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Islamic Art Facts & Worksheets

Islamic art is a vast collection of works from various Muslim cultures worldwide. The rejection of human figures in Muslim art is arguably its most distinctive feature.

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Islamic art is a vast collection of works from various Muslim cultures worldwide. The rejection of human figures in Muslim art is arguably its most distinctive feature. The idea that human beings shouldn’t be depicted in art is known as aniconism, embodied in this Islamic precept. Islamic art, therefore, frequently shows abstract forms rather than identifiable people or objects, making it non-representational. 

See the fact file below for more information about Islamic Art, or you can download our 34-page Islamic Art worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY

  • Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in the seventh century, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It spread swiftly due to widespread conversions and successful conquests by Muslim rulers, starting with the . The Islamic world stretched from Spain to India by the year 800 CE.
  • The Byzantine and Persian empires, two strong neighbors, encircled the Caliphate from the outset. These highly developed states significantly influenced the evolution of Islamic culture. 
  • The mosaics that adorned their homes, churches, and public spaces made the Byzantines renowned. Thousands or even hundreds of thousands of pieces of multicolored rock shards were arranged to create this type of art, typically featuring scenes from mythology, religion, the natural world, or emperors. 
  • Muslims modified this custom as the Islamic realm expanded to include formerly Roman territories. They mostly abandoned the practice of painting human figures but kept the artistic form, creating intricate geometric mosaics.
  • Art flourished greatly during the Abbasid Caliphate, which ruled over most of the Islamic world in 750 CE. Arabesque is the term used in the West to describe a particular aspect of Islamic art that became increasingly popular during this time. 
  • Arabesque is a style found in many artistic mediums, such as mosaics, reliefs, and architecture. The recurring abstract forms are the main element of this style. 
  • It was well-liked for reflecting significant Islamic beliefs and outstanding artistic qualities. Recurring abstract patterns symbolize God’s unchangeable and limitless character. 
  • Like a circle, the tessellated pattern of forms found in arabesque art lacks a distinct beginning and end. This illustrates how Muslims view God.

ISLAMIC ART AND ARCHITECTURE

  • Islamic architecture and art incorporate many of the themes already covered. The largest examples of Muslim architecture typically feature abstract forms arranged in repeating patterns on exterior and interior walls. 
  • The most prominent examples of Islamic architecture are religious structures like madrasas and mosques, which are inextricably linked to the Muslim faith.
  • Muslims gather for religious ceremonies in mosques, which are like temples. Their distinctive features—domes and minarets, towers typically incorporated into mosques’ architecture—allow for easy recognition. 
  • Islamic architecture and art incorporate many of the themes already covered. The largest examples of Muslim architecture typically feature abstract forms arranged in repeating patterns on exterior and interior walls. 
  • The most prominent examples of Islamic architecture are religious structures like madrasas and mosques, which are inextricably linked to the Muslim faith.
  • Muslims gather for religious ceremonies in mosques, which are like temples. Their distinctive features—domes and minarets, towers typically incorporated into mosques’ architecture—allow for easy recognition. 
  • A mosque is not required to have a certain number of minarets. Mosques stand out and are visible from a distance in crowded cities thanks to their minarets. 
  • They are crucial for religious observance in real life. Muslims generally offer prayers five times a day, and when it’s time, religious leaders known as muezzins climb minarets and proclaim the call to prayer. 
  • Mosques are divided into two distinct spheres, one for women and one for men, each with its entryway, under religious custom.
  • Islamic schools, known as madrasas, teach students about religion and the law. They frequently have towers and sizable central domes in common with mosques. 
  • Madrasa courtyards are another vital aspect. Encircled by the main buildings on campus and featuring spacious areas with vaulted ceilings, these are common areas where students can gather and participate in conversations.

ISLAMIC ART CHARACTERISTICS

  • Three essential elements of Islamic visual art are calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral motifs. These elements frequently cross into different genres and art forms and are inspired by Qur’anic principles. 

Floral Designs and the “Arabesque”

  • Islamic artists substituted floral motifs for human or animal forms in their works due to the belief in Islamic aniconism. 
  • These floral motifs, found in Islamic ceramics, carpets, tiles, and other materials, steer clear of realistic ideas like development or life. 
  • There are theological connotations associated with specific flower or plant species; the cypress, for instance, is frequently associated with humility before God.
  • According to the Museum of Islamic Art Doha, four- or five-petalled flowers are commonly depicted in Timurid manuscripts, Ottoman tiles, Safavid carpets, and other works. 
  • We also find what is known as arabesque, or interlacing, rhythmic, and scrolling floral patterns, in many Islamic artworks such as these.
  • Arabesque surface decoration gained widespread popularity on items and structures, and additional plant-based patterns continued to form intricate, scrolling patterns. 
  • The V&A Museum states that “grids, reflective and rotational symmetry, and freehand design” were methods used by Islamic artists to master floral patterns and motifs.

Islamic Calligraphy Art

  • The most direct connection between Islamic art and the Qur’an can be found in calligraphy. 
  • Islamic calligraphy art quotes passages from the Qur’an, or Allah’s (God’s) word, and is found on metalwork, ceramics, and the walls of significant buildings. 
  • Poetry scripts are, therefore, common in Islamic art and architecture, emphasizing the significance of the Arabic text of the Qur’an (though Ottoman and Persian languages are also included in Islamic calligraphy art). 
  • Again, Islamic calligraphers could commemorate and celebrate Allah through calligraphy without resorting to idolatry by not portraying him as a living being.
  • Islamic calligraphers traditionally use the qalam, a dried bamboo pen or reed pen. Other methods use pens with metallic tips. 
  • Calligraphy can be done on various surfaces, such as paper, tiles, vases, carpets, and stone, and is frequently done in vibrant ink colors. 

Islamic Geometric Art

  • The geometric element in Islamic art is the last but most important component. Intricate patterns are created by combining squares and circles on various surfaces, including ceramics, jewelry, paper, metal, glass, wood, pottery, carpets, and tiles.
  • They frequently overlap calligraphy and floral motifs or possibly to form the framework for them.
  • Since the ninth century, geometric patterns with stars and lozenges have been used. 
  • Nonetheless, 6- and 13-point star patterns appeared in the thirteenth century. Artists later created increasingly intricate patterns with 14- and 16-point stars in the 16th century.
  • Because they limited attention to figural objects and encouraged spiritual reflection due to their complexity, geometric designs were also popular because they adhered to Islamic aniconism. 
  • These continuous, looping, and scrolling forms simultaneously conveyed a sense of divine unity and oneness with God’s limitless creations.
  • Islamic art encompasses various shapes and media, such as wall tapestries, paintings, ceramics and stained glass, tile work, carpets, metal constructions, wooden furnishings, and more. 
  • Wall paintings and manuscripts dominated the Persianate world; Berbers, Persians, and Armenians, to name a few, produced exquisite rugs, and vast mosques with features characteristic of Islamic art towered over parts of southern Spain, India, Turkey, and Iran. 
  • Regarding Islamic ceramics, the first industrial complex for producing glass and pottery was located in Syria during the eighth century. 
  • Islamic art’s development has been greatly influenced by new cultures, wars, invasions, and customs in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

THEMES OF ISLAMIC ART

  • Islamic art frequently employs the arabesque to represent God’s transcendent, indivisible, and infinite nature. Particular academics posit that artists who believe only God can produce perfection might purposefully introduce mistakes into their repetitions as a humble gesture.
  • Islamic art has traditionally, though not exclusively, concentrated on the representation of patterns and Arabic calligraphy rather than human or animal figures because many Muslims consider the depiction of the human form to be idolatry and, as such, a transgression against God that the Qur’an prohibits—nonetheless, all periods of Islamic secular art feature representations of the human form as well as animals.

Islamic Art Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Islamic Art across 34 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Islamic Art. The idea that human beings shouldn’t be depicted in art is known as aniconism, embodied in this Islamic precept. Islamic art, therefore, frequently shows abstract forms rather than identifiable people or objects, making it non-representational. 

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Islamic Art Facts
  2. Arabesque
  3. Masjids
  4. Artistic Traditions
  5. Arabic Calligraphy
  6. Different Pieces
  7. Illuminated Manuscripts
  8. Stained Glass Window
  9. Tile Mosaic
  10. With Geometry
  11. Is It There?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Islamic art?

Islamic art encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions influenced by the Islamic faith and culture. It includes various forms such as architecture, calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts. Islamic art is characterized by its emphasis on geometric patterns, intricate designs, and the avoidance of figurative representation in religious contexts.

What are the key features of Islamic art?

Islamic art is known for its intricate geometric patterns, arabesques, and floral motifs. Calligraphy, particularly Quranic verses, is also a prominent feature, serving as a means of spiritual expression and decoration. Additionally, Islamic art often utilizes vibrant colors, intricate tilework, and complex geometric compositions to create visually stunning and spiritually significant works.

What role does calligraphy play in Islamic art?

Calligraphy holds a central place in Islamic art, serving as a primary form of artistic expression and communication. The Arabic script, particularly in its cursive forms, is highly revered in Islamic culture, especially for its use in transcribing the Quran. Calligraphic compositions are often used to adorn mosques, palaces, and other religious spaces, with skilled calligraphers achieving a harmonious balance between legibility and artistic expression.

How does Islamic architecture reflect Islamic principles and beliefs?

Islamic architecture reflects the core principles and beliefs of Islam through its emphasis on geometric symmetry, spiritual symbolism, and the creation of spaces conducive to prayer and contemplation. Features such as domes, minarets, and courtyards are common elements in Islamic architecture, with mosques serving as focal points for communal worship and spiritual reflection.

What are some notable examples of Islamic art and architecture?

Some notable examples of Islamic art and architecture include the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain, the Taj Mahal in India, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. These structures showcase the rich diversity and intricate beauty of Islamic art and architecture, spanning different regions and historical periods.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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