acted as a chief trade center in luxury goods like raw silk, spices, and dyes.it acted as a trade center and a home to business people and this promoted art and architecture because of the ready markets for the products and goods. The Al-Madina Souq was comprised of attractive facades and entrances developed from invigorated wooden doors.
(Karouny, 2012)
As explicated in the context above, the rise of the military patronage state changed the urban and artistic order of the Medieval Islamic City to great extents. Remarkable stylistic changes also occurred in visual arts as demonstrated in painting, metalwork, sculpture, stained glass, and in performing arts. The religious and secular patrons supported art and swayed the Islamic and Byzantine civilizations. This was an artistic renaissance established in the Romanesque style during the 12th century. The architecture reflected solid, impressive cathedrals that had rounded arches and eccentric stone carvings. The Gothic style was remarkable in artistic works developed by architects. Engineers developed an innovative art as they were able to develop higher and lighter walls. Furthermore, the engineers developed stained glass windows that gave the interior design a sense of wonderful brilliance. Music also advanced because of the introduction of instrumental dance pieces, melodies of monophonic Gregorian chant, and troubadour ballads. The medieval period valued music as an expressionistic art.
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Karouny. 2012, September 30. Large part of ancient souk in Syria's Aleppo in ashes: activists| Reuters. Retrieved from http://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE88J0X720120930
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