Network Methodology (Ernst)
Definition: Network methodology looks at how art and ideas spread and connect across different regions.
Why it's useful: It helps us understand how Islamic art was influenced by and spread to various places, showing the connections between cultures.
Tajwid (Sells)
Definition: Tajwid is the proper way to pronounce and recite the Qur'an.
Why it's useful: It’s important because Qur'anic calligraphy must follow the rules of Tajwid to ensure correct recitation and meaning.
Al-Fatiha (Sells)
Definition: Al-Fatiha is the first chapter of the Qur'an, often called "The Opening."
Why it's useful: It's widely used in prayers and appears in Islamic art, especially in calligraphy, highlighting its importance in Islam.
Byzantine Empire (A History in Objects, Chapter 1)
Definition: The Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire, with its capital in Constantinople.
Why it's useful: Byzantine art influenced early Islamic art, especially in architecture and mosaics.
Zoroastrianism (A History in Objects, Chapter 1)
Definition: Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions, focusing on the battle between good and evil.
Why it's useful: Zoroastrian symbols and ideas influenced Islamic art, especially in Persia, shaping early Islamic decoration.
Al-Aqlam al-Sitta (The Six Calligraphy Styles) (A History in Objects, Chapter 1)
Definition: These are the six main styles of Islamic calligraphy.
Why it's useful: These styles are key to understanding how Islamic calligraphy developed and is used in art.
Iconoclasm (A History in Objects, Chapter 1)
Definition: Iconoclasm is the destruction of religious images or icons.
Why it's useful: In Islamic art, iconoclasm explains why images of living beings were avoided, focusing instead on calligraphy and geometric patterns.
Paper (Islamic Art Chapter 6)
Definition: Paper was introduced to the Islamic world through China.
Why it's useful: It revolutionized Islamic art, leading to the creation of manuscripts, books, and detailed calligraphy.
Pax Mongolia (Islamic Art Chapter 6)
Definition: Pax Mongolia refers to the period of peace and stability under Mongol rule.
Why it's useful: It allowed for the exchange of art and culture, influencing Islamic art across a large area.
Nizami (Islamic Art Chapter 6)
Definition: Nizami was a famous Persian poet known for his epic poems.
Why it's useful: His works influenced Islamic literature and art, often depicted in illustrations and manuscripts.
Mihrab (Islamic Art Chapter 1)
Definition: A mihrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that shows the direction of Mecca.
Why it's useful: It’s a key architectural feature in mosques, often beautifully decorated in Islamic art.
Madaba Map (Georgopoulou)
Definition: The Madaba Map is an ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Why it's useful: It’s an important piece of early Christian art, showing the cultural and religious exchanges in the region.
Arabesque (Burckhardt)
Definition: Arabesque is a type of intricate, repeating pattern found in Islamic art.
Why it's useful: It reflects the Islamic emphasis on geometric beauty and spiritual symbolism.
“Unity of Existence” (Burckhardt, Kia)
Definition: "Unity of Existence" is a Sufi philosophical concept that all things are interconnected.
Why it's useful: This idea is seen in Islamic art, where unity and harmony are reflected in designs and architecture.
Girih (Necipolglu)
Definition: Girih refers to complex geometric patterns used in Islamic art and architecture.
Why it's useful: It’s important for understanding the mathematical and aesthetic precision in Islamic design.
Concept of Beauty in Rasa’il of the Brethren of Purity (Necipolglu, Chapter 10)
Definition: The Rasa'il talks about beauty as a reflection of divine order and harmony.
Why it's useful: This concept influenced Islamic art, emphasizing beauty as a way to connect with the divine.
Shahnama (Islamic Art Chapter 10)
Definition: The Shahnama is a Persian epic poem that tells the history of Iran.
Why it's useful: It’s often illustrated in Islamic art, showing the rich cultural history of the Persian world.
Akbar (d.1605) (Islamic Art Chapter 10)
Definition: Akbar was a Mughal emperor known for his patronage of art and culture.
Why it's useful: His reign led to the flourishing of Mughal art, including famous paintings and architectural projects.
Layla and Majnun (Kia)
Definition: Layla and Majnun is a famous love story in Persian literature.
Why it's useful: It’s a popular theme in Islamic art, often depicted in miniatures and illustrations.
Sufism (Kia)
Definition: Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam, focusing on a personal connection with God.
Why it's useful: Sufi philosophy influences Islamic art, especially in themes of spirituality and divine beauty.
Intertextuality (Kia)
Definition: Intertextuality is the relationship between different texts and how they influence each other.
Why it's useful: It helps us understand how Islamic art and literature are interconnected, often drawing on earlier works for inspiration.