**An article entitled: “The Development of Islamic Art from the Umayyad to the Ottoman Period”** By **Lecturer: M.M. Suhaila Kazem**

  Share :          
  164

Islamic art witnessed remarkable development across the ages, influenced by political and cultural transformations and the expansion of the Islamic state. Despite the diversity of its styles, this art maintained a spiritual and aesthetic unity that made it a distinctive hallmark of Islamic civilization from the Umayyad period to the Ottoman era. First: Islamic Art in the Umayyad Period The Umayyad period (661–750 AD) is considered the foundational stage of Islamic art, especially in the field of architecture. During this era, the first major architectural landmarks emerged, such as the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. Umayyad art was characterized by its influence from Byzantine and Roman arts, with the use of vegetal ornamentation and mosaics, alongside the emergence of features reflecting an independent Islamic identity. Second: Islamic Art in the Abbasid Period During the Abbasid period (750–1258 AD), the center of the caliphate moved to Baghdad, which contributed to the development and diversification of the arts. Stucco decorations flourished, and the use of Arabic calligraphy—particularly Kufic script—became prominent in ornamentation. Applied arts such as ceramics and glass also advanced, while Abbasid art was marked by simplicity and symbolism compared to the Umayyad period. Third: Islamic Art in Al-Andalus Islamic art in Al-Andalus experienced great prosperity, blending Islamic influences with local European elements. The Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Alhambra Palace are among its most prominent examples. Andalusian art was distinguished by the use of horseshoe arches, intricate geometric and vegetal decorations, and careful attention to light and water in architecture. Fourth: Islamic Art in the Mamluk Period Mamluk art flourished in Egypt and the Levant (1250–1517 AD) and was characterized by grandeur and precision. Religious and civil architecture prospered, featuring towering minarets and richly decorated domes. The arts of wood, metal, and colored glass also developed, with extensive use of Arabic calligraphy as a decorative element. Fifth: Islamic Art in the Ottoman Period Islamic art reached a new peak during the Ottoman period (1299–1922 AD), particularly in architecture. The Ottomans were influenced by Byzantine art, a feature evident in major mosques such as Hagia Sophia after its conversion into a mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Ottoman art was characterized by massive domes, balanced simplicity, and the use of Iznik ceramic decorations. Sustainability and Islamic Art Islamic art aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” through its preservation of architectural and cultural heritage and its reliance on principles of harmony with the environment, such as the intelligent use of light, water, and local materials. Studying and documenting Islamic art also contributes to strengthening cultural identity and safeguarding heritage for future generations, thereby supporting cultural sustainability as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Conclusion The development of Islamic art from the Umayyad to the Ottoman period reflects a rich civilizational journey marked by creativity and diversity. Despite the variation in artistic styles across eras, Islamic art has remained faithful to its essence based on spirituality, beauty, and harmony, standing as a lasting testament to the greatness of Islamic civilization and its sustainable role in shaping both people and place....Almustaqbal University, The First University in Iraq .