The inspiration behind Islamic Designs and development of Islamic Themes and Patterns across different regions
Arab Influence
 |
| Old Arabic Language Calligraphic Piece |
Arab element is probably one of the most clearly prominent ones in this form of art. Being the language of the Islamic Holy Book Quran and the native language of earliest Muslim majority this culture it played an important role in the development of Islamic Art and was incorporated into design in several forms, calligraphy being the most notable.
 |
Construction of girih pattern in
Darb-e Imam spandrel |
It also led to the development of linear abstraction observable in Islamic Patterns. Another major Islamic Art element that owes its roots and origins to the Arabs is mathematics and astronomy. Arabs not only they perused existing knowledge on the subjects (from the Romans), they even constantly researched and made important contributions to these fields.
Naturally, this interest was reflected in the Art as well; to such an extent that studies today prove that Arab designs used modern advanced geometry concepts in medieval times that were not known to the rest of the world till many centuries later.
Turkish Influence
 |
Museum of Turkish and Islamic
Art (Ibrahim Pasha Palace) |
The Turkish among other people of Central Asia are known to have a certain preference to a concept of abstraction native to the art and designs of this region. This is a land that is said to be located at a point where East meets West, and in their art this reflects accordingly as the people here have taken design inspirations from both sides (i.e. inner Asia to Egypt and Europe) to ultimately develop a style that is so distinctively stands out as Turkish. The Islamic Culture and Art owes a lot to the Turkish/Ottoman Dynasties that have ruled over a major portion of Islamic World (as well as expanded it) from the 10th to the 19th centuries AD.
 |
Handpainted Iznik Ceramic Tiles from
the 16th Century |
Persian Influence
This element is not easily definable. One remarkable innovation of the Persians was placing a dome over a square room using squinches.
 |
| Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. |
Other noteworthy design influences that were introduced by the Persians to the Islamic Art include intricate motif patterns, symmetry in patterns and cut stucco décor. Later in 14th and 15th Century AD an entire abstract-poetic iconography was created in Iran that was unlike any other style from other parts of the Islamic World. It naturally became an imperative element of the Islamic Art in many regions from thereon.
 |
| Persian Rug |
|
|
Not Defined or Contained by Geographical Boundaries
Yes, the above three major elements are clearly recognizable and each has contributed a lot in terms of inspiration and development of Islamic Art. However, over several periods they were so closely integrated and intermingled that the elements can hardly be distinguished at separate styles anymore. This cultural melting pot phenomenon is not unparalleled and is often seen when one aspect (in this case religion) brings people from different cultures and backgrounds together. It eventually results into formation of a single theme that has a little something from every culture but overall it’s perceived as one unified culture. Islamic Art is an example of the result of a feature that no longer is bound by ethnicity, geography or reigns.
Religious Influence
Out of all elements in Islamic Art the most undeniably significant is; religion. Art is said to be a reflection of a culture and its perspective of the world. This applies perfectly to Islamic Art, as the art mirrors the cultural values of Muslims and their view of life, universe and the Oneness of God.
“God is Beautiful and loves beauty”, so said Muhammad the Prophet of Islam about 1400 years back. The messenger also said in another Hadith (a prophetic saying), “"God likes that when you do anything, you do it excellently”. In addition to Quran, Muslims seek guidance and tips for different aspects life, from such sayings/ahadith of the Prophet. So the above quoted two saying are said to be the basis for Muslims’ ornamentation and embellishment of their homes, places of worship and even items of everyday use.
This piece is a part of our Islamic Art Blog Series. More articles on subjects like "Moroccan Zelig art", "Islamic Mosaics" and "materials and mediums most popular in Islamic Art" are coming up soon. Read the introductory piece on Islamic Art
here.
Sources:
- Islamic Art History - Visual Art Cork
-
-
- Islamic Geometric Patterns - Wikipedia
More Material on Islamic Art:
