Artistic Introduction

Islamic Art in the Mediterranean

It is a challenging task to describe in words the visual features that differentiate a certain artistic tradition. There are no universal rules that fully apply to a given tradition since the visual features of that tradition will include considerable diversity based on changes in time and place. For every rule put forward, there will be exceptions. Still, the overall guidelines provided below will help readers to begin to visually identify the various traditions of Islamic architecture in the Mediterranean region. In developing these guidelines, an attempt has been made to identify features characteristic of each tradition including commonly used materials, forms and planning arrangements, building types, decorative motifs and techniques, as well as influences from other traditions.

This General Introduction is prepared by:
Mohammad Al-Asad (Monuments)
Barry Wood (Objects)