Unit 7: West and Central Asia — Islamic Visual Culture (500 BCE–1980 CE)

Islamic Art

A diverse cultural tradition spanning over 1,400 years and vast geography, united by Islamic faith and the Arabic language.

Aniconism

The prohibition of imagery of sentient beings in sacred contexts such as mosques and Qur'ans to avoid idolatry.

Calligraphy

Considered the highest art form in Islamic culture, used to transmit the divine word of Allah.

Arabesque

Intricate intertwining plant motifs representing the paradise garden.

Geometric Patterns

Complex tessellations in Islamic art symbolizing the infinite nature of God and the order of the universe.

Patronage

Commissioning of art by Caliphs and Sultans to legitimize political power through religious piety.

Qibla Wall

The wall in a mosque indicating the direction of Mecca.

Mihrab

A niche in the Qibla wall, serving as the focal point for prayer.

Minaret

A tower from which the call to prayer (adhan) is issued in a mosque.

Minbar

The pulpit in a mosque for delivering the Friday sermon.

Dome of the Rock

A shrine in Jerusalem built in 691-692 CE, marking the site of Muhammad's Night Journey.

Great Mosque of Córdoba

An Islamic mosque in Spain, famous for its hypostyle hall and unique architectural features.

Spolia

Recycled Roman columns used in the construction of the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

Double-Tiered Arches

An architectural feature that includes a lower horseshoe arch and an upper arch to increase height and allow light.

Maqsura

A screened area in a mosque reserved for the ruler to pray safely.

Four-Iwan Plan

An architectural type featuring a central courtyard with four large vaulted halls opening onto it.

Muqarnas

Stucco 'honeycomb' vaulting that creates a transition from vertical walls to curved domes in Islamic architecture.

Sinan

The renowned architect of the Mosque of Selim II, known as Sinan the Great.

Kufic Script

An angular and strong style of Arabic script, notable for its clarity and used in Qur'ans.

Ardabil Carpet

A famous Persian carpet known for its intricate design and high knot count, used for prayer.

Baptistère de Saint Louis

A brass basin inlaid with gold and silver, originally used for hand-washing and later for baptizing French royal children.

Bahram Gur Fights the Karg

A Persian miniature painting from the Shahnama depicting the ideal king battling a mythical creature.

The Court of Gayumars

A Persian miniature illustrating the legendary first king Gayumars, surrounded by nature and animals.

Islamic Calligraphy

The artistic practice of writing in Arabic that flourished in Islamic culture, especially since figurative representation was discouraged.

Secular Art

Art that is not religious in nature, often including imagery of humans and animals, as seen in palaces, books, and carpets.