The document discusses the origins and development of Islamic art, which began with the recitation and calligraphy of the Quran. It led to advances in architecture, decoration, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, textiles, and other crafts that emphasized geometric patterns and avoidance of figural representation. Key early Islamic architectural masterpieces discussed include the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, and the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Islamic art had widespread influence and reflected the beauty praised in the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.

2. Qur'antooktheinitiativeinthedevelopmentofartamongMuslims
TherecitationoftheHolyQur'ancreatedanewbranchofarts
Theconservationofitstextnecessitatedcalligraphyandbook-binding

3. God has spoken in the Qur'an:
"We have beautified the lower sky with lamps"
(67:5)
"Lo! We have placed all that is on the earth as an ornamental thing that We may try men: which of them is best in conduct" (18:7)

4. In the Sahih of Muslim, and the Musnad
of Ibn Hanbal, an interesting saying of the
Prophet:
"God is beautiful and likes beauty."

5. Qur'anitself recommended grandeur in the construction of mosques(24:36)
Masterpieces of our civilization stand tall in architecture and Artistic Decoration to other civilizations:
Prophet's Mosque at Madina
Dome of the Rock at Jerusalem
Alhambra Palace at Granada

6. Calligraphywas found in the decoration of almost every
Islamic building as well as many objects
Geometry become a major art form by using the circle as a
basis and generating patterns to create unusual effects
Ceramic tiles and mirrorswere added to use light and
increase them
Defining elements of Islamic Architecture

7. Islamic Architecture influenced widespread use of
MihrabTombstone
DoorWindow
Decorative featurelamps
DomesMosaics
Geometric shapesPatterns
FountainsGardens, Courtyards
Intertwining : leaf, motifs and designs

8. T.B. Irving on Islamic architecture:
" few civilizations have approached Islam's beauties in architecture: her soaring minarets and spires, her fabled domes, her cool corridors, all reflect the yearning of Muslims, who refusing to find expression in natural depiction concentrate their energies on buildings and their embellishment"

10. Vessel, ca. 700SyriaBronze, pierced and chased, openwork design

11. Inscribed slab, first half of 8th centurySyriaLimestone

12. Ewer, 8th–early 9th centuryProbably SyriaBronze, cast, engraved, and pierced

13. Woven Tapestry Fragment, 8th century; UmayyadIran or IraqWool

15. This Mosque was built by the founder of
Kairouan, Sidi Oqba
in 670 AD

16. Dome of Rock, Palestine

17. Dome of Rock,
Palestine

18. Inside ceiling of Dome of Rock
has mosaicagainst a gold background

19. Inside viewDome of Rock

20. Inside viewDome of Rock

21. Inside viewDome of Rock

22. Inside viewDome of Rock

23. Great Mosque Syria

24. This mosque built between 706 and 715

25. The Great
Mosque of Damascus
built by
Caliph Al-WalidI

27. Capital,
9th century,
Abbasid, SyriaCarved alabaster

28. Pair of doors
9th century
Abbasid, Iraq
Carved wood

29. 11th century Quran Eastern Kuficstyle Iran

30. 11thCentury Quranic Manuscript

32. Textile fragment
Late 10th century
Abbasid, Probably Iraq
Cotton plain weave with painted
inscription

34. The Great
Mosque of Samarra
848-852 AD
Built on an open plan principle
The largest mosque of Islam (748 x 512 ft)

35. Mosque of Samarra
Built by
Caliph Al-Mu’tasim

37. Al-Zaytuna Mosque
731 AD
By
Obeid-Allah
Ibn Al-Habhab

39. Built by
Ahmad Ibn Tulun
870 —879 AD

41. Quranic Manuscript

42. Pyxis
10th century (950–975)
Caliphal, Spanish
Made in AndalusiaIvory

43. Incense burner
11th century Spain (Andalusia)
Cast bronze,
openwork and incised

45. Construction began between 784 and 786 AD under the supervision of "Abdal-RahmanI

46. Inside Ceiling view

47. Extravagant use of Tile and Color is hallmarks of Islamic Architecture

48. Inside pathways

49. White and Red
Marble tile arches form
rectangular halls for prayers

50. Top Down View

51. Alhambra, Grenada

52. Built by
Yusuf I(1333-1353)
&
Muhammad V(1353-1391)
Sultan of Granada

53. Columns in the
Court of the Lion, Alhambra

54. Pillars and carving at the Alhambra, Granada