by Katrina Ilich

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: May 18, 2009

Islamic Art is the label given to art produced by culturally Islamic populations from 650 C.E. onwards. This art is as much an expression of life as it is a part of life. Arising from scattered beginnings, it evolved with a religion, or rather, that religion's worshippers, and over time, fashioned itself into a distinct and technically advanced form of art. Islamic art consist of three focal components; Calligraphy, Geometry, and vegetal patterns.

Calligraphy, though in existence since the Nabataean Empire in 105 C.E., really rooted its importance in the prophet Mohammed. According to Islam, Mohammed, a then negligible merchant, received the words of God through the archangel Gabriel in the surrounding mountains of Mecca in roughly 600 C.E.

Though receiving no extensive schooling, Mohammed then began speaking beautiful and epic wisdom; dazzling lines the likes of which no one had ever heard before. These lines, later to be known as Qur'anic verses, were memorized and written down by Mohammed's followers as he recited them. From this collection of pieces, the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an, was created. Over time, Arabic script was further beautified to be an appropriate re-telling of divine revelation.

Life revolved around God; the Muslim fashioned his work, family and recreation around aspects of worship. Thus, Calligraphy gained prominence. Calligraphy, as illustrations of the word of God, was art. The Qur'an was widely acknowledged as the beacon of all creativity and phrases from the Qur'an were inscribed and painted onto the surfaces of nearly every Mosque, tapestry, sculpture, and pottery piece produced.

Such Calligraphy may be seen in the Mihrab from the Madrasa Inami in modern-day Iran. The Madrasa Inami is a theological college (madrasa) built out of baked brick. The structure is built around a courtyard, with vaulted halls surrounding. Within this is located the mosaic Mihrab (the term 'Mihrab' refers to a niche that indicates the direction of Mecca). The very first arch of the Mihrab features an inscription from the Qur'an in Kufic script which is the oldest calligraphic form of Arabic and almost a direct take of the Nabataean style. Kufic script is used for the early pages of the Qur'an, placing the Mihrab in context in terms of creation date. Another calligraphic style, particularly ornate, called Muhaqqaq fills the frame. A third inscription, in looping cursive, is enframed by a square of mosaics in the center of the Mihrab.

The entire Mihrab

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