A journey through time and space: Eric Broug’s new book showcases the beauty of Islamic architecture around the world.
UK-based author, researcher and artist Eric Broug has announced the upcoming release of his newest book, Islamic Architecture: A World History, published by Thames & Hudson. Scheduled for purchase on Amazon on 24 August 2023, the book promises to provide a comprehensive and insightful overview ofIslamic architectureacross its 336 pages.
Drawing on his extensive knowledge of and expertise inIslamic geometricdesign, Broug offers readers a deep dive into the richness of building types, regional styles andarchitectural detailsthat have evolved over the past 1,400 years across different eras and regions of the Muslim world.
By focusing on intricate architectural details, Broug goes beyond simply describing the style and function of Islamic architecture; he provides readers with a closer look at the extraordinary skill and artistry of the craftsmen. The wealth of information not only offers readers the opportunity to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Islamic architecture, but also provides a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these buildings were created.
Broug hopes that readers will find appreciation for the richness and diversity of Islamic architecture across different eras and regions of the Muslim world, as well as a better understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which these buildings were created. As he states, “Finding reliable information on Islamic architecture in sub-Saharan Africa, South-East Asia, Russia and other places has often been quite hard. It really shows the narrow focus of academic research…I hope that my book can play a role in changing this narrow focus.”
Broug’s passion and expertise are evident on every page: the book is filled with photographs that bring Islamic architecture to life, such as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, with images that depict its grand arches and intricategeometric patterns, showing the impressive craftsmanship of the Umayyad dynasty. Another photo of the stucco wall panel from a private house inSamarra, reveals the intricate details ofAbbasid-eraarchitecture, including delicate carvings.
“Before I started, I thought I already knew a bit about the history of Islamic architecture,” says Brug. “But in the two years of writing this book, every week I would find something new or remarkable. Whether it is the fractal-like stone composition in the 16th century Friday Mosque of Champaner in Gujarat, The Underground Mosque in Jogyakarta, the adobe mosques of Ivory Coast, the court architect of the Sokoto Caliphate in Nigeria, or the 12th century starchitect of Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan. It’s such a long list of stories – fortunately most of them ended up in the book.”