Timeless beauty of Islamic art.

(From New Straits Times (Malaysia))

WHAT is Islamic architecture? Is it by Muslims or for Muslims? Does it serve religious purposes or does it encompass all architecture in the Muslim world? What is the role of religion in architecture? Does Islamic architecture flourish only within a specific civilisation? Is it defined by qualities inherent in Islam? What sets Islamic architecture apart from other architecture? Professor Abdel Wahed El-Wakil offers some thoughts on these questions.

Question: Why are calligraphy and geometry important aspects of Islamic art and architecture? Answer: Islamic architecture is a combination of calligraphy and geometry. Calligraphy formed patterns while geometry was preserved. Geometry was applied because traditional art cannot depend on words alone - few …