Art

The cultures of Islam have produced rich visual and expressive forms of artwork for centuries.  Spanning countries, continents, and seas, Muslim influence has created beautiful architectural wonders, colorful ceramics, paintings, elaborate calligraphy, and so much more.  Because it is considered blasphemous to recreate images of Allah (God) or Muhammad (The Prophet), religious and cultural expression was pushed in the direction of geometric design, organically inspired images, and linguistic art.

Because Muslims were unable to recreate images of revered religious icons, they produced artwork void of any impression or likeness of these religious figures.  This type of artwork, which is known for a lack of images or icons, is also known as aniconic art.  The Quran is an incredibly sacred component to the Islamic faith and it is only natural that its followers would turn to artful reproduction of verse in the form of calligraphy.  Architecture has also historically been a powerful and common expression of Islamic artistry.

Calligraphy was commonly used to present a more ornate, visually inspiring, and artistic expression of the Quran.  Below is a picture of a manuscript from Yemen in the 14th century, which beautifully illustrates how calligraphy was used to illuminate verses of the Quran.  With a floral motif and the use of gold rosettes, this excerpt from the Islamic Holy Book is enhanced and shown revere for its contents and beauty.  This artistic expression is not meant to supplement the words of the Quran for mere aesthetic value, but provide Muslims an artistic outlet to show respect and admiration for their religion.  The manuscript is aniconic, because it produces an image of religious text, not religious figures.

A more outward representation of calligraphy being used in Islamic art can be found in the construction and decoration of mosques.  Islamic mosques are often built with very ornate architectural techniques and intricate visual details.  Below is a calligraphic design drawn by Yusuf Sezer in 1961 that was used as a blueprint for the dome of a mosque.  Calligraphy on a large scale as an architectural detail is often used to decorate structures that have a high importance in the Islamic culture.  By creating a heightened level of beauty in the place of worship, Muslims show a further dedication to Allah and the Islamic principles.  Again, this type of artwork is considered aniconic because it uses calligraphy as an artistic expression and not the pictorial recreation of religious idols.

One of the most well-known and revered architectural masterpieces of Islamic architecture is the Taj Mahal located in Agra, India.  It was constructed in the mid-17th century and took over 20 years to construct.  The building utilizes the use of domes, numerous calligraphy designs, floral architectural details, decorative tiling, paintings, and expansive murals.  The artwork is so extensive and spans nearly all genres and methods of Islamic artistry.  It is considered a tomb, and shows religious fever and dedication to Islam through all of the sacrifice and hard work that went into its construction, as well as its intricate designs.  The art and architecture of Islamic culture, epitomized by this renowned structure, represents the livelihood and religious devotion of the Islamic people.

Many believe the Islamic principles that govern all aspects of Muslim life are accentuated and shown at their best when exemplified by the close relationship between religion, art, and architecture.  This is why the aesthetic enhancement of mosques is so supported by and beneficial for Islamic culture.  Below is an image of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey.  Constructed in the early 17th century this religious structure beautifully exemplifies harmony, the Islamic way of life, and religious commitment.

Art produced within the Islamic culture is the ultimate representation and reiteration of the Islamic faith.  Religion is such a substantial priority in Muslim life, it is only logical that art would serve to enhance the devotion to, as well as influence and celebration of the Islamic belief system.  It is important to the Islamic way of life that any image of Muhammad the Prophet or Allah not be recreated, and this in turn has created beautiful and ornate artistry in the form of calligraphy, architecture, floral, and geometric design.