Abstract
The history of Islamic architecture is divided into categories (periods)
according to chronological order, where each category is named after a certain
dynasty and where all buildings built in this period are named after
that dynasty. But to attribute such buildings as products of that specific
period may prove inadequate for deep understanding of a complex matter
such as that of Islamic architecture. The focus of this paper is on the relevance
of studying the history of Islamic architecture according to the well
established chronological categorization of this architecture. The paper
examines some of the key issues strongly related to the development of
Islamic architecture and highlights some of the shortcomings of this system
and influence on our perception and understanding of Islamic architecture.