## Summary Date of the visit [[2023-09-02]] | Period | Time | | ------------------------------------ | ---------- | | [[Four Caliph Period ]] | 632-661 | | [[Umayyad Period]] | 661-1031 | | [[Abbasid Period]] | 750 - 1507 | | [[Artuqids Dynasty]] | 1101-1409 | | [[Timurid Period]] | 1370-1507 | | [[Safavid period]] | 1501-1722 | | [[Beyliks and early Ottoman Period]] | | | [[Ottoman Period]] | 1299-1922 | ## Four Caliph Period The [[Four Caliph Period]], also known as Hulefa yi Rashid (632-661 AD) resulted in the expansion of the islamic state of Prophet Muhammed to North Africa, Southern Spain, India, Mervi and Samarkand. The four caliphs were Caliph Abu Bakr (632-634), Caliph Umar (634-644), [[Caliph Uthman]] (644-656) and Caliph Ali (656-661). ## Umayyad Period The [[Umayyad Period]] lasted from 661to 1031. It was marked by the creation of new institutions, the study of history, medicine and chemistry. During this period, many scientific books where translated from Greek to Arabic by scholars. It is the beginning of the development of distinct [[Islamic Art]]. ![[Umayyad Stone.jpg]] *Umayyad Stone with engraving, late 7th or early 8th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## Abbasid Period The [[Abbasid Period]], which spanned from 750 to 1258, was founded by Ebu'l Abbas Seffah, a descendant of Abbas bin Abdulmutalip, who was the uncle of Prophet Muhammad. The dynasty came to an abrupt end when the [[Ilkhanids]] captured Baghdad in 1258, although it did survive in a diminished form in Cairo until 1517 under the auspices of the Mamluks. The [[Abbasid Period|Abbasid era]] was a time of great cultural and intellectual growth, particularly in the fields of city planning, architecture, ceramic art, and calligraphy. Its influence wasn't confined to its time; it set a new style and became a vital source for later periods in Islamic and global history. One of the crowning achievements of this period was the House of Knowledge in Baghdad, also known as Beytü'l Hikme. This esteemed institution housed a vast collection of literature in various languages, including Syriac, Farsi, Greek, Hindi, Hebrew, Pehlvish, and Chaldean. Many of these works were translated into Arabic, fostering an environment of cultural exchange and intellectual vigor. ## Artuqids Dynasty The [[Artuqids Dynasty]], which lasted from 1101 to 1409, was named after Artuk b. Eksep, a descendant of Düger Oghuz and a Turkmenian Atabeylik of the [[Seljuk Empire]] who died in 1090. One of the unique features of this dynasty was its belief that the state was a common property of all dynasty members. Governed through a tripartite system, the Artuqids ruled their state with three distinct branches. Committed to the welfare of their subjects, the [[Artuqids Dynasty|Artuqids]] invested in extensive public improvements. They were responsible for the construction of mosques, madrasas, bazaars, bridges, hospitals, and baths. These public works not only provided essential services but also enriched the architectural and cultural landscape of their domain. In addition to their architectural contributions, the [[Artuqids Dynasty|Artuqids]] also left a significant cultural legacy. They excelled in book art and metalworking, leaving behind intricate examples of their craftsmanship. One such example is the door and door knob of the [[Cizre Ulu Camii]], which display unique metalworking art and ornamental designs. ## Timurid Period The [[Timurid Period]], spanning from 1370 to 1507, was one of the greatest empires of the Middle Ages. Founded by Timur with the conquest of Samarkand in 1370, the empire stretched from the Caucasus to [[Oman]] at its zenith. Despite its vastness and cultural richness, the empire was short-lived due to internal strife; Timur distributed land among his sons and grandsons but failed to prevent infighting among them, leading to the empire's decline and eventual collapse in 1507. During its existence, the [[Timurid Period|Timurid Empire]] made significant cultural contributions, particularly in cities like Herat, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Samarkand, which became centers for culture and the arts. The focus on architecture and book arts during this period is particularly noteworthy. ![[Timurid jug.jpg]] *Timurid jug, 15th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## Safavid Period The [[Safavid period]], lasting from 1501 to 1722, marked the establishment of the first national state in Iran after Shah Ismail's decisive victory over the Akkoyunlu state. Initially dominating Tabriz, the empire eventually expanded its control over the whole of Iran. Throughout its existence, the Safavid Empire maintained diplomatic relations and engaged in trade with European nations, while simultaneously contending with the Ottomans in the west and the Uzbeks in the northeast. Culturally, the [[Safavid period|empire]] was a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, with cities like Tabriz, Kazvin, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kashan, and Mashad serving as major centers. The Safavids were renowned for their contributions to book art, literature, ceramics, metalwork, carpet weaving, fabric crafts, and architecture. Distinctive blue-white ceramics, similar to Chinese porcelain, and silk carpets were among their most prized creations. They also specialized in the luster technique used for making wall tiles. ![[Kashkul.jpg]] *Kashul, early 17th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## Qajar period The [[Qajar period]] extended from 1796 to 1925 and was founded by Agha Muhammed, the leader of the Qajar Turks who had settled in Iran from Turkestan during the [[Timurid Period]]. Agha Muhammed assumed the title of Shah in 1796. The dynasty came to an end when Reza Shah Pehlevi forced the last Shah to abdicate, effectively removing the Qajars from power. Artistically, the period is noted for its unique contributions to portraiture; portraits of members of the dynasty and other leaders were created in the style of European paintings and portraits. Additionally, lacquer painting became a popular art form during this time, often employed to decorate objects of daily use such as pens, mirrors, and manuscripts. ![[Qajar painting.jpg]] *Qajar painting, late 18th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## The Beyliks and early Ottoman Period The [[Beyliks and early Ottoman Period]] was characterized by the formation of statelets following the weakening of the Anatolian [[Seljuk Empire]]. These statelets later reunited under the Ottoman Empire. The Beyliks faced considerable challenges, including internal competition as well as external pressures from the Ilkhanids, [[Akkoyunlu state]], and Karakoyunlu. In terms of cultural contributions, architecture was more prominent than other handicrafts during this period. Additionally, there were strong regional differences, and local art traditions such as those from the Seljuk in Anatolia were preserved. ![[Early Ottoman Tile.jpg]] Glazed early Ottoman [[Tiles]]. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## Anatolian Seljuk Period The [[Anatolian Seljuk Period]] lasted from 1075 to 1308 and was initially established as a half-independent Atabeylik under the auspices of the [[Seljuk Empire]]. Despite challenges, including conflicts with Atabeyliks, Eastern Rome, Crusaders, and a Mongolian invasion, it survived for 233 years. However, it eventually fell to the Mongolians after the War of Kösedağı in 1308 and became a Mongolian state. The period is noted for its splendid cultural heritage, particularly in the use of various forms of glamorization with glaze and baked oil, including tiles, [[Mosaic technique| mosaic tiles]], and [[Underglaze tile technique|glazed brick]]. The designs employed during this time featured a variety of motifs, encompassing geometric, vegetal, and figural elements such as animals and humans. ![[Iznik bowl.jpg]] *İznik ceramic bowl, 14th - 15th century. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Istanbul.* ## Ottoman Period The [[Ottoman Period]] extended from 1299 to 1922. Emerging as one of the Anatolian Seljuks who declared independence after the collapse of the [[Anatolian Seljuk Period|Seljuk Empire]], the Ottomans went on to establish the largest empire in the Islamic World. Dominating for over 600 years across up to three continents, the empire first united the Anatolian principalities before conquering the Balkans. With the conquest of [[Istanbul]] in 1453, the Ottomans received the title of [[Caliph]], signifying the leader of the Islamic World. The empire reached its zenith under the rule of [[Sultan Suleiman]], becoming the greatest power in the Islamic World. However, it entered a period of decline in the 17th century and was eventually abolished with the declaration of the [[Turkish Republic]] in 1923. As for Ottoman Art, it was initially under strong influences from [[Seljuk Empire|Seljuk Art]] until the late 15th century. The Classical Ottoman Period, spanning the 16th century to the early 18th century, saw the development of a unique art style. By the 18th century, during the [[Tulip Period]] (1703-1753), Western Art began to influence Ottoman arts, especially in the realms of architecture and handicrafts.