Muslim architecture varies regionally, as Muslims adapted prevailing styles to their own needs as they conquered each new area. The minaret, however, is distinctly Islamic, and, along with multiple arches, became a characteristic of the mosque. Many mosques also have domes, which usually rise from square brick bases. What distinguishes Egyptian Islamic architecture is its spareness; there are no glimmering, dazzling faience tiles as in Safavid Iran, and the buildings are massive and plain.

The geometrical logic in Islamic buildings recalls the pyramids of the past. The mosques are decorated with Qur’anic inscriptions glorifying Allah and Muhammad. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (built 692) is an unusual structure. Instead of the standard “borrowing” of Roman pillars to form their own archways, the Muslim conquerors copied the Roman and Byzantine rotunda, or circular building plan, in place of their customary square courtyard. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun brought a new style to Egypt, noted for pointed brick arches and arcades. This mosque now lies in ruins, but it remains one of the great landmarks of Muslim architecture.

The Mamluk period is distinguished by an increased richness and variety of crafts and ornamentation. Mamluk architecture is characterized by flat facades with few, if any, projections and sunken panels containing rows of arched windows. Ottoman architecture is perhaps best represented by the wall around Jerusalem built under the rule of Suleiman. For more, read John D. Hoag’s Islamic Architecture.