Islamic Art & Architecture Islam is not only a religion but a way of life, Islam fostered the development of a distinctive culture with its own unique artistic language that is reflected in art and architecture throughout the Muslim world.

Islamic Art & Architecture In many Muslim states, religion encompasses all aspects of life. Art and architecture are no exception but… Key Questions: In what ways can religion influence art?

Islamic Art & Architecture To help us answer these questions we need to know what Islamic art is and be able to identify it… Review: A mosque is an Islamic holy building. The name comes form the Arabic word “majid” meaning “place of prostration.”

Islamic Art & Architecture Most Islamic art does not show images of people (including Muhammad) or animals and these images are prohibited in mosques.

Islamic Art & Architecture Most Islamic art does not show images of people (including Muhammad) or animals and these images are prohibited in mosques. Why?

The Style of Islamic Art… Geometric Patterns Ceramic work and mosaics Calligraphy Architecture Tiles from the 14th century Alhambra throne room in Granada, Spain.

Geometric Patterns A geometric pattern is one that is made up of regular lines and repeated shapes. Shapes can be reflected or rotated to create a pattern. Islamic artists often include small deliberate mistakes in their patterns to express that they are not perfect and to show humility in front of Allah. Masjid I Jami. Safavid Dynasty, 18th Century. Isfahan, Iran.

Ceramic Work & Mosaics It is not just mosques that are decorated with geometric patterns. Many buildings in Islamic countries are decorated with ceramic mosaic work (patterns made up from small pieces of colored tile). The image to the left shows a pattern made from hexagonal ceramic pieces arranged to form diamond shapes. This is found in a palace in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Calligraphy Calligraphy is beautiful ornate writing. Mosques are often decorated with the name Muhammad and verses from the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book. This piece of Calligraphy means “Allah is beautiful and loves everything beautiful.”

Styles of calligraphy Above are images of Bismillah verse (in Arabic). All the chapters except one in the Holy Quran begin with the verse, "In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind.“ The two Bismillahs above say the same thing, in different Arabic "fonts" or calligraphy styles.

Architecture Islamic buildings (including mosques) are richly decorated with mosaic work and calligraphy. Minarets are tall towers that have an aesthetic appeal but are also used to call Muslims to prayer.

Architecture Islamic buildings (including mosques) are richly decorated with mosaic work and calligraphy. Minarets are tall towers that have an aesthetic appeal but are also used to call Muslims to prayer.

Islamic Art & Architecture In what ways can religion influence art?