Islamic Art and Architecture
Islamic art is probably the only art which still has some of its basis in religion(for a brief introduction to the history of Islam click here). The Islamic Art forms are:
Architecture: This is the most significant, prominent and visible art form of Muslims. Their Mausoleum and Masjids, for example, Taj mahal and Al-Hambra in Spain are examples that the world recognizes and accepts today and has done in the past.
Badshahi Masjid(Lahore,Pakistan)
Calligraphy: Writing in the Arabic script in a fancy and artistic manner using Quranic verses as their subject matter.In contemporary manifestations artists are fusing the messages and words of Allah(God) within the form of His creations(see below).This artform was also used in the manuscripts of stories by the Persian artists.
"Purity of writing is purity of soul"(Arabic Experession)
Geometric Design : Tassellation, as they are called, repeating geometric design, Muslim mathematicians made this possible by inventing and developing algebra and trignometry. These patterns are used in Islamic buildings as well. They are represented very elaborately in the Persian carpets and book illustrations as well.
Contemporary Geometric Design
Arabesque: A distinctive combination of floral and artistic pattern. Europeans copied many of these motifs during the Renaissance and Muslim influence can be seen in churches and cathedrals in Europe, specifically in Spain which the Muslims ruled for over 700 years. The patterns are also used in architectural decorations in the Masjids as well as secular buildings.
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Exquisite examples of Book Binding and Wood Carving in Arabesque patterns
Manuscript Illuminations : Even though Islamic Art is strictly anti idolatory, artists have made the human image throughtout history, specifically in the Persian Miniatures. The Miniatures are probably the closest visual historical records that Islamic art has. Their depiction is non-realistic because true representation of the human form was forbidden according to Islamic laws. There are two or three levels of perspectives and focal point represented in the miniature. The artist or the group of artists wanted to represent timelapse and show different scenes at the same time. The depiction of flora and fauna is an integral part of these miniatures.It was a product of team effort with artists rendering what each one could do best.
A Miniature from an Ancient Mauscript.
Dance:The Dance of the Sufi's or the Whirling Dervishes(a Dervaish is a member of a Muslim religiouse order noted for devotional exercises and body movements leading to a trance like state)practiced in Turkey. A form of deep meditation which is practiced by people to gain better spiritual enlightenment and closeness to Allah.
The Dance being performed today
Vocal Arts: Azaan or the call to prayers and the recitation of the Holy Quran, in a rythmic manner called Tilawat and Qirat is performed by almost every muslim in the world but is also practiced as a profession.
Poetry and Literature:Muslim poets and writers have left quite a few very deep mystical works for the world to benefit from. For example, Rubayat e Omar Khaiyam, the works of Rumi, the great poet philosopher Iqbal. Normally what poets and authors write about does not necessarily contain religious content.
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Teaching Tips | Islamic Map/Contemporary Art | Historical Documents