One of the branches of human geography is religion. It is a study of religion’s impact on landscape and issues of ethnic identity formation.
Major religious groups:
Christianity, predominant in Europe, Americas, Oceania, Sub-Saharan Africa, Philippines, and South Korea, is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in canonical gospels and New Testament. The three largest groups of Christianity are Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestantism. The cross is the most recognized symbol. In the 11th century cathedral schools developed into universities teaching only theology, later adding medicine, philosophy, and law, becoming the direct ancestor of modern western institutions. With the rise of new towns, throughout Western Europe, new orders were found, Franciscan and Dominican. Both orders were significant contributors in development of the universities of Europe. The Cistercians order was a significant contributor in church building and ecclesiastical architecture, originating Romanesque and Gothic architecture resulting in the great European cathedrals. The most significant period for Christian architecture was the Gothic church, in the 12th century, with high pointed arches, flying buttresses, and huge windows filled with stained glass illustrating stories from the Bible. The Seville Cathedral in Spain is the largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world. Carvings, statues, and church architecture played a role in telling a story to those who couldn’t read. The Renaissance era (14th – early 18th century) brought new styles of Baroque (16th – early 18th century) – artistic style characterized by dynamic movement, and Rococo (18th century – so called ‘Late Baroque’) – very flamboyant and decorative style. The 18th and 19th centuries went through a Revival era with mostly Gothic Revival style. Churches went from being very light to becoming darker again. The Modern era of the 19th century through present brought changes not only in plan, but also in the materials being used, reinforced concrete. The plan went from flamboyant to simple large rectangular space, with solid white walls, clear windows, and a stone pavement.
The Cathedral of Notre-Dam is a Gothic masterpiece
Islam, predominant in the Middle East, parts of Africa, and parts of Asia, is the religion of one God (Allah), based on Quran, teachings of Muhammad, the last Prophet of Islam. Muslims believe that the purpose of existence is to worship God. Muhammad preached in Mecca, later in Medina. The Great Mosque of Kairouan, 670 AD, in Tunisia is one of the best architectural examples of Islamic architecture. The Islamic Golden Age, 750-1258, greatly advanced law and medicine. Muslims established the first hospitals with the medical doctors, who had the first medical diplomas. They were also the first to acknowledge mental illness. Cordoba, Spain, in 1000 was the largest Muslim city in the world. The 13th century brought the Ottoman Empire with Constantinople, the capital of Byzantium, and a community of spiritual teachings, among them Rumi – Persian poet. The prominent Islamic dynasties included the Delhi Sultanate, 1206-1526, and the Mughal Empire, 1526-1857. The Taj Mahal was built by the rulers of the Mughal Empire in Agra, India. By the 19th century the British Empire ended the last Mughal dynasty. The Ottoman era ended with the end of WWI.
The Islamic architecture has four principal types: Mosque, Tomb, Palace, and Fort.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, in Istanbul, Turkey, built 1609-1616, is a masterpiece of Ottoman and Byzantine elements.
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is a complex of palace and fortress built in the 14th century by the Moorish rulers. It is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture.
Taj Mahal, a marble mausoleum, is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world combining elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles (below).
Hinduism, predominant in South Asia, accommodates variety of views including folk and different traditions. Notable characteristics include a belief in reincarnation, karma (action, cause and effect) dharma (personal duty), and various Yogas (paths and practices). For Westerners Hinduism is viewed more as philosophy rather than religion due to the fact of openness and tolerance to differences in belief. Because of the wide range of traditions and ideas, it is hard to arrive with one comprehensive definition. Despite its complexity, Hinduism is the oldest tradition in the world. The first Vice President of India stated that “Hinduism cannot be defined, but is only to be experienced.” Hinduism grants complete freedom of belief and worship, therefore it accepts all forms of beliefs. The ultimate goal of life is the union with God or the knowledge of the Self. Hindu practices generally involve seeking awareness of God with mantras and rituals.
The world's largest Hindu temple in Delhi
Buddhism, predominant in South and East Asia, Australia, is a religion and philosophy encompassing variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, mainly based on teaching of Buddha. Buddha was an enlightened teacher, who shared his insights to end suffering and achieve nirvana (being free of suffering). Buddhist concepts involve karma, reincarnation, suffering’s causes and solution, nature of existence, and nirvana. Devotion practice is an important part of Buddhism, which involves bowing, offerings, pilgrimage, and chanting. Meditation practice is about transforming the mind. Tibetan Buddhism has spread to many Western countries and gained its popularity. The Potala Palace, Tibet, was the chief residence of Dalai Lamas till 1959 (Chinese invasion).
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet
