Islamesque

A fascinating exploration of Europe’s medieval architectural wonders—and the Muslim master-builders behind them.‘For more on architecture and craftsmanship [and Islamic influence in Europe], I recommend the books of Diana Darke.’ — Mishal Husain, Romanes LectureWho really built Europe’s finest Romanesque monuments? Clergymen presiding over holy sites are credited throughout history, while highly skilled creators remain anonymous. But the buildings speak for themselves.his groundbreaking book explores the evidence embedded in medieval monasteries, churches and castles, from Mont Saint-Michel and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Durham Cathedral and the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela. Tracing the origins of key design innovations from this pre-Gothic period—acknowledged as the essential foundation of all future European construction styles—Diana Darke sheds startling new light on the masons, carpenters and sculptors behind these masterpieces.At a time when Christendom lacked such expertise, Muslim craftsmen had advanced understanding of geometry and complex ornamentation. They dominated high-end construction in Islamic Spain, Sicily and North Africa, spreading knowledge and techniques across Western Europe. Challenging Euro-centric assumptions, Darke uncovers the profound influence of the Islamic world in ‘Christian’ Europe, and argues that ‘Romanesque’ architecture, a nineteenth-century art historians’ fiction, should be recognised for what it truly is: Islamesque.Diana Darke is a well-regarded expert on the subject of Islamic architectural influences and has speaks internationally on the topicA fascinating exploration of Europe’s medieval architectural wonders–and the Muslim master-builders behind them. Highlights dramatic discoveries that challenge existing, Euro- centric assumptions about Europe's built heritage.