knowledge made the
Islamic civilization possible, it is amazing how the written word of
calligraphy(expressing knowledge) had such a major influence in the development
of a knowledge and design. The beauty of calligraphy together with the abstract
geometry of arabesque cemented the position of knowledge in our civilization.

buildings. There
is no specific wording in the Koran that forbids this practice but from the
earliest times Muslims did not use any images to decorate their mosques. But
calligraphers have developed an art called calligram; it is the use of
calligraphy to draw a picture that is entirely made up of words. The letters of
the Arabic language have been shaped into boats, mosques and even animals and
plants. This art enabled calligraphers to navigate through fragile line that
distinguished calligraphy and imagery. Today calligraphy continues to be an
important part of Islamic culture. Schools of calligraphy flourish in many
Islamic countries particularly, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, with international
competitions held annually. Some Islamic artists have pushed beyond the
traditional boundaries to use calligraphy in new and individual ways. Some
examples include the work of Iraqi calligrapher Hassan Massoudy and Algerian
artist Rachid Koraichi who uses Islamic calligraphy together with Chinese and
Japanese characters and other symbols to create abstract works of art. Another
important art that is highly associated with Islamic art is arabesque art. It
is an elaborate application of repeating geometric form. These types of design
which is based on such natural forms as stems, tendrils and leaves rearranged
to form infinite geometric patterns became a hallmark for Islamic art. There
are two styles of arabesque art. The first style: the first represents the
principles that govern the order of the world. In this first style, it
repeating geometrical form has a built in symbolism ascribed to it. For
instance, a square with its four equilateral sides is symbolic of equally
important elements of nature: earth, water fire and air. If anyone of the four
were missing, the physical world, represented by the circle that inscribes the
square would not exist. The second style is based on the flowing nature of
plant forms. It represent the beauty and feminine nature of live giving. Since
figurative art is considered to be idolatrous and is forbidden in mosques and
other religious places, abstract figures became the main method of artistic
expression. Arabesque style emphasizes on simplicity and repetition because it
is designed to lure the eye of the observer making him or her carried away by
the endless abstraction while he unconsciously appreciates the architectural
design of the entire building. Both calligraphy and arabesque played a key role
in Islamic art. Knowledge is unquestionably the major driving force of Islamic
culture. The dedication of

Calligraphy is one
of the most popular art forms in the Islamic world. It is based upon the Arabic
script and varies in form depending on the period and the region of its
production. The two main styles of calligraphy are Kufic and ankhs. Throughout
the history of Islamic art calligraphy has been used for surface decoration in
mosques and madrasahs (religious schools), as well as small objects such as
plates tile and mosque lamps. Often the text from the calligraphy is taken from
the Koran. Calligraphy is used partly because of the importance that Muslims
attach to the power of the word of God. But it is also as a result of Muslim
tradition of avoiding representation of living things on religious

Although the Koran
does not ban images, there is an active tradition in many Islamic countries to
avoid religious imagery whenever possible. Some societies strictly adhere to
the prohibition, others allow floral designs and other motifs, still others
disregard the ban, but they are the minority. Mainstream Islam tends to shy
away from figurative art. However, it is important to note that the ban of
figural art did not impede Muslim artists, they directed their passion for art
by forming an endless creative expression of abstract designs based on
calligraphy and arabesque.

To a Muslim it may
be an expression of religion, of faith and a sense of closure to the divine. To
a non-Muslim it tends to evoke rich and mysterious decorations applied to
objects which often have obviously practical purposes and for a tourist it may
first present itself in form of distinctive shapes, the noble swell of a dome
hovering over the city skyline or the slim and tall minarets against the
sunset, but one thing is for certain, it is difficult to see any form of
artwork depicting humans or animals.

Islamic art is
intellectual, refined, and decorative; it contains no strong emotions and
pathos but exhibits serene harmony. The term Islamic art covers a broad range
of traditions, from metal work, carpet weaving, calligraphy, and arabesque to
architecture. It includes religious art as well as art made by and for Muslims
and object made for Muslims by artists of other faiths. Islamic art can mean
different things to different people.

Art appreciation 11