Moorish Style

Term used specifically in the 19th century to describe a Western style based on the architecture and decorative arts of the Muslim inhabitants (the Moors) of north-west Africa and (between 8th and 15th centuries) of southern Spain; it is often used imprecisely to include Arab and Indian influences. A similar revivalist style prevalent specifically in Spain around the same time is known as the MUD?JAR REVIVAL. Although their rule in Spain finally ended in 1492, the Moors remained indispensably part of the European vision of the East. (See also ORIENTALISM.)

See the Abbreviations for further details.