Islamic Art and Architecture

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What are the features of Islamic art and architecture, and what do they represent?

WHY: to understand how Islamic art and architecture represent the beliefs and values of Islam

1. Islamic Art: Class Notes2. Tawid: Video Clip3. A-Salamu alaykum

Turn In: Source Analysis Assignment

Islamic Art and Decoration

Islam views the depiction of living beings as a potentially blasphemous attempt to rival the creative powers of God.

Principles in Islamic Art

• Patterns symbolize Islamic principles of Tawhid (the unity of all things) and Mizan (order and balance) which represent unity within the diversity of the world.

Islamic ArtThree main elements

Geometry Calligraphy Floral Patterns

Geometry in Islamic Art

• Geometrical designs using a limited number of geometric shapes in many different ways

• Symmetry and repetition give unity to more complex designs

• Patterns reflect the beauty of numbers, considered to be of divine origin

Calligraphy in Islamic Art1. Arabic is the language of

the Quran and Muslims believe the Quran is God’s word.

2. The revelation described in the Quran as an “elegantly proportioned script” which is “beautiful” and “unsurpassable.”

Floral Patterns in Islamic Art

• Arabesques: intertwined flowing lines

• Scrollwork: designs featuring spirals

• Use of metalwork (brass and bronze objects inlaid with designs in gold, silver and copper)

Mosque Architecture• Allah is everywhere so mosques

are prayer halls, not a building enshrining a deity (no benches, no altar)

• Mosques contain no statues or pictures

• There is no path in the prayer hall. Muslims are encouraged to linger and contemplate this open, undivided space

• Minarets developed as special towers for prayer callers

Sultan Ahmed Mosque (The Blue Mosque): Istanbul

Dome of the Rock: Jerusalem

The Kaylan Mosque: Uzbekistan

Alhambra: Spain

A-Salamu alaykum1. NEATLY write A-Salamu alaykum in pencil.• RIGHT to LEFT, centered, filling the box, horizontal and accurate.• CHECK WITH ME BEFORE MOVING TO THE NEXT STEP.

2. NEATLY Trace over the pencil in BLACK ink (ideally with a Sharpie).

3. In the background and/or in the border, create geometric patterns, shapes, designs etc. inspired by Islamic art we looked at in class.

4. Your entire box must be colored.

Your finished product should be intricate and reflective of Islamic art. You will be graded on neatness and detail. These will be the cover for your AMW Composition Books.