A Manifestation of the Divine: Islamic Geometry

BAYT AL FANN
May 27, 2023
3 min read

The beauty & complexity of Islamic geometric patterns is deeply connected to spirituality & symbolism. Believed to reflect the underlying order & harmony of the universe, Islamic geometry is a manifestation of the Divine.

Let's explore Islamic geometry & Iranian architecture…

The spiritual aspect of Islamic geometry is closely linked to the concept of tawhid, the belief in the oneness of God.

The ceiling dome of Shah Mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات کاشی کاری ایرانی تزئینات زیر گنبد مسجد شاه اصفهان

Photo by ‪@amirtavakoliphotogra‬phy on IG

Islamic geometric patterns are characterized by intricate and symmetrical designs that are often based on repeating geometric shapes such as circles, squares, and stars.

Shah Mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد جامع شاه عباسی اصفهان

Photo by ‪@hamidreza_bani‬ on IG

These geometric patterns can be found in various forms of Islamic art, including architecture, calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork.

Tiles at the Sayyed Mosque of Isfahan کاشی هفت رنگ ایرانی مسجد

Photo by ‪@mir_saeidhadian‬ on IG

The process of creating Islamic geometric patterns was often considered a meditative practice, involving a deep focus and concentration.

Jameh Mozaffari Mosque of Kerman تزئینات کاشی معرق ایرانی مسجد جامع مظفری کرمان

Photo by ‪@itblog‬ on IG

It was believed that by engaging in the artistic process of creating complex geometric patterns, artisans could attain a state of spiritual elevation.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد شیخ لطف‌الله اصفهان

Photo by ‪@juggernaut1‬ on IG

Islamic scholars and artists developed a rich body of knowledge on geometric constructions, which became an integral part of Islamic education and artistic practice.

Shah Mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد جامع شاه عباسی اصفهان

Photo by ‪@mr‬.seifodin on IG

Many Islamic geometric patterns are based on mathematical principles such as symmetry, tessellation, and proportion, which are seen as expressions of divine order.

Nasir Al_Molk Mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد نصیرالملک شیراز

‪@amirhosseinabtahifou‬roshani on IG

The use of geometric patterns in Islamic art is also associated with the concept of Islamic aniconism, which discourages the representation of living beings in religious art.

Vakil mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد وکیل شیراز

Photo by ‪@sadegh_miri_photogra‬phy

Islamic geometric patterns often incorporate Arabic calligraphy, which is considered a sacred art form.

The integration of calligraphy & geometry in Islamic art represents the union of the spiritual & material Nasir Al_Molk Mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد نصیرالملک شیراز

Photo by ‪@amirtavakoliphotogra‬phy on IG

Geometric patterns provide an alternative form of artistic expression that avoids the depiction of human or animal forms.

Chaharbagh Madrasah of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مدرسه چهارباغ اصفهان

Photo by ‪@mirbagheri‬.ph on IG

The intricate geometric designs in Islamic architecture serve both functional and symbolic purposes.

Tiles at the Nasir Al_Molk Mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد نصیرالملک شیراز

Photo by ‪@hassan‬.jaafari.photogrphy on IG

Geometric patterns and designs in Islamic architecture provide structural stability and enhance the aesthetic beauty of the buildings, while also conveying spiritual meanings.

Shah Mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد شاه اصفهان

Photo by ‪@hossein‬.azizdokht on IG

The repetitive nature of Islamic geometric patterns is often associated with the concept of infinity and the eternal nature of God.

Nasir al Molk Mosque معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد نصیرالملک شیراز

Photo by ‪@amirtavakoliphotogra‬phy on IG

It is believed that contemplating these patterns can lead to a sense of transcendence and spiritual enlightenment.

Shah mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد شاه اصفهان

Photo by ‪@m‬.mirzaei.guide on IG

Islamic geometric patterns have influenced the development of other artistic traditions, including European Gothic architecture and the decorative arts of the Renaissance.

Sheikh Safieddin Ardabili Mausoleum تزئینات کاشی معرق ایرانی آرامگاه شیخ صفی الدین اردبیلی

Photo by ‪@hadi_malekian_‬ on IG

The study of Islamic geometry experienced a revival in the 20th century, with scholars and artists rediscovering and exploring the intricate techniques and principles of Islamic geometric design.

Shah mosque of Isfahan معماری و تزئینات ایرانی مسجد جامع شاه عباسی اصفهان

Photo by ‪@harirsaz_photography‬ on IG

Today, Islamic geometric patterns continue to inspire contemporary artists and designers, who incorporate these motifs into various forms of art, architecture, and decorative objects.

Mollabashi Historical House Isfahan, Iran معماری شگفت‌ انگیز خانه تاریخی ملاباشی اصفهان، ایران

Photos by ‪@m‬.mirzaei.guide on IG

The beauty and complexity of Islamic geometric patterns are a testament to the profound connection between art, mathematics, and spirituality in Islamic culture.

Golestan Palace شمس العماره (عمارت خورشید)