The Evolution of the Lion and Sun Motif
The Lion and Sun motif is a widely recognizable symbol associated with Iran. While both lion and solar imagery were present in the art and mythology...
Maya M. Tola 6 April 2026
#Islamic Art
Jahangir’s Wine Cups: Mughal Decorative Arts
The Mughal Empire stands as one of history’s most opulent periods known to nurture a rich tapestry of art and architecture that offers a...
Maya M. Tola 24 March 2026
Jali in Mughal Architecture, the Most Delicate Stone Curtains
The jali, or pierced screens, have been extensively employed in Indian construction since time immemorial. They appear in both Hindu and Islamic...
Maya M. Tola 24 March 2026
Masterpiece Story: Taj Mahal
Located on the southern bank of the river Yamuna in Agra, a little over 100 miles outside New Delhi, is India’s most famous monument and one of the...
Maya M. Tola 15 March 2026
The Fascinating Ceramic Tile Art of the Anatolian Seljuks
The ceramic tile art of the Anatolian Seljuks dazzled with its mystical turquoise hues, fantastical creatures, and figural depictions. So, who were...
Marga Patterson 11 February 2026
Rococo and Baroque Architecture in Turkey
Representing splendor, opulence, and brilliance, Rococo art prevailed in Europe from the year 1700. It followed the Baroque period in art, which...
Merve Parla 11 February 2026
All That Glitters: The Sparkling World of Medieval Mosaics
Welcome to the sparkling world of medieval mosaics! Although not as famous as illuminated manuscripts or stained glass, the mosaic was a popular art...
Alexandra Kiely 3 December 2025
The Qutub Complex: Architecture of the Early Islamic Period in India
The Qutub Minar complex is a collection of architectural marvels located at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi, India. The complex...
Maya M. Tola 20 October 2025
Masterpiece Story: The Tortoise Trainer by Osman Hamdi Bey
Osman Hamdi Bey’s The Tortoise Trainer shows an elderly man patiently working with a group of turtles. Drawing on his time in Paris and his...
Guest Author 13 October 2025
Masterpiece Story: Plate with Arabic Inscription
Plate with Arabic Inscription is a masterpiece of 10th-century Islamic art. It combines minimalism, abstraction, and morality into a beautiful and...
James W Singer 5 October 2025
Mughal Gardens: Paradise on Earth
The Mughal regime is a well-documented era and the cultural achievements of this period are an important landmark in South Asian art history. While...
Maya M. Tola 3 October 2025
The Decline of Mughal Arts Under Aurangzeb
Muḥī al-Dīn Muḥammad was the sixth man to ascend to the Mughal throne and the last of the strong Mughal rulers. He was a notable expansionist...
Maya M. Tola 3 October 2025
