1-Introduction of Islamic Art:The term Islamic Art not only describes the art created specifically in the service

of Muslim
faith but also characterizes the art and architecture historically produced in the lands ruled by
Muslims. As it is not only the religion but a way of life, Islam fostered the development of a
distinctive culture with its own unique artistic language that is reflected in art and architecture
throughout the Muslim world.
With its geographic spread and long history, Islamic art was inevitably subject to a wide
range of regional and even national styles and influences as well as the changes within the
various periods of its development. Just as the religion of Islam, Islamic art is also of intrinsic
quality and unique identity.

ARABESQUE:Definition:Arabesque is defined as an ornament or style that employs flower, foliage or fruit to produce
an intricate pattern of interlaced lines.
The design element known as the arabesque is, the
definitive characteristics in all Islamic art, according to
Rachida El Diwani.

The Aesthetic behind the Arabesque:Because Muslims believe in the absolute and complete unity
of ALLAH, Islamic artists developed art that did not include any symbolic representation of
ALLAH and also because of figural drawings were prohibited in Islam; Islamic artists
represented nature in art, which gave birth to arabesque.

The Development of the Arabesque:The arabesque is thought to have been invented in Baghdad in the 10 th century, where Islamic
culture flourished. As Islam spread throughout the world, the arabesque appeared in Islamic
art and architecture from South Asia through the Middle East and to Spain. The popularity of
the arabesque grew again in the 19th century when Westerners became interested in the Arab
world. Arabesques are still used in contemporary art.

The Arabesque in the Visual Arts:The arabesque is seen in most Islamic architecture from 10 th to 14th century, where Chinese
vegetal art and the Saz style of the Ottomans replaced the arabesque in the 16 th century.
Arabesque designs were also seen in manuscripts, decorative objects and textiles. Artists also

incorporated the aesthetics of arabesque into the art of calligraphy, making letters connected
and incorporating the vegetal patterns as well.

Types of Arabesque:There are two types of arabesques found in an Islamic art:

1- Geometric patterns
2- Vegetal patterns

1-Geometric patterns:Despite of the fact that the Islam is widen up on a very large geographic area, there is one
factor in an Islamic art that unites whole of the Islamic world and that factor is the
construction and the meanings of Islamic geometric arabesque. These unifying principles are
clearly seen in the construction of arabesques on the various Islamic buildings regardless of
the fact that they are in different countries and in different cultures.

Construction of the Geometric Patterns:After looking at the complex and strict geometric patterns in the Islamic arabesques; question
arises that how these forms constructed and what are the principles which made it possible
for the arabesque artists to construct such complex forms. The answer is that at that time there
was a great development and popularity of geometry and science among the Muslim world.
In a simpler way geometric arabesque consists of different forms and shapes whose origin is a
circle. From a circle; three major shapes are derived which are square, triangle and
hexagon and these three shapes are the bases of all the complex geometric patterns which
are seen in Islamic arabesques. Geometric patterns vary in their complexity and design from
simple shapes to very complex polygons and stars and they are constructed from basic
elements such as triangles, circles, squares, stars and polygons.

Construction of different geometric shapes through circle:-

2-Vegetal Patterns:The 2nd category of decoration found in an arabesque is the use of vegetal patterns. These
patterns are used along with the geometric patterns or as the fillings of complex geometric
patterns. These vegetal patterns consist of the stylized forms of many leaves and plants
especially vine leaves. These patterns are just the stylized versions of nature and its beauty.
These forms are placed besides a contrasting background so that they interlace over and
under to give an emphasis to the foreground.

Use of vegetal Patterns:Vegetal patterns are widely used in ceramics, woodwork, metal work and ivory-carving ,
even in carpets and textiles. Floral decoration mostly derived from Chinese styles, especially
those of Chinese porcelain replaces the arabesque in many types of art works such as pottery,
textiles, and miniatures.

SYMBOLOGY:To the adherents of Islam, the arabesque is symbolic of their united faith and the way in
which traditional Islamic cultures view the world. There are two modes to Arabesque art:1- The first mode recalls the principles that govern the order of the world. These principles
include the basics of what makes objects structurally sound and extended.
2- The second mode is based upon the flowing nature of the plant forms.
In addition, upon the inspections of many examples of the arabesque arts, some argue that
there is another mode as well, third mode- the mode of Arabic calligraphy. But the
calligraphy is the visual expression of the highest art of all; the art of spoken word.
The mixture of all these forms constitutes the arabesque and its the reflection of unity rising
from diversity. The arabesque serves three main functions at the same time i.e. it is
mathematically proven, aesthetically pleasing and it has a symbolic meaning behind it. So, it
is termed as both the religious and secular artwork.
These arabesque patterns create the aura of spirituality. In an Islamic context repetition is not
tedious; rather it connects to the world of spirit.

Elements of Arabesque Designs:There are three key elements in the composition of arabesques.

1- The eternal spiral:Behind most designs there is a spiral from which the motifs and leaves sprout. The movement
of nature inspires the unbroken flow of the spiral, it has no hard corners and the curves are
sweeping and gentle. As the spiral advances it radiates secondary spirals, they in turn radiate
spirals and soon the page is overgrown. The spiral progresses from its source like a plant
from a seed growing toward the light. This centrifugal movement reflects the progression of
creation from the creator, moving to infinity.

2- Symmetry and Structure:Once a section of spirals are drawn they are reflected and repeated to fill a page wall or
dome. Symmetry is fundamental to a harmonious design, it exemplifies completeness and
perfection and the desire for unity.

3- Rhythm and Balance:Arabesque designs tessellate across the surface with an even rhythm and texture. No part of
the design takes precedence and pushes to the foreground; the designs vibrate and oscillate
evenly. This effect is created by the repetition and the careful even arrangement of the motifs.

Arabesques used in Abbasid Arts and Architecture:-

Stucco work from Abbasid time period.

Door panel decorated from geometric and vegetal patterns, Abbasid architecture.

Ceramic earthen ware panel, Abbasid time period.