'Islamic' Art

It is hard for me, as an anthropology student (currently studying Islam throughout the world) to classify particular art stylings as inherently 'Islamic'. It is difficult for me to say that all the art forms that are geometric are necessarily Islamic. That being said however, I am very fascinated with the Arabic lettering, being so curvy and almost like an art form itself. I wish I was able to learn the complex language, and how to write the script. It does however remind me of the Hebrew alphabet, which is curvy as well. I think it would be interesting if a teacher would be able to teach students the Arabic lettering, and have the students spell either their name, or a favorite word with the letters. It would be a great way to introduce a topic on Islam or Muslims as a whole.






I very much liked the book with all of the art suggestions that teachers can use in the classroom in order to create the geometric shapes that are reproduced in many 'Islamic' art forms and mosques. In a classroom that can be very useful because not only does it teach the students about multiculturalism and other cultures, but it teaches them about math and geometric shapes. Students can learn about tessellations at the same time, and how to use mathematical tools such as the compass and a ruler. I think this is something I would like to use in my own classroom.