Examining works of art from the Islamic world helps students meet National Learning Standards for world history, visual arts, English language arts, geometry, and science through dynamic lessons involving observation, investigation, and critical thinking skills.
Exposing students to both religious and secular artworks produced in the Islamic world provides a more complete picture of global cultures and religions past and present. Islam is currently practiced by about twenty-three percent of the world's population.
Learning about the outstanding aesthetic and intellectual achievements of the inhabitants of the Islamic world over twelve centuries in the arts, sciences, and mathematics, as reflected in the Museum's exemplary collection, will help students recognize ways in which these accomplishments continue to inform our lives today.
While some of the works of art in this guide might be expected, others—including human figures and naturalistic renderings of the world—may be surprising. A close look at works of art from the many regions included in the Islamic world will help students recognize the breadth and diversity of these cultures and overcome misconceptions.
Given the importance of these regions within current geopolitics and the role of history in elucidating our world today, this guide will help students understand the global context in which they live.
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