Explain the meaning of domes and geometrical patterns in Islamic architecture.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. A01 – Knowledge and understanding
2. Mark according to the AO1 – 10-mark levels of response marking grid for knowledge and understanding.
3. Answers may include some of the following ideas, but all valid material must be credited.
4. Domes
5. Domes symbolise God's position over the whole of creation. The dome is one shape, a circle, which covers everything, just as God is transcendent.
6. The dome as a circle has no beginning or end, symbolising the eternal nature of God.
7. There are many examples of domes used in mosque building, such as the Dome on the Rock (Masjid al-Aqsa). The precious gold shows how important Muslims see God, like a treasure, symbolising the treasures in paradise.
8. Some interpret the dome, a circle, as representing the heavens; the Ka'bah, a square, the earth. Put the two together and an octagon is formed, which can be found in many features of Islamic architecture, such as the eight-sided minarets. This symbolises the intersection between the worldly and heavenly life, drawing the mind of the Muslim to make the connection.
9. Geometric patterns
10. Geometric patterns include different shapes and patterns, as seen on walls of mosques. They link together showing unity, in various patterns, and order: this shows that God the creator is one and has created the universe in perfect order.
11. Polygons in geometric patterns can be made as repeating stars and integrated with floral patterns. They can give the impression of endlessly repeating, showing that God is infinite.
12. Repeating mini arches in a honeycomb structure form muqarnas, as can be seen famously in the Imam Mosque in Isfahan, Iran and elsewhere. The arches point up towards God, drawing the mind of the worshipper towards their creator and focusing their thoughts.
13. Both domes and geometrical patterns show the beauty of the creator as expressed through the artwork of Muslims. The meaning of this work can include the devotion and service given by those craftsmen in loyal dedication to God.
14. Neither domes nor geometrical patterns include any form of human or animal creature, avoiding the sin of idolatry or association of other besides God (shirk). Given this requirement, the artwork produced in this way became a new style to represent the creator in an approved (halal) way.
15. AO2 – Analysis and evaluation
16. Mark according to the AO2 – 15-mark levels of response marking grid for analysis and evaluation. Answers may refer to any Islamic religious theory or teaching. Candidates may propose, analyse and evaluate some of the following arguments. All relevant arguments must be credited.
17. 'Effectiveness' might be defined as something which is practical and successful. How far is Muslim architecture clear and easy to understand, so that Muslims get an idea about Islamic beliefs about God?
18. Muslim beliefs about God can be summarised in the doctrine of oneness (tawhid). There is one God with no idols or visual representations, in complete contrast to the pagan polytheists which preceded the Muslims in Mecca.
19. The change in beliefs would have been radical for the first believers, many of whom could not read or write. Muhammad's clearance of the idols in the Ka'bah showed this change. There was a risk that in time some might reintroduce statues. By using various features of Islamic calligraphy, the categorical denial of partners with God was maintained.
20. The ninety-nine names of God, representing God's attributes, are often included in Islamic architecture together with other verses from the Qur'an and beautified as calligraphy. This helps to focus the mind of Muslims on the word of God, the Qur'an, and link belief in one God to one final, unchanging revelation, the Qur'an. It also shows the respect in which it must be held.
21. Different aspects of God's characteristics could be linked to different features in Islamic architecture, such as dome with transcendence; minaret pointed upward toward the message and call coming from the heavens; the mihrab or niche in a mosque representing the immanence of God in the inner reaches of heart.
22. Some features of Islamic architecture were re-used from previous periods, such as the repeating patterns found in mosaics or the arches and columns of the Romans, with modifications made to remove any images. It could be discussed how far this shows the continuity of monotheism and common heritage, particularly with Christians and Jews, and how far this does not effectively communicate differences in beliefs about God.
23. It could be argued that an individual should not be left to themselves to interpret patterns in architecture. A guide, or reading literature such as the Qur'an alongside, will ensure that the interpretation of those features is not left in doubt and may be more effective than the features on their own.
24. It might be pointed out that Islamic architecture had taken a variety of different styles in different parts of the world and in different periods, each with their own distinctive way of communicating beliefs within the culture they are rooted. This could be an effective way to explain to locals at the time, in a visual way they would understand.