Architecture Quote by I. M. Pei
“At the beginning, I thought the best Islamic work was in Spain - the mosque in Cordoba, the Alhambra in Granada. But as I learned more, my ideas shifted. I traveled to Egypt, and to the Middle East many times.I found the most wonderful examples of Islamic work in Cairo, it turns out. I'd visited mosques there before, but I didn't see them with the same eye as I did this time. They truly said something to me about Islamic architecture.”
About This Quote
Source Travelogue: Personal reflections on Islamic architecture, 1990s
The author’s perception of Islamic architecture evolved from admiring Spanish examples to recognizing the richer, more resonant works in Cairo after multiple visits.
In simple terms: Seeing more changes appreciation
Key Takeaway
Explore diverse cultural sites to deepen understanding
Themes
architecture
culture
travel
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
observational
personal
When to use this quote
- tourism
- education
- heritage preservation
Key Concepts
Aesthetic appreciation
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does repeated exposure alter aesthetic judgment?
- What other regions might challenge your assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Personal bias can limit initial judgments
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