Once a temple to Zeus, the Great Mosque of Damascus, has survived the Syrian Civil War, and stands as one of the world's most important historic structures.
Art of the Islamic world
After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the sultan repurposed this church, adding slender “pencil” minarets.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
Under Akbar the Great, the Mughal style of painting blended Indian, Persian, and Western artistic traditions.
Illustration from the Akbarnama
The sacred pilgrimage to Mecca—birthplace of Prophet Muhammad—involves a series of rituals and lasts several days.
Hajj
In this hunting scene from the Persian Book of Kings, the ruler Bahram lives up to his nickname “Gur,” or swift.
Bahram Gur Fights the Karg (Horned Wolf), ...
Producing this lush miniature involved many Persian artists—and likely some familiarity with Chinese sources.
The Court of Gayumars
This video demystifies the complex kaleidoscopic geometry central to Islamic art. Grab a compass and ruler!
The complex geometry of Islamic design
The official seal of the sultan dissolves into a vibrating field of flowers, gold accents, and snaking blue lines.
Tughra (Official Signature) of Sultan Süleiman the ...
These tiny pieces of precious metal contain a wealth of information in their Persian and Arabic inscriptions.
Coins of faith and power at the ...
Kairouan was an important early Islamic city in north Africa. Marble and porphyry columns flank its Great Mosque.
Kairouan (from UNESCO)
Watch and listen as several British Muslims recount their journeys to Mecca.
Stories of the modern pilgrimage
The sound of the fountain led guests into this 18th-century house, where a vibrant interior stimulated ear and eye.
Qa’a (The Damascus room)
This mosque was the crowning achievement of architect Sinan’s career and a trophy of Ottoman imperial grandeur.
Mimar Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Vessels like this one were typically decorated with calligraphy, but a procession of figures is featured here.
Mohammed ibn al-Zain, Basin (Baptistère de Saint ...
Unlike other of Sinan’s mosques, this one is covered with tiles, sits above shops, and is accessed from a stairway.
Mimar Sinan, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul
This prayer niche once pointed students towards Mecca. Its blue and white patterns comprise verses from the Qur’an.
Mihrab from Isfahan (Iran)
These stucco statues, with vivid costumes and distinctive round faces, may once have guarded a grand hall.
Two Royal Figures (Saljuq period)
Made for a Christian ruler by Islamic artisans, this cloak is full of Islamic motifs and cosmological references.
Coronation Mantle
Two famous lovers meet in this miniature—as do Persian and European painting traditions.
Khusraw Discovers Shirin Bathing
This huge white-marble mausoleum is recognized the world over for its splendor, symmetry, and stunning gardens.