The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture (Publications of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies) [Paperback]

Nader Ardalan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1979 | Series: Publications of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (Book 9)

Despite its extraordinary richness, Islamic architecture has rarely been studied for its conceptual and symbolic significance. In the Sense of Unity, a handsomely illustrated volume and the first extended work of its kind, Nader Ardalan and Laleh Bakhtiar examine the architecture of Persia as a manifestation of Islamic tradition and demonstrate the synthesis of traditional Persian thought and form. The most fundamental principle of Sufism, the inner, esoteric dimension of Islam, is that of unity in multiplicity. This view sees in every aspect of reality a reflection of a transcendent source which is given symbolic expression through all of man's activities, most directly and importantly through his works of art. The authors of The Sense of Unity show how all the elements of the Islamic architecture of Persiafrom the simplest architectural unit to a complex urban environmentare woven around this central doctrine and thus are best understood as multiple manifestations of unity. The Sense of Unity is illustrated with photographs, drawing, charts, and tables which are an integral part of its argument and which exemplify, in abundant and striking detail, the principles discussed in the text. Presenting to the Western reader for the first time the insights of the Iranian cultural tradition, the book also offers a stimulating new way of thinking about man and his relationship to his milieu.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A sgnificant addition to the literature on Islamic architecture." -- Library Journal --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Nader Ardalan, graduate of Carnegie Mellon with a M.Arch. from Harvard University, is presently Senior Vice President of Design with the Kuwaiti Engineering Office (KEO) International in Kuwait and recently designed the Waterside Development Suk in Kuwait. Laleh Bakhtiar, Ph.D. is author of Sufi Expressions of the Mystic Quest along with many other books on Islam and Sufism. She is president of the Institute of Traditional Psychology in Chicago where she teaches traditional psychology and its formation of the Sufi Enneagram. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr (T) (November 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226025608
• ISBN-13: 978-0226025605
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,722,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Space and time in Persian architecture, November 3, 2008

By 

John M. Campbell (Orcas, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sense of Unity : The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture (Paperback)

This is an extraordinary study of the roots and history of Persian architecture, vividly illustrated. Two thousand years of space, form and culture and a discussion of the roots roots of it. Written in the time of the last Shah when the clergy was banished from government and Iran was leaping into the modern world. Where, I wonder, are the authors today?

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book., December 20, 2011

By 

MysticMonkey360 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sense of Unity: The Sufi Tradition in Persian Architecture (Publications of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, 9) (Hardcover)

Plain and simple, as a student of theology, and a researcher in the domains of western esoteric traditions, this book has always been a favorite of mine. I cannot more highly recommend a book...