Islamic Art

I have studied a little bit about the Moors during their rule in Spain. Specifically the Islamic art in Spain. The foundations that we have built in class about the beginning of Islam and about Muhammad have helped me with further understanding ideas about Islamic art. Islamic art appears in many facets, including architecture, painting, ceramics and calligraphy. I have always known about the idea that depicting Allah and people in an idolatry fashion was not allowed but I never understood exactly why. In class and through the film Islam: Empire of Faith I learned that this is because Allah in his nature is infinite and to depict him in human form would go against his transcendent nature. Because of this tradition of not depicting people the beautiful, decorative calligraphy often seen in Mosques and private homes was developed. Since Allah came to Muhammad in words then the word of God is the most important and was his chosen manifestation. The calligraphy often expresses different passages from the Qu’ran. They often adorn minbars (pulpits) and surrounding the mihrab on the qiblah wall (the wall facing Mecca). The calligraphy is used to help worshipers concentrate on the word of God as well as for its beauty. They also developed the arabesque (calligraphy can be a form of arabesque), which is a motif of geometric shapes repeating into a pattern often reminiscent of flowers and plants. These patterns often are taken as forming an infinite pattern inferring the idea of God’s infinity. These arabesques can be seen in many mosques; the ones I know about are in Spain at the Alhambra and Cordoba. The details of the arabesques are really beautiful and amazing. I have enjoyed being able to elaborate and better understand the art however; I am really looking forward to reading more about the Janissaries in our readings!