For over a thousand years, Persia & Persian art played an influential role in shaping Islamic art and culture. Persian artistic traditions heavily integrated with Islamic culture brought by the Arab rule, forming what we now know as Islamic art.
Persian Art Influence in Islamic Architecture
Many features of Islamic architecture can trace their origins to Persian architecture. The courtyard house, with rooms surrounding an open air central courtyard, originated in ancient Persia. The pointed arch, use of decorative tilework and multi-domed buildings were also mainly derived from Iranian architecture. Even the iconic minarets of mosques are thought to have been inspired by the towers of Persian fire temples.
The Flowering of Islamic Calligraphy
Persian calligraphy had a profound influence on Islamic calligraphy. The Arab rulers adopted the Persian style of writing on coins and edicts which greatly influenced the development of Islamic calligraphy. Persian calligraphers also mastered decorative techniques like intertwining of letters and royal kufic style used in manuscripts, which became hallmarks of Islamic calligraphy.
The Golden Age of Islamic Bookmaking
Persian miniature paintings adorned the pages of Islamic books and manuscripts, reaching new heights under the Abbasid dynasty. The poetic Sassanian style of painting combined with Arab visual motifs to revolutionize Islamic bookmaking. Persian book artists took their craft to new levels of delicacy and finesse during this Golden Age of Islamic bookmaking.
The Beauty of Persian Art Jewelry
Persian artisans created exquisite jewelry for the aristocracy and royalty that integrated into Islamic jewelry traditions. The inlay technique used in Persian jewelry with gemstones like turquoise, carnelian and lapis lazuli also heavily influenced Islamic jewelry design. Elements like cabochons, beaded designs and pendants with floral motifs saw increasing popularity in Islamic jewelry due to the influence of Persian jewelry.
In conclusion, Persian art and architecture had a profound impact on the formation of Islamic art. Many elements we now identify as quintessentially Islamic originated from Iranian artistic traditions that integrated with the arts of the newly converted Muslim citizens of Persia. This fusion of Persian and Islamic styles defined the architectural landscape, bookmaking traditions, calligraphy and jewelry design of the Islamic world.
