1. Islamic Art

2. Islam was born in 7 th cent. on the Arabian Peninsula (located in Southwest Asia at the junction of Africa and Asia consisting mainly of desert. The area includes present-day countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, etc.) Birth of Islam

3. Prophet Muhammad – the founderProphet Muhammad Islam is Arabic for “submission”, meaning submission to God Muhammad’s followers were called Muslims, “those who submit” In 622, Muhammad emigrated to the city of Medina. This move marked the 1 st year in the Islamic calendar. What is Islam?

4. Various tribes came together under Muhammad (a political and spiritual leader). Islamic rule is extended from Spain to Morocco in the west to the borders of India in the east. Main changes: –Many tribes that had largely oral culture are now united by faith –Written language is developed –New conditions nurture the growth of a new artistic culture: monumental architecture, fine jewelry, textiles, ceramic arts, etc. Book arts flourish, especially book illustration and calligraphy. –Islam becomes a true world religion The Unification of the Land

5. A mosque is a place for worship. Original layout was inspired by the Prophet’s house in Medina. Made of sun-dried brick and is structured around a courtyard. Muh. house had an open porch made of palm trunks and a simple roof. Architecture: Mosques Congregational Mosque, Kairouan, 836 A.D.

6. Architecture: Mosques Congregational Mosque, Kairouan, 836 A.D.

7. Architecture: Mosques The Great Mosque, Cordoba, 965 A.D.

8. Architecture: Mosques The Great Mosque, Cordoba, 965 A.D.

9. A new feature in architecture: an iwan (pointed arch set in a rect. frame) The 4-iwan plan became standard in Persia, Central Asia, Egypt & India. Main iwan is crowned by 2 minarets – is a prayer hall. The other 3 are for study, rest or schooling. Persian Influence Friday Mosque, View of the Courtyard, Isfahan, Iran, 1121-22

10. New Architectural Feature: “Mugarna” Shah Mosque, (triangular niche-like scoops = mugarnas), Isfahan, Iran, 1611-66

11. Glazed tile mosaics Shah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran, 1611-66

12. Glazed tile mosaics Gate of Ishtar, Mesopotamia

13. Islamic Architecture in Southern Spain Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain, Mid-14 th century, Nasrid dynasty

14. Islamic Architecture in Southern Spain Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain, Mid-14 th century, Nasrid dynasty

15. Calligraphy is one of the most highly regarded arts No images of animated beings in religious context Prevalence of geometric patterns & stylized plant forms Baghdad was a major center of book production Book Arts

16. Tells a story of a king, Bahram Gur Highly Decorative and Detailed Flattened space Tilted floor Depth of space is shown through the use of placement and overlap Book Arts "Bahram Gur and the Princess in the Black Pavilion" from Hatifi’s Haft Manzar Manuscript

17. Decorative arts were admired as much as other types of arts. Arts of Daily Life Underglaze-painted mosque lamp from Dome of the Rock from Jerusalem, 1549, approx.15”

18. A new reality TV show in Malaysia is hoping to find an Imam. Contestants are given a variety of tasks and an Islamic scholar chooses who goes through to the next round. The producers of the show hope the format will appeal to Malaysia’s young Muslims. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10612657.stm