Islamic beauty

Qatar is a new country full of contemporary buildings created with its staggering oil wealth. The country’s largest mosque in the capital Doha is a new build, while Katara Cultural Village, boasting lavish gold and blue mosques, is also an architectural newcomer. Doha’s Pearl, a large complex built on reclaimed land, is a recent addition as well.

But these new structures are steeped in tradition, with stylish, beautiful lines and curves. Intricate designs stay pure to Islam and do not depict human or animal forms. Instead of being sterile, these are pleasing on the eye and photographically pure and balanced.

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10 thoughts on “Islamic beauty”

Noeline Smith on February 19, 2017 at 15:01 said:

Islamic art really is beautiful; maybe due to the very fact that it cannot depict human or animal forms ….

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 19, 2017 at 17:10 said:
  
  I think that’s precisely the case, Noeline. They had to be more adventurous and inventive with their geometric patterns.
  
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Cos on February 19, 2017 at 10:23 said:

I love the design and form of the tiles (?) as shown in the photo ‘Doha design’.

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 19, 2017 at 10:57 said:
  
  It’s like an embossed panel, Koos. They have these kind of decorations everywhere. Maybe they’re a sign of wealth or detract from the monotony of the desert.
  
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  - Cos on February 19, 2017 at 11:04 said:
    
    I think it’s a sign of showing wealth…
    
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    - mikeosbornphoto on February 19, 2017 at 11:05 said:
      
      And also a good fallback when you’re not supposed to depict living creatures.
      
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      - Cos on February 19, 2017 at 11:10 said:
        
        Every human being wants to be surrounded with beautiful things (art)!
        
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        mikeosbornphoto on February 19, 2017 at 11:50 said:
        
        Yes we need something to aspire to.
        
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ckponderings on February 19, 2017 at 09:14 said:

Truly beautiful images, Mike. You’ve captured the essence and warmth of the place. :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 19, 2017 at 10:54 said:
  
  Thank you, Richard. I love the cleanliness and grace of the design. They’ve really captured their heritage in all those new buildings.
  
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