In my concept map, I decided to look at the different religions practiced at the sacred structures we went over in class. I have read about each religion, but had not compared them all. In the case of ancient religions such as the Aztec and Incans, they practiced concepts more than particular religions; they worshipped many gods, believed in human sacrifice, and their sacred structures were built to recognize particular gods. Hagia Sophia was a Christian and Muslim place of worship at different times, and served the dual purpose of a cultural center. People at Ise Grand Shrine practice Shinto, and it is an extremely sacred structure. The Friends Meeting houses were “sacred” structures of the Quakers. Unlike the other grand structures, Quaker houses were very plain and simple. The Buddhas of Bamiyan statues held importance for people of the Buddhist religion, and were almost completely destroyed. The Great Mosque of Djenne is an Islamic center, and also serves as an important cultural center. Finally, the Mosque- Cathedral of Cordoba is a site of Catholic religion. In my comparison, I found that the majority of religious structures were very elaborate buildings. They exhibit some of the greatest architecture of the civilizations of the time, and many stand to this day because of it. Many of the structures also served as great community centers and places of learning aside from their religious purpose.
indeabennett says
Really fascinating concept to look at. Religion for so many years has played such a vital tole in how spaces develop that its cool to see that compared side by side with what we’ve gone over in class. i think your map is really easy to follow as well .
amandalennox says
I definitely liked reading this and looking at your concept map! It is so weird how religions all practice and worship in different ways more than similar. It interesting to compare. Your map is very laid out and easy to read.