Rooted in spiritual, philosophical, and imperial traditions, Asian art developed distinctive forms in architecture, sculpture, ceramics, and calligraphy.

Early Islamic

c. 650–900

Early Islamic art formed as the Islamic world rapidly expanded across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. It developed a distinctive visual language emphasizing calligraphy, geometry, and architectural form. Religious art generally avoided figural imagery, focusing instead on pattern and text. This period laid the foundations for later Islamic artistic traditions.

Alhambra

Nasrid dynasty

13th–14th century

Palatial complex with muqarnas, stucco work, poetic inscriptions, and lush gardens.

Al-Azhar Mosque

Fatimid Caliphate

Founded 972 CE

Center for Islamic learning; horseshoe arches and hypostyle hall.

The Blue Qur’an

Unknown

c. 900 CE

Lavishly calligraphed Qur’an in gold on indigo-dyed parchment.

Great Mosque of Samarra

Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakkil

Completed 851 CE

Notable for its spiral minaret (malwiya); largest mosque of its time.

Great Mosque of Córdoba

Abd al-Rahman I and successors

Started 785 CE, expanded until 987 CE

Double-arched columns, hypostyle hall, Islamic and later Christian elements.

Great Mosque of Damascus

Umayyad Caliph al-Walid I

Completed 715 CE

Mosque with Roman, Christian, and Islamic architectural features; notable mosaics.

Dome of the Rock

Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik (commissioned)

Late 7th century

Early Islamic shrine with a centralized plan and Byzantine-style mosaics.

Mosque of al-Haram (Kaaba)

Prophet Muhammad (original), later expansions by various rulers

Original 7th century; expanded later

Islam’s holiest mosque, centered around the Kaaba.

Prophet's Mosque

Prophet Muhammad (original), expanded by later rulers

622 CE, expanded through centuries

Built by the Prophet; contains his tomb; features green dome and minarets.