LAHORE: A book titled, Stealing from the Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe, by British writer and historian Diana Darke was launched at the Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) on Saturday.

The author, in conversation with Tanveer Hassan, spoke about different aspects of her new work.

She said the book revealed history of Islamic architectural influence on Europe’s cathedrals, palaces and monuments. About the motive behind writing the book, Ms Darke said the fire at the Notre Dame Cathedral had moved her as most of the features of Notre Dame had been driven from Islamic architecture. She talked about the Gothic style of architecture and different important monuments in Europe had their roots in Islamic architecture.

Darke had lived and worked in the Middle East, including Syria, for 30 years. With the help of pictures and slides, she shared with the audience different aspects of Islamic architecture that could be witnessed in different European monuments. She said many important European monuments should not be ignored or forgotten for having features of Islamic art.

In her conversation, she talked about the Arab and Islamic roots in Europe’s architectural heritage. She gave examples in this regard from places such as Damascus, Baghdad, Cairo, Spain, Venice and Sicily.

Darke, who is an Arabist and cultural expert, showed the borrowing and tracing of cultures in Europe’s major buildings through slides, pointing out how Gothic architecture got inspiration from Arab architects and mathematicians.

The book also discusses Syria and its cultural heritage. The writer explores aspects of interaction and interweaving of religious cultures.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2021