Discussion: "Muslim Structures and Pilgrimage; Christian Structures and Pilgrimage"

Please respond to the following:

In Chapter 9, we encounter the early world of Islamic civilization, starting from the times of Muhammad in the early 600s CE (=AD). Two significant surviving structures are the Kaaba in Mecca and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (pp. 284-7). See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM81wroj_MQ for a National Geographic presentation of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca--the Hajj. Then, see the walking tour at http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200901/al-haram/tour.htm about the Dome of the Rock and other structures around it - the whole walking tour is lengthy; you are free to focus on what you wish. The Al-Haram al-Sharif is what Muslims call the sacred area around the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem; non-Muslims usually call that same area the Temple Mount because it is probably the area where the ancient Jewish temple had been located in the time of Solomon and then in the time of Jesus (before the temple was destroyed by Romans in 70 AD). Consider that instead of icons showing human forms, Muslim sacred art preferred calligraphy (like the Bismillah expressions of pp. 290-1) and geometric patterns and images of nature. After these readings and explorations, discuss the following:

Describe the purpose of the Hajj in Muslim belief, and identify two specific aspects of it that you find fascinating or significant. In Muslim belief, explain how Muhammad is associated with the area of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Explain why Muslim art is reluctant to include images of humans (at least in sacred areas); compare this to Christian practices in places like Ravenna.

Compare aspects of the Bayeux Tapestry to aspects of a war film depicting a real-life military battle. How do both the Bayeux Tapestry and the film influence the viewer to be more sympathetic to one side over another?

In Chapter 10, we encounter early medieval Christianity as it develops in Europe. One theme in this chapter is Christian pilgrimage (p. 334). Watch the brief video located at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCDUl04lfLs on the pilgrimage (in southern France and northern Spain). Christian pilgrimage links also to the importance of cathedral architecture, relics, the humane service functions of some monasteries and churches, and the meaning for individual piety. Note the rivalry between communities (p. 339) for splendid cathedrals can sound like modern cities trying to out-do each other with major football stadiums, etc. After exploring this chapter and the Websites, discuss two or three things one might encounter or experience on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (on the way and / or once there) that you think a pilgrim might find especially meaningful. Explain your choices. Identify two aspects of Romanesque cathedral architecture and their significance.