Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti is considered one of the pioneers of Islamic art and remains a central figure in the history of Islamic miniatures. He flourished in the 13th century, likely born in Wasit (Iraq) before moving to Baghdad. Al-Wasiti was not only a painter but also a skilled calligrapher, merging text, ornament, and illustration, thus founding what became known as the Baghdad school of manuscript painting.

His most famous work is the illustrated manuscript of “Maqamat al-Hariri,” completed in 1237 CE, containing around ninety-nine miniatures. These miniatures vividly depict scenes of daily life, architecture, clothing, food, and social interactions, blending realism with decorative style. Through them, al-Wasiti provided a visual documentation of 13th-century Islamic society with remarkable artistic originality.

The legacy of al-Wasiti is vital as it shaped later traditions of Islamic miniature painting, offered a unique window into medieval cultural life, and inspired modern Arab artistic movements.

Sustainability in al-Wasiti’s Legacy

Al-Wasiti’s heritage achieves the Sustainable Development Goal of “Quality Education” by preserving and transmitting artistic knowledge to future generations. His legacy supports sustainability on several levels:

Intellectual sustainability: safeguarding artistic techniques and teaching them to students and artists.

Cultural sustainability: maintaining cultural identity by exhibiting and reviving his art in museums and galleries.

Economic sustainability: using his heritage in cultural tourism, exhibitions, and publications, generating sustainable resources for cultural institutions.
Thus, Yahya al-Wasiti’s legacy serves as a cultural bridge that connects past and present, ensuring sustainability in knowledge, identity, and creativity.

Almustaqbal University, The First University in Iraq.