High Values in the Architectural and Artistic Heritage of Islamic Civilization

Abstract

This item presents a critical review of Dr. Abdul Qader Al-Rihawi’s book “High Values in the Architectural and Artistic Heritage of Arab-Islamic Civilization,” describing it as an extensive study of the aesthetic, artistic, and architectural values produced by Arab-Islamic civilization. The review highlights the importance of the book in documenting Islamic architectural landmarks and analyzing their artistic and decorative characteristics, drawing on the author’s expertise, travels, and direct observation of architectural monuments in various cities and countries. It presents the book’s view of Islamic architecture as a complex civilizational achievement that combines function and beauty, social need and spiritual meaning, while treating mosques and major buildings as examples of both artistic unity and diversity of schools and styles. The review also discusses the author’s treatment of influence and interaction between Islamic architecture and other civilizations, while emphasizing the specificity of Islamic creativity and its capacity for adaptation and development. It further points to the crisis of contemporary Islamic architecture and the book’s call for a conscious return to principles, the training of architects, scientific research, and the creative use of heritage without rigid imitation.