Sacred Sites & Souvenirs

Catalog description

Pilgrimage was an important and widespread practice in the Islamic world from the very beginning of the Islamic tradition and continues to be extremely important for Muslims today. This course examines the many facets of Islamic pilgrimage through art, architecture, and material culture produced from the emergence of Islam to the early modern era. In this course we will seek to follow medieval pilgrims on their perilous journeys, to explore sacred sites bursting with peoples of diverse backgrounds, and to understand the ways in which images and materials are believed to be imbued with the sacred blessings of holy places. Satisfies Art major and minor requirement. Satisfies Arab Studies major and minor requirement.