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From Minarets to Masterpieces:

Tracing the Islamic Legacy in Art and Architecture

Aitzaz Ahmed Murtaza

Assistant Engineer- Mechanical

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Presentation Sequence
• Early Islamic Art and Architecture
• The Islamic Golden Age
• Architectural Fusion - Where East Meets West
• Islamic Artistry - The Elegance of Calligraphy and
Geometry
• Symbolic Geometry - The Language of Creation
• Enduring Influence - Inspiring Across Time
• Conclusion

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Early Islamic Art and Architecture
• Birth of Islamic art:
• Emerged after the advent of Islam.
• Influenced by pre-Islamic art.
• Mosque architecture:
• Evolved from simple to complex.
• Notable elements: domes and
minarets.
• Islamic calligraphy and
ornamentation:
• Sacred art form in Islamic culture.
Page from the Qur'an manuscript with the
• Featured intricate patterns and fragment of the surah Al-Waqi'a. Kufic script
designs.
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The Islamic Golden Age
• Flourishing during the Golden Age:
• Cultural and intellectual peak.
• Advancements in art.
• Patronage by rulers and caliphs:
• Generous support for artists and
scholars.
• Magnificent architectural projects.
• Blending diverse cultural styles:
• Fusion of influences from Persia,
Byzantium, and more.
• Significance of geometric patterns: Façade of Qasr Al-Mshatta, Jordan.
• Prominent use in art and architecture. Constructed in 740AD
• Symbolic representations. 5
 Architectural Fusion - Where East Meets
West
Mosques
with Islamic • Hagia Sophia in
and Istanbul.
Byzantine
elements:
Palaces
showcasing • The Alhambra in Spain.
Spanish
architecture:

Central Asian
wonders with • Registan Square in
Persian Samarkand.
Alhambra Palace, Spain.
influences:

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Islamic Artistry - The Elegance of
Calligraphy and Geometry
• Diverse calligraphic styles: • Geometric patterns:
• Kufic • Star Patterns
• Naskh

Kufic inscriptions on the Dome of the A beautiful star pattern in the roof of 7
Rock, Jerusalem Alhambra, Spain
 Symbolic Geometry - The Language of
Creation
• Geometry:
• Reflection of divine order in Islamic art.
• Mathematics as the language of creation.
• Symmetry :
• Symbolizes harmony and perfection.
• Reflects the unity of the cosmos and the
Creator.
• Star patterns:
• Celestial guides in Islamic art.
• Circles: Entrance of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque,
• The divine, eternity, and unity. Isfahan, Iran
• Squares:
• Symbolizing the earthly and material realm. 8
Enduring Influence - Inspiring Across
Time
• Global Architectural Heritage:
• Islamic art influencing styles worldwide.
• From Spain to India, a testament to
cultural exchange.
• Artistic Cross-Pollination:
• Inspiring Renaissance and beyond.
• Contemporary artists draw from Islamic
motifs.
• Bridging Cultures and Generations:
• Fostering intercultural dialogue.
• A shared heritage uniting people.
• Embracing the Future: Monreale Cathedral, Sicily, showing the
• Preserving and celebrating for influence of Islamic architecture
generations.
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• Source of inspiration for the world.
Conclusion
• Enduring Beauty: Islamic art and architecture enchant with timeless
beauty and profound symbolism.
• Global Impact: Its influence spans borders and cultures, inspiring artistic
cross-pollination.
• Unity in Diversity: A shared heritage fostering intercultural dialogue and
understanding.
• Cherishing Legacy: Let us preserve and celebrate this exquisite art for
future generations.
• Guiding Light: Islamic art inspires to appreciate creativity's universal
language.
• Embracing Unity: Appreciating diversity, seeking unity, and revering the
Divine Creator.
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Thank you for joining this journey into the
world of Islamic art and architecture.

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