Islamic Arts consist of the artworks from the 7th century and beyond. In truth, they’re from Muslims and non-Muslims who live within the Islamic territory. Islam has existed for over 1400 years, so it takes a lot of work to differentiate the Arts. The Art covers calligraphy, painting, architecture, glass, ceramics, textiles, color mosaics, etc.
Architectures like mosques are also part of the religious significance of Islamic Arts. Elements like vegetal designs and geometric florals are often used in Islamic Art. However, a few scholars think the repetition in the art forms is humility shown by the artists who believe that God is the only one who can produce perfection.
In this article, let’s see the characteristics and importance of Islamic Arts in our Journey as Muslims and a few places where we can find these arts.
Characteristics of Islamic Arts
Islamic Arts are dominated by geometry and abstractions. There are several patterns and calligraphy that establish the basis of the Artworks. Likewise, many mosques are decorated with these designs, making them stand out. Islamic Arts also include nature patterns and vegetal designs.
1. Geometric Patterns
Intricate geometric designs represent infinity and unity in Islamic Art. The patterns feature complex geometric shapes like polygons, stars, hexagons, etc.
2. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is quite popular and significantly influences Islamic art. Quranic verses and other texts are artistically scribbled to showcase the sacredness of the wordings.
3. Arabesques
Islamic Art’s vegetal and flowing designs consist of vines, flora motifs, and foliage. Arabesques stands for the connection between life and nature.
4. Ornaments
Ornamentation in textiles, architecture, metalwork, ceramics, etc., depict beauty and refinement. The designs are detailed across different surfaces, describing aesthetics and craftsmanship.
5. Prohibiting Figurative Representations
Islamic Art avoids the depiction of living beings, sticking to geometric and other patterns. It’s linked to the prohibition of idolatry and to prevent misunderstanding.
Importance of Islamic Arts
1. Cultural Heritage
Islamic Arts represents a vast cultural heritage spanning regions influenced by Islamic civilization. They include North Africa, the Middle East, Spain, Persia, Central Asia, India, etc.
Islamic Arts consist of several artworks like metalwork, textiles, geometric patterns, etc., showing off the creativity of various Islamic societies.
2. Religious significance
Islamic Art intertwines with religious beliefs, as figurative designs are avoided to stick to Islamic teachings. Calligraphy, especially Quranic verses, has great significance, depicting the sacred nature and its role in Islamic culture.
3. Aesthetics
Arabesques, geometric designs, and Intricate patterns are rampant in Islamic Art. They stand for unity, infinity, and the transcendent feature of Allah. The plans also balance repetition, complexity, and symmetry, showcasing beauty and perfection.
4. Influence
Islamic Art has influenced several countries and fostered cross-cultural exchange throughout history. It’s seen in various civilizations’ decorative arts, architecture, and designs. They include Indian, European, Persian, Byzantine, and Turkish.
5. Preserving Traditions
Islamic Art helps Muslims know the roots and historical narratives. It preserves traditions that people can refer back to. Artisans have also contributed immensely to the preservation by creating Islamic artworks in the best way possible.
Places to find Islamic Arts
1. The Crystal Mosque
The Crystal Mosque in Malaysia is a beautiful architectural marvel in Kuala Terengganu. It has a crystal-like structure, hence its name. The mosque is made of glass and stew, one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture that displays Islamic Art.
2. The Islamic Arts Museum, Malaysia
The Islamic Arts Museum in Malaysia is located in Kuala Lumpur. It’s one of the most prominent museums in Southeast Asia meant for Islamic Art. The collection features over 12,000 artifacts like ceramics, textiles, calligraphy, etc. The museum will give you a great insight into the rich heritage of Islam.
3. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
It houses the wealthiest collection of Islamic Arts. The museum fuses Turkish and Islamic artworks to create unique designs. It was the last museum opened during the Ottoman Empire Period. The museum houses several artifacts like carpets, rugs, manuscripts, lanterns, oil lamps, etc.
4. The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is in Casablanca, Morocco, or Hassan II mosque. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful mosques worldwide. The blue crystals and designs earned it the name. It has incredible architecture, with the world’s most enormous minarets and other geometric Islamic Arts.
5. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Grand Mosque is located in the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, to be precise. It’s decorated with white mare architecture and unique carvings of about 82 domes. The fantastic Islamic Art around the mosque sets it apart, and it is a tourist center for different individuals.
Bottom Line
Islamic Arts is a part of our religion. It depicts the rich history of Islam even before civilization. The characteristics of the arts, like Arabesques, geometric, etc, all contribute to their beauty. Moreover, the article showcases the need to understand Islamic Arts and its features and places to find them.