An Introduction to the Architecture of Gothic Cathedrals in Europe
Introduction
The apex of religious exultation in Europe, the cathedral stands as a testament to human ingenuity and devotion. Cathedrals are the largest and grandest churches in the Christian faith. They were traditionally used as the seat of the local bishop and were designed to celebrate God’s glory. Cathedrals were widespread across Europe and they played a major role in cementing church power and urbanization. In England, a law stated that no cathedral could be built in a village, so any settlement that had a cathedral built in it was immediately upgraded to city status regardless of its size.[2] In addition to operating as the religious centers of their areas and surrounding churches, cathedrals also served as a focal point for local and regional societies, hosting festivals, religious services, weddings, and funerals. They were some of the first, and most important, sources of education in the Middle Ages. Cathedrals, as well as lesser churches, housed monasteries, which trained monks to read, write and illustrate texts.[3] In a largely illiterate and turbulent Europe, cathedrals served as stable repositories for vast stores of knowledge.
An Introduction to The Architecture of The Mosques of The World
Introduction
A testament to the dedication and grander of the religion, mosques are places of worship in the Islamic faith. Islamic architecture incorporates fourteen hundred years of change and input from nearly every culture on Earth. The traditional Islamic style was influenced by Persian, Byzantine, and Roman architecture in the west, and Chinese and Indian buildings in the east.