by Angie Pollock

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2010

Islamic art can be seen throughout the world, not just in the Middle East. From the architecture to detailed woven rugs, this art is created not only for its beauty but with a purpose and meaning. The art does not refer to the religion but to the rich Islamic culture with the graphics seen in the art having religious influence. Islam began in the early seventh century and quickly spread throughout the Middle East. The bringing together of diverse cultures influenced the different artistic styles.

The traditions of Islamic art is still handcrafted today in many different styles of art form. Beginning Islamic art can reasonably be dated back to present day Syria. As new lands were conquered and sovereignty was contested, different cultures would influence the artistic traditions.

The repeating elements of geometric forms seen in most Islamic art are known as arabesque. Traditional Islamic art will depict calligraphy, geometric shapes and floral or vegetative designs. After the spread of Islam, influences from other cultures are seen in Islamic Art, particularly that of figural representations. Some Muslim religions believe that depictions of any living beings, particularly people are prohibited as these representations are to only be creations of God.

Known as the "Jewel of Muslim Art", the Taj Mahal combines the repeating elements of calligraphy, vegetative designs and abstract motifs. This mausoleum is considered to be the most perfect representation of Muslim Art but does encompass different architectural styles.

After the death of Muhammad in 632, came the Umayyad Period (661-750). The Umayyad would construct their monuments on historical sites. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (691) was built on site that had been occupied by Solomon's Temple. The Umayyad Period influenced the development and style of the Islamic architecture.

The Abbasid Period (750-1258) succeeded the Umayyad Period and Islamic life shifted from Syria to Iraq. In 762 a new capital was founded, Baghdad. The cultural styles emerged and new styles and techniques developed that greatly influenced Islamic and Muslim art. During this time, the introduction of luster painting could possibly have been introduced.

Beveled style, a way of carving, was widely used as well as arabesque in most art forms including wood and pottery. The greatest achievement during this period was the production of silk which was utilized for wall dcor and adornment. Silks bearing the name of the monarch were produced in government-ran shops but more important was the cash value of silk along the "silk route".

During the medieval period (9th 15th centuries), provinces became made up of dynasties. New techniques are seen in the making of objects such as the use of Ivory. Figural art and narrative scenes flourished during the 12th century. During the 13th century, book painting is featured in areas including Syria and Iraq. It was during this time, the Taj Mahal, located in India, was completed around 1648.

Islamic art isn't just an art form, it is a culture and heritage that tells the story of a way of life. Visitors to these regions are influenced by the rich heritage that is still seen in the Islamic art produced today. The techniques and styles are passed down to younger generations, creating each magnificent detail by hand. 

Sources:
ISLAMIC ART: RECOGNIZING GEOMETRIC IDEAS IN ART by Janey Levy, copyright 2006
http://www.colostate.edu/orgs/MSA/find_more/islart.h tml
http://www.islamicarchitecture.org/art/
http://www.al-bab.com/arab/visual/art.htm
http://www.historiansofislamicart.org/

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