Islamic Art

What did Arabic refelct?

Arabic is reflected in the art of beautiful writing. Arabic calligraphy is a key in islamic art

What was Islamic art independent from?

Islamic art was largely independent of human figures, reflecting a mistrust of figurative images in many Islamic traditions.

What are some key features you see in islamic art?

Colour, alternating vourisis, domes, arches, vegetation, floaral and geometric designs with script.

Was all art ranked the same in Islamic art?

All art was ranked at the same level; there was no distinction between “fine arts” and decorative arts” like in Europe.

Arts like ceramics, metal wear, weaving and carving were all on the same level.

What are horitzontal Kufics

Horizontal Kufis are Arabic calligraphy that has short and long horizontal lines, which are angular and have black letter forms.

What is Islamic art made up of?

Islamic art first took shape from pre-existing Byzantine, Roman and Christian art forms.

This is called syncretism, which is a pre-existing feature under a new ideology.

What did Islamic rulers need with Islamic architecture?

The rulers needed dwellings appropriate to their power and wealth. Buildings memorialised great rulers, historical events and holy figures. 

Dome of the Rock - where is it? Is it a holy site?

The Dome of the Rock is in Jerusalem. After the cities of Mecca and Medina Jerusalem was the holiest Islamic site.

This was the same sight a prophet was taken by Gabriel to experience both heaven and hell.

Muhammand was the only mortal allowed to see these places before death. At the time, Jerusalem was under Islamic control.

The Dome of the Rock was constructed by craftspeople, many of whom were Christians or new converts to Islam, around 690.

Where was the Dome of the Rock built?

It was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. It echoes the form of the 16th-century Byzantine shire of the Holy Sepular.

It is also a few hundred yards to the west of the burial of Jesus.

It also echoes central plan domed churches from christian times.