7.2 Arts of the Islamic World

The Alhambra

The Alhambra (Granada, Spain) is a palace of intricate stucco, tile, and muqarnas (honeycomb vaulting), with courtyards and water — a vision of paradise on earth.

The book arts

Illuminated Qur'ans, miniature paintings, and calligraphy flourished. Calligraphy was the highest art, since it carried the sacred word.

Carpets & objects

Carpets, ceramics, and metalwork carried Islamic design worldwide through trade, spreading geometric and arabesque patterns across cultures.

Key terms

Alhambra

Granada palace of stucco, tile, water, muqarnas

Muqarnas

ornamental honeycomb vaulting

Calligraphy

highest Islamic art — carries the sacred word

Illuminated Qur'an

decorated sacred manuscript

Carpets & trade

spread Islamic design across cultures

Try an AP-style question

Arabesque designs feature…

1. realistic human portraits
2. flowing, interlaced plant forms
3. perspective landscapes
4. abstract splatters