The History of Islamic Art

By Oriental Publishing

The artistic expressions of early Islamic culture, spanning the period from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the establishment of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, reflect the fusion of diverse cultural influences, religious ideals, and innovative creativity. Despite the prohibition of figurative representation in religious contexts, Islamic art flourished, leaving a lasting legacy that transformed the visual landscape of the Islamic world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oriental Publishing
• Release date: Mar 8, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224458288

Book preview

CONTENTS PAGE

Chapter 1: The Birth of Islamic Art

Chapter 2: The Golden Age of Islamic Art

Chapter 3: Persian Splendors: Islamic Art under the Safavids and

Timurids

Chapter 4: The Ottomans and Islamic Artistry

Chapter 5: Modern Expressions: Islamic Art in the Contemporary World

Chapter 1: The Birth of Islamic Art (7th–9th Century CE)

The artistic expressions of early Islamic culture, spanning the period from the time of Prophet Muhammad to the establishment of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, reflect the fusion of diverse cultural influences, religious ideals, and innovative creativity. Despite the prohibition of figurative representation in religious contexts, Islamic art flourished, leaving a lasting legacy that transformed the visual landscape of the Islamic world.

Calligraphy: The Art of the Written Word:

One of the most distinctive and revered forms of artistic expression in Islamic culture is calligraphy. Rooted in the Islamic emphasis on the written word, calligraphy became a sophisticated art form, transcending mere writing to attain aesthetic and spiritual significance.

The Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, played a central role in inspiring calligraphic masterpieces. Skilled calligraphers meticulously transcribed verses from the Qur'an, transforming them into intricate and

harmonious compositions. The scripts used in Islamic calligraphy, such as Kufic and Naskh, evolved over time, each possessing its own unique beauty and character.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate, is an early example of the integration of calligraphy into architectural design. Inscriptions from the Qur'an and other religious texts adorn the interior and exterior of the dome, creating a visually stunning environment that elevates the sacredness of the site.

Geometry and Arabesque Patterns:

Islamic art is characterized by a profound appreciation for geometric patterns and arabesque designs. These motifs, often found in architectural ornamentation, manuscripts, and textiles, serve as a manifestation of the Islamic worldview, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the universe and the divine order.

Intricate geometric patterns, such as star polygons and interlocking tessellations, were employed in the decoration of Islamic architecture. The Alhambra, a palace complex in Granada, Spain, built during the Nasrid Dynasty, is renowned for its stunning geometric tilework and muqarnas (stalactite) vaulting, creating an immersive experience of mathematical beauty.

Arabesque patterns, characterized by flowing, intertwined foliage, vines, and abstract forms, became a hallmark of Islamic decorative arts. These designs adorned textiles, carpets, ceramics, and manuscripts. The Great Mosque of Cordoba, constructed during the Umayyad Caliphate,