Islamic Art: Origins, Influences, and Characteristics
Islamic Art: Origins
The term Islamic art covers the artistic production of all countries where Islam is the predominant religion. This religion originated in the early twelfth century in the Arabian Peninsula, centered around the figure of Mohammed, who, during his time in Mecca, began receiving revelations from the angel Gabriel. These revelations were collected and written in the Quran, the Islamic holy book, which contains all Islamic precepts for Muslims to observe.
After Mohammed’s death, Islam spread rapidly due to its religious proselytizing. Within a few years, the Byzantine Empire, North Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula were conquered. This expansion allowed Muslims to encounter and absorb the cultures of the territories they dominated. Islam demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the unique characteristics of these new territories and synthesize diverse elements.
Islamic art reflects a blend of religious and artistic elements from Mesopotamian, Persian, Greek, and Visigothic cultures, creating a synthesis of oriental and classical influences. The result is an eclectic art form that enriches cultural events, making them complex and fascinating. It builds upon earlier artistic traditions to create a uniquely Muslim art.
Islamic art is closely related to the Islamic religion.