ALO, MYRREN C.

ISLAMIC ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

Definition:
Islamic Art is a term used to describe the visual arts produced by people living within
territories inhabited or ruled by MUSLIM POPULATION since 7th Century.

Characteristics:
Islamic Art was characterized by:
1. Intricate Geometric Patterns
2. Arabesque
3. Floral Motifs
4. Extensive use of Calligraphy
Islamic Arts reflects the cultural and spiritual values of the Islamic World and influenced by a
variety of sources including pre-islamic traditions.
3 TYPES OF ISLAMIC ARTS
1. Floral Motifs
2. Calligraphy
3. Geometric Art
MATUGAS, RITZELYN
1. Floral Motifs and the Designs
Because of the belief in Islamic aniconism, flower designs were used by
artists in the place of human or animal forms as Islamic art patterns. These floral
motifs seen in Islamic ceramics, carpets, tiles and more avoid a focus on concepts of
realism, like growth or life. Certain types of flowers or plants can have theological
meanings; the Cypress, for example, often represents humility before GOD.
EXAMPLE: Ferhat-Pasha mosque dome arabesque in Banja, Luka, Republika
Srpska.
2. Calligraphy
Calligraphy was perhaps the most direct. Islamic calligraphy art-found
on ceramics, metalwork and across the walls of important structures-qoutes
verses from the QUR’AN or Allah’s word. Scripts of Poetry are therefore
frequently seen in art architecture across Islamic World, highlighting the
importance of the Arabic language of the QUR’AN. Islamic artists could use
Calligraphy to both celebrate and remember Allah without depicting him as a
living being.
EXAMPLE: Tile panel with Qur’anic inscription from Central Asia of
Iran,16th Early 20th Century, monochrome glazed stonepaste assembled
as mosaic, long term loan to the Honolulu Museum of Art by Doris Duke
Foundation of Islamic Art
GALAM was the traditional tool used by Islamic calligraphers, it is a pen made of dried reed
or bamboo. Other techniques involve a metallic-tip pen. Often created with an intense color
of ink, mediums for calligraphy include paper, tiles, vessels, carpets and stones.

3. Geometric Art
Combination of squares and circles form the intricate patterns on various mediums.
They are often seen overlapping with or perhaps forming the framework for, floral
motifs and calligraphy.
Example : Monir Farmanfarmain, “Stars”, 2005
The use of geometric patterns involving stars and lozenges dates back to the
9th century. Geometric designs were also popular because they followed Islamic
aniconism, they limited focus on figural objects and their complexities allowed for
spiritual contemplation. At the same time, these ongoing, looping, and scrolling
shapes reflected God’s infinite creations and reflected a sense of divine oneness or
unity.

ALO, MYRREN C.
ISLAMIC ARCHITECTURE
Islamic Architecture can be found primarily in Arab States and Muslim-majority
countries around the world. Some of its key characteristics include:
RETAZO, ROMAEJOY
1. Minarets – this are the towering spires with interior staircase and small windows.
They are striking to look at and serve an integral function, calling Muslims to prayer
five times a day.
2. Domes- Islamic architecture features domes placed on structures called pendetives
that make it possible to fit a round dome on a rectangular or square room.
Pendentives are often decorated with mosaic tiling.
GOMEZ, JHERL JANINE
3. Muqarnas Vaulting- Resembling a honeycomb or stalactite pattern, elaborate
muqarnas vaulting adds a textual and monochromatic touch to the ceilings of often
intricately and colorfully tiled interiors.
4. Arches- Horseshoe or keyhole, pointed, scalloped and ogee arches are common in
Islamic Architecture.
CALANG. ELI JOHNNY
5. Ornamental Details – Islamic decorations often includes multicolored mosaic tile
featuring repeated patterns and geometric patterns such as the arabesque. It alse
typically includes the use of Arabic Calligraphy scripts such as passages from the
Qur’An.
6. Mihrab – It is a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca, which Muslims
face during prayer. You’ll find Mihrab in every mosque
 ODCHIGUE, RELYN
FAMOUS ARCHITECTURES
1. TAJ MAHAL
2. The Alhambra
3. The Friday Mosque, Esfahan
4. The Dome of the Rock
5. Great Mosque of Samarra
6. The Citadel of Aleppo
7. Great Mosque of Cordoba
8. Suleymaniye Mosque Complex, Istanbul

RANDOM QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of Islamic Art?
Islamic Art focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings, and not their
physical qualities. Muslim artist does not attempt to replicate nature as it is, but tries to
convey what it represents. This lets artist, and those who experience the art, get closer to
Allah.
How do we know if this is Islamic Art?
Islamic Art is quites distinctive and can be recognize by a few characteristics.
1. Geometric Patterns – known for its intricate and repetitive designs.
2. Arabesque – consists of intertwined flowing lines, often in a floral or vegetal form.
3. Calligraphy – incorporates beautiful, stylized calligraphy. This is due to the
importance of the written word in Islam, particularly in Arabic script.
4. Use of Color – Islamic Art often features vibrant colors and intricate details. You will
often see a mix of blues, greens, golds and reds.
5. Architectures – such as mosques, domes, minarets and are decorated with other
elements.