Islamic Art

From its place of origin, Mecca (610), Islam has combed the planet's lands leaving behind a diverse group of followers from many nations, creeds, and socio-statuses. This religion has ascended in spite of the adversities that challenged its validity and representatives. The "night of power" birthed a faith that would not only primarily transform the Meccan way of life, but ultimately alter the globes' record of dominant belief systems. Every faith possesses its approach to producing dutiful disciples. Though the much controversy within the Islamic community arises over the display of artistic expression, art couldn't be hindered. Islamic art has been carefully woven into the culture and belief system. Many periods and events have contributed to the evolution of Islamic art as a whole.

Islamic art spawns a large and complex topic. While there are numerous different means of categorizing Islamic art, I have chosen to adhere to a division of significance within the Islamic artistic culture. This scheme of classification is intended to stress the overall unity of Islamic art within each of its elemental factors. Thought, taking into account the numerous dynasties whose successive reigns punctuate Islamic history is important in specifying and pin-pointing areas of influence in Islamic history, that route will not be taken. None the less, the early Islamic period (7th -10th centuries) covers the origins of Islam; the creation of a religious, political, and cultural commonwealth; and the formation of a new style of art. In the early medieval period (11th -13th centuries), and the late medieval period (mid 13th - 15th centuries), various regional powers emerged, which promoted diverse forms of cultural expression. Finally, the late Islamic period (16th - 18th centuries), was an age of great empires, in which powerful dynastic backing, more than ever before, helped to promote and shape artistic styles.

Though some might believe Islamic culture is only of Arabian influence, Islamic cultural influence encompasses an area extending from southern Spain to Central Asia, ranging in date from the seventh through the nineteenth century. The term Islamic art could attest to be very confusing to some. This term not only depicts the art created exclusively in the service of the Islamic faith, but it also exemplifies secular art fashioned in lands under Islamic rule or influence. Regardless the artist's or the sponsor's pious membership Islamic arts guidelines are widely respected or acknowledged. This term also advocates an expression amalgamated in style and principle, and undeniably there are specific common attributes that distinguish the arts of all Islamic lands. While this is a highly vibrant art, it retains an overall logic that is significant given its immeasurable geographic and secular margins. The chief concern in reference to the expansion of this particular art is Islam itself, which has cultivated the establishment of a distinctive visual ethos with its personal inimitable artistic language.

Calligraphy, which is considered the most important, pervasive and infused element in Islamic art, has always been considered the "noblest form of art" because of its association with the Quran.