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Jan 1, 622
Muhammad leaves Mecca for Medina
This year was to become the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Muhammad had revelations in 610 and these were subsequentially collected into the Koran. The Prophet Muhammad's home is built in Medina and becomes the first mosque. His home is of the hypostyle design and features regularly spaced pillars and a flat roof. This is the basis for all other mosques and their features which will lend themselves to Islamic art. -
Period: Jan 1, 661 to Jan 1, 750
Syrian Umayyad Dynasty
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Jan 1, 700
Mshatta Facade
The Mshatta facade, commissioned by caliph Al-Walid II, introduces both eclecticism and ornament that serves no function. The facade features Sasanian vaults and other classical influence in its columns. The zig-zags, rosettes, and vegetal patterns are disctinctly Roman. The facade shows that Islamic art was originally influence by many other cultures and was ever evolving. -
Jan 1, 700
The House and Mosque of Muhammad
Located in Medina, the home of the Prohpet Muhammad became the first mosque. This hypostyle mosque became a plan for many other mosques to follow. It includes a courtyard, chambers to the side, and a protected area for worship. As this is the first mosque, it does not feature ornamentation. -
Jan 1, 711
Umayyad Immigration to Spain
Islamic Spain, known as Al-Andalus began in 711 when a surviving Umayyad leader took followers West to Spain. This immigration allowed two different Islamic dynasties to develop during the same time period, but in different areas. Al-Andalus, and the city of Córdoba especially, is known for the luxury arts, culminating in the construction of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. They are also known for their sophisticated society, which included running water, a sewer system, and street lights. -
Period: Jan 1, 711 to Jan 1, 1031
Spanish Umayyad Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 750 to Jan 1, 1258
Abbasid Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1000
Rock Crystal Ewer
The Fatimids took this technique from the Abbasids. This would have been carved from a single block. This piece is a testament to the Fatimid love of luxury and court culture. It also demonstrates that they were open to influence of other cultures. -
Jan 1, 1010
Completion of the Shahnameh
Firdowsi spent 30 years writing about 60,000 couplets that would become the Shahnameh, or "History of Kings." The Shahnameh portrays a mythical account of the history of Persian kings. The story became a national and uniting story of the Persian people. In the centuries to come it would be depicted countless times in book arts, metalwork, ceramics, and other mediums. -
Period: Jan 1, 1040 to Jan 1, 1157
Seljuq Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 1062 to Jan 1, 1150
Almoravid Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1085
One of the First Funerary Mosques Built
A leader of the Fatimid dynasty, Badr al-Jamali had a funerary mosque containing no tomb built. This led to a trend of building funerary mosques and mausolea. Previously, early Muslims had frowned upon large memorials to the dead. As mausolea became more common place, their function evolved, serving as a social gathering point and a place to venerate the dead. -
Period: Jan 1, 1150 to Jan 1, 1270
Almohad Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1200
Tomb of Mama Hatun
The adoption of funerary monuments by Muslims shows a new level of openness to other cultures. This tomb, built in the12th or 13th century, shows the evolution of Islamic beliefs. Tombs had been frowned upon, but became elaborate structures. The Mama Hatun tomb is relatively simple compared to later examples, but still features two levels, a prayer chamber, two portals, and decoration. -
Jan 1, 1200
Mina’i ware
This piece, circa 1200, is a typical example of mina'i ware. The Saljuqs developed the enamel and the two step firing method that allowed them to paint intricate figures without colors running. The figures show the influence of the nomadic heritage of the Saljuqs mixed with ideas of courtly life. Tradition and refinement of techniques, in this case mina'i ware, characterize Saljuq art. -
Period: Jan 1, 1232 to Jan 1, 1492
Nasrid Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 1244 to Jan 1, 1465
Marinid Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1250
Pax Mongolica
The Mongols gained control of very large areas. This gave them the ability to communicate with areas far to the West and East. Travel across land from Europe to China was safe for the first time. This allowed a cultural exchange that influenced Islamic art for centuries to come. Chinoiserie is seen in many pieces after this time and eventually European influence can be seen as well. It also allowed the Mongols to incorporate new peoples in their empire. -
Jan 1, 1250
Pen Box
Created by the Saljuqs, this pen box shows the dynasty's refinement of technical feats. Much of their metalwork featured inlaying with precious metals or repousse, a technique in which a pattern was hammered from the opposite side. This pen box features inlay and Naskhi, a vertical, elongated script. It also features the Nomadic influence of the Saljuqs in the animated animal pattern boarding the box. -
Jan 1, 1250
Mamluks Overthrow Ayyubids
Mamluk, which means "owned," is an appropriate name for the group of former slaves who overthrew the Ayyubids to create their own empire. The slaves violently took over, and this violence became typical of their governing class, as violent fights determined who would take power next. Despite coming from slavery, the Mamluks held power for so long that they developed interested in art and architecture, creating the thuluth script and a period of monumental construction. -
Period: Jan 1, 1250 to Jan 1, 1517
Mamluk Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1256
Introduction of Paper
Paper became more widely available in the 13th century with the arrival of groups from the East and in Asia. Originally, book-making, illumination, and illustration were made with parchement, a thick animal skin. As paper became more readily available the price decreased notably. This allowed them to be accessed by greater populations. The texture and variability of paper allowed for different sizes and types of books. -
Period: Jan 1, 1256 to Jan 1, 1335
Ilkhanid Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1258
Ilkhanid Conversion to Islam
When the Ilkhanids arrived from the East, they were a nomadic people searching for revenge for murdered Mongol traders. Eventually, they took power over a large area that were previously ruled by Muslim dynasties. In order to gain credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the ruled, the Ilkhanids converted to Islam. This resulted in a period of prolific construction of mosques, palaces, and mausolea. While they were portraying Islamic ideas, their Eastern heritage brought new innovations. -
Jan 1, 1285
Mosque Lamp
The Mamluks were Turkish slaves who took power from their rulers and began to populate the governing class. When it came to creating art, and especially glassware, they borrowed from previous techniques, and motifs. However, they did create the elongated, cursive Thuluth script used on this mosque lamp. They also used blazons, such as the one on this lamp, to identify the ruler.
Metropolitan Museum, New York -
Jan 1, 1290
Lajvardina
Lajvardina describes a technique used by the Ilkhanids that uses two firings in order to fire different colors. The name comes from the use of the valuable lapis lazuli blue color which was often accompanied by gold and silver. Lajvardina ware was not glossy. The use of Lajvardina by the Ilkhanids shows the innovation of the dynasty. They needed to come up with new ideas to help to prove themselves as true rulers to the land which they had invaded.
Late 13th early 14th century -
Jan 1, 1300
Great Mongal Shahnama
Made in the 14th century, the Great Mongal Shahnama was characterized by the intensity and drama of the Mongol book arts. The Mongols brought Chinese motifs to the national epic of Iran. The also brought the dramatic idea of shifting perceptions and hierarchical levels. The clouds and birds are at the top and back of the picture, while the shrouded body is the center of the picture. However, a man with his back to the viewer shows a perspective, previously unseen in Islamic art. -
Jan 1, 1356
Sultan Hasan Funerary Complex
Built fron 1356 to 1363, the complex was part of the monumental construction financed by the East West trade through the Pax Mongolica. The complex was built to show the patron's wealth, name and legacy. It was not solely a tomb, but included a hospital and bazaar as well. The complex was probably built in order to preserve the wealth of the Sultan, as religious buildings were not subject to taking by the government after the death of the patron. -
Period: Jan 1, 1370 to Jan 1, 1526
Timurid Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1380
Aq Saray
Built fro 1380 to 1396, the Aq Saray palace only survives in peices. What does survive shows the true craftsmenship of the Timurids. Built to celebrate a battle victory, Aq Saray prominently features blue tile colored with precious lapis lazuli. The use of this color is a result of the refinement of techniques and the sophisticated Timurid style. -
Jan 1, 1390
Alhambra Vase
The Nasrids came to power after Al-Andalus fell apart into principalities. The Alhambra, and this vase, demonstrate the Nasrids showing wishful thinking for their diminishing power. The vase is one of the largest lustreware pots and is purely decorative. It was another means by which to maintain public image in line with their desires for power. The vase is from the late 14th to early 15th century. -
Jan 1, 1429
Kalila wa Dimna
This page from a Kalila wa Dimna story demonstrates the Timurid priorities. They prioritzed playfulness and the setting of a story over the story itself. This is why the text is small, and clearly comes after the illustration in terms of visual hierarchy. In looking at the picture, we see also the detail put into the mountains and trees is greater than that in the characters. The unrealistic setting also shows the Timurid lack of interest in the observable world. -
Period: Jan 1, 1453 to
Ottoman Empire
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Jan 1, 1488
The Seduction of Yusef
From the Bustan, the Seduction of Yusef, was illustrated by the artist Bihzad, an Iranian artist of Herat. Bihzad prioritized the setting over the story,as is seen in the illustration. Text has been relegated to the very top and bottom of the illustration, and is less noticeable than the action of the story. Bihzad, like artist of the time, was not interested in portraying the observable world, as is seen by the unrealistic building in the illustration that defies rules of architecture. -
Jan 1, 1500
Ottoman Department of Works
The Ottomans held centrol control over architectural design in their empire. This contributed to their general uniformity and standardization. The Ottomans had a need for control, which extended even into art. Despite standardization, the Ottomans were open to influence from other areas, and brought artisans from other regions to train with their own court artists. -
Jan 1, 1500
Iznik Ware
Iznik ware, produced from the last quarter of the 15th century until the end of the 17th century, made Iznik the center of ceramic production. The style shows the influence of the Chinese and Timurids. The white glaze decorated with mainly blue paint are connected to the Chinese. The central location of Iznik production is characteristic of the Ottoman preoccupation with control and the pieces were probably produced in a royal workshop. -
Period: Jan 1, 1502 to
Safavid Dynasty
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Period: Jan 1, 1526 to
Mughal Dynasty
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Jan 1, 1548
Suleymaniye complex
Built from 1548 to 1559 and designed by the architect Sinan, the Suleymaniye complex is a direct testament to the monumentality of Ottoman art and architecture. The use of the domed square is also characteristic of Ottoman architecture. This unit controled every major development of style by the Ottomans, showing again the control that the Ottomans desired over all processes, even artistic ones, and their cultural imperialism. -
Jan 1, 1550
The Emperor's Carpet
From the mid-16th century, this carpet is an example of the state patronage of Safavid textiles. The use of silk allowed them to achieve higher detail, including layering. The Safivids, in a continuation of the playful Timurid style, used both Persian and Chinese motifs in their carpets and textiles. There is speculation that while the patterns are playful, artisans may have been working off of a set of central designs. -
Jan 1, 1550
Shah Tahmasp Undergoes a Religious Change
Shah Tahmasp, a Safavid ruler, became a religious extremist and consequentially, loses his interesting in artistic venture He disbands his royal workshop, leading artists to seek their livelihood elsewhere. For the first time, the artists are given free reign over their production, and the things they paint reflect that. For centuries, paintings explained poetry and usually in book form. After Shah Tahmasp's decision, painting evolved to leaves featuring the once disdained portraiture. -
Jan 1, 1550
Dappled Stallion
As a result of the religious change underwent by Shah Tahmasp, there was little to no patronage of the arts. This especially affected the the painting arts. Artists, without orders or steady pay, created single sheet works, which the public could purchase for their personal albums. Another result of the lack of wealthy patrons, the artistry became more valuable than the precious materials that the art was created with.
This painting was likely done in the 16th to early 17th century. -
Jan 1, 1571
Fatehpur Sikri
The Fatehpur Sikri, began in 1571, is a palace complex that demonstrates the eclecticism of the Mughals. The palace is a combination of Timurid, Hindu, and Islamic tradition. Red sandstone indigenous to India makes up the building and the Jalis. In this case, the Jalis are a perforated stone screen. These screens feature geometrics and floral patterns, both characteristic of typical Islamic motifs. -
Maidan-e-Shah
Commissioned by Shah Abbas, work on the Maidan-e-Shah began in 1598 and was completed in 1670. The complex houses Ali Qapu, Shah Mosque, a bazaar, and another mosque, as well as an enormous public square. The sheer size of the complex is a result of the Safavid desire for urban renewal and to show religious, royal and urban power. -
Taj Mahal
Built from 1628 to 1658, The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife. This shows the dramatic evolution of Islam. Islam, in this period adopted by the Mughals, originally frowned upon extravagant tombs but changed so much so that over centuries the Taj Mahal could by built and accepted by Muslims as a commemorative work. The inlaid stones (pietra dura) of the central portal are evidence of even Italian influence on the Taj Mahal. -
Great Mosque of Samarra
Built between 848-‐851, the Great Mosque of Samarra demonstrates the power of the Abbasids. At the time, it was the largest mosque, but would soon be passed up in size and decoration by following dynasties. However, classic and indigenous influence can be seen in the columns of the hypostyle and the indigenous materials. The Mosque also led to the prosperity of Samarra as a new capital. -
Great Mosque of Córdoba
Spanish Umayyads built the mosque in the hypostyle. It features a court and the enclosed area filled with double tiered arcades. These arches again speak to the influence of other cultures, as they closely resemble an ancient Roman aqueduct. The Great Mosque had one of the first Mihrabs built as a seperate niche and a Maqsura, a private space for royalty. The sophistication of the Great Mosque speaks to the sophistication of Córdoba at the time, as it became a great city in Al-Andalus. -
Textile Fragment
The textiles of the Fatimid dynasty were made for the most luxurious of needs. This is due in part to the creativity and ingenuitiy of craftsmen of the time. Textiles became a part of court life and ceremony. Leaders would distribute robes to bestow honor. The robes would often feature the name of he leader. -
Lustreware
Lusterware, including this piece from the 9th Century, was created by the Abbasids. It is a difficult technique and creates a sheen close to that of precious metal. It took two firings to create and required a high level of skill and expertise. The Abbasids were also known for their earthware and splashware. The variety of techniques supports the idea that they were a sophisticated society that valued unity and and culture. -
Period: to Jan 1, 1171
Fatimid Dynasty
