Think about: Who is this, and what does it tell us about the achievements of the Islamic Empire???

Cultural Achievements Architecture Mosques Domes Minarets Dome of the Rock – site in Jerusalem where Muhammad ascended into Paradise Market towns blossomed into cities Cities: Baghdad Damascus Cordoba Cairo Architecture blended different cultures: blended Byzantine and Muslim ideas incorporated Roman features Used Christian churches as models

Cultural Achievements Art Forms Mosaics Calligraphy Geometric Designs * Muslim law forbade the depiction of human forms in art (only Allah can create life) Art: Muslim law forbade the depiction of human forms in art (only Allah can create life) Calligraphy – art of beautiful handwriting Decorative art – woodwork, glass, ceramics, textiles

Cultural Achievements Alphabet & Language Arabic Book Making Muslims made the first bound books Bedouin poets Poetry reflected nature and the pleasures of life and love Muslims made the first books

Cultural Achievements Universities Located in: Cordoba, Spain Baghdad – House of Wisdom Timbuktu, Mali Preserved Greek & Roman Learning Improved on Persian and Indian discoveries Translated Greek & Latin to Arabic Muhammad encourage learning Deep curiosity and quest for the truth

Cultural Achievements Literature Qu’ran is the standard for all literature & poetry The Rubiyat by Omar Khayyam (Poetry) The Thousand and One Nights – collection of fairy tales, parable & legends http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md-KdO2mYL4&feature=related&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1