Saudi Arabia is a country known for many things, but above all, it is known for its celebration of Islamic art at every bend and turn. No surprise there, as Saudi Arabia is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam and continues to celebrate and cherish Muslim culture.

So, then the question is, what is Islamic art?

Islamic art is traditionally defined as “visual art or culture produced since the seventh century by people who lived within territories inhabited or ruled by Muslim populations”. This encapsulates calligraphy, painting, rugs and carpets, architecture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, stones, furniture, ivory and so much more.

A Brief History

It is immensely difficult to pinpoint one single historic time as the start of Islamic art, due to the encapsulation of so many different art forms under its umbrella. Yet, the very early era of emergence of Islamic art dates back to the days of the expansion of the Islamic era. Some early geographical boundaries of Islamic culture are even part of present-day Syria, but it is often difficult to distinguish early Islamic objects from those dating back to their predecessor Persian, Sasanian and Byzantine eras.

Some religious and civic architecture was developed under the Umayyad Caliphates during 661 – 750, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, heralded as one of the most important buildings in all Islamic architecture. This dome, for example, is marked by strong Byzantine influence, such as the use of mosaic against a gold ground, while also demonstrating purely Islamic elements, as the epigraphic frieze.

The Influence

Islamic art has seeped its way into a wide range of works of art, including ceramics, metalwork, photography, theatre, architecture, and music. Europe for one was highly influenced by the movement, as for centuries the continent defined itself in relation to its Middle Eastern neighbours.

When empires such as the Safavid empire and the Ottoman empire asserted their global dominance, Europe couldn’t help but become increasingly aware of its neighbours. The result is then a cultural exchange between the two, creating a fluid transfer of art forms.

Certain styles, such as in glazing and pottery, became a source of interest for European artists. For example, English designer William De Morgan was heavily influenced by the ceramics and designs of the Middle East, and his work culminated in floral motifs honouring these practices across fashionable ceramics, stained glass, and furnishings.

Not only so, but the reason became a huge source of inspiration for painters of the time. European artists at the time were known to travel to the Middle East to paint the landscapes and people of the time, taking journeys towards Constantinople (Istanbul), Jerusalem, Marrakesh and Cairo.

Islamic Art in Saudi Arabia

National Museum Of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh

Located in the capital city, the National Museum of Saudi Arabia has eight galleries dedicated to Arabian culture, art and history, including one specifically dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, with others dedicated to the Hajj and pre-Islamic era.

The exhibitions are informative and showcase incredible pieces of Saudi and Arabic history.

Al Faisal Museum For Arab-Islamic Art, Riyadh

With several different and on-going art exhibitions relating to Arab-Islamic history and culture, the Al Faisal Museum showcases several collections including a coins and currency, manuscripts and an array of Arab-Islamic ceramics, art and sculptures.

The museums aims to ensure the correct management of these historic and notable collections, the continued curation and in-depth research into the history of the pieces, alongside the conservation of these artefacts.

House Of Islamic Arts, Jeddah

A museum solely dedicated to showcasing, curating and investigating Islamic art. The museum contains more than a thousand precious historical artefacts from a number of countries, and has six main halls dedicated to particular forms of Islamic art, including; pottery, glass, coins, cultural communication between Muslims and non-Muslims on an artistic level, calligraphy, manuscripts, and textiles.

Ithra, Dhahran

King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Ithra is home to a wide variety of local and international art, but the creative hub also houses a gallery specifically dedicated to Islamic art.

The Ithra Museum houses five different galleries, each dedicated to various aspects of Arabic and Islamic art; such as contemporary Middle Eastern Art, Saudi culture, Islamic art, a section exploring and documenting the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula alongside an archive gallery.

With each gallery focusing on a specific theme, the museum hopes to spark conversation and ignite new ideas and new forms of cultural expression in visitors.