The Dictionary of Islamic Architecture contains over 500 entries, and 100 relevant plans, sketch maps, photographs and other illustrations, providing the fullest range of artistic, technical, archaeological, cultural and biographical data for the entire geographical and chronological spread of islamic architecture - from West Africa through the Middle East to Indonesia. Entries are arranged alphabetically and are fully cross-referenced and indexed to permit easier access to the text and to link items of related interest. Questions on five categories of subject matter are addressed. Dynastic and regional overviews characterise the architecture of the historical and geographical divisions of the islamic world, concentrating on the materials and techniques employed and the styles and types of structures produced. Individual site descriptions give concise accounts of the full range of major and lesser buildings and remains - a number for the first time in modern literature. Biographical entries describe the work of architects and their patrons and technical definitions provide concise explanations of the terminology used to describe architectural types and features.
Throughout, the needs of the reader requiring further information are met by individual entry bibliographies. Compiled to serve as a primary source of information and analysis, the Dictionary of Islamic Architecture has been written to meet the needs of students, teachers and researchers of Islamic architecture, archaeology and art, as well as those with a broader interest in Middle Eastern, Oriental and Classical history and culture.