How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe | Diana Darke

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In this video, Diana Darke, author of the award-winning book, Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe, takes you on a quick architectural journey to see how architectural styles and ideas passed from vibrant Middle Eastern centers, such as Damascus, Baghdad, and Cairo, and entered Europe via gateways including Muslim Spain, Sicily, and Venice through the movement of pilgrims, bishops, merchants, and medieval Crusaders. It’s a rich tale of cultural exchange that will help you see some of Europe’s – and even America’s – iconic landmarks with new eyes.

Diana Darke is a Middle East cultural expert with special focus on Syria. With degrees in Arabic from Oxford University and in Islamic Art & Architecture from SOAS, London, she has spent over 30 years specializing in the region, working for both government and commercial sectors.

She is frequently invited to speak at international events and media networks, such as the BBC, PBS, TRT, Al-Jazeera, and France24. Her work on Syria has been published by the BBC website, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and The Financial Times. She is a Non-Resident Scholar at Washington’s think-tank MEI (the Middle East Institute).

Diana is also the author of the highly acclaimed My House in Damascus: An Inside View of the Syrian Crisis (2016), The Merchant of Syria (2018), and The Last Sanctuary in Aleppo (2019).

Special thanks to the Foundation for Intelligent Giving and the Barrington Peace Forum for their support.

Captions by volunteers (with much gratitude):
- Arabic: Madelon van Waes

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[clairebradbury]

What an interesting talk. Thank you so much. The Muslim architecture here in Spain, notably the Alhambra and Cordoba mosque but many others too, is probably the best I have seen anywhere.

[AnasArafeh]

As a Syrian, it's so refreshing to see part of our rich history got recognized in this video. And what this country offered and contributed to humanity. And willing to continue doing so if it got the chance to live freely and peacefully! thank you.

[ghanemghanem]

I like the way you tell real history without hate

[hokukamaaina]

I am crying for this...thank you.I am Slovak muslim..love an peace to you.

[fardmaurice]

When the truth is told without hate(politics) it’s a real beauty.

[shahnaseebb]

Didn't hum for even a micro second. I wish all academics were as humble, straightforward, unbiased, and dedicated as her.

[saudkm]

Thank you Dr Darke.
Everyones contribution must be acknowledged, no matter where it comes from.

[sarahsheikh]

As a Muslim, I really appreciate this video. Thanks for telling the world the truth about Islamic architecture

[Nawabid]

*I just can't stress enough the importance of what this channel does.. thank you for bringing people together rather then further dividing.*

[karimbelaid]

With ample gratitude for the work that you're doing. Please continue the noble work of creating bridges between Eastern & Western cultures. Bravo.

[hinmin]

Hats off to you for acknowledging the Muslim contributions. This is how history of art needs to be narrated.

[Nmomand]

The lady has such a soothing and beautiful voice. Let’s love all, hate none.

[harrykuffal]

I love how the lady explains a very simple but with a deep understanding. I never knew that muslim and Europe were so close interwined. Thank you

[TheBoumarchi]

Sooner or letter there will come a person that would shake off the dust and let truth crops up. Congratulations Diana.

[rosmahlicious]

What a beautiful message, well conveyed. Love this series, hoping to hear more in future.

[lovebugsleephere]

I wish every teachers, government bodies, leaders speak calmly like her 🙏🏼❤️👍🏼

[monocle]

Amazing. Of course we learned this in Architecture Class, but hadn’t heard this explained so eloquently until I saw this video.

[nooradnan]

Rich content, as always, sending love n respect from Baghdad.

[MrX-otcv]

Such a beautiful story, forgotten history with such a lovely calm voice, thank you YouTube for the recommendation!

[autumnicleaf]

Diana Darke, a genuine and upright scholar. 
Dr Stef Keris will be delighted to see this.