Art is the quiet language of civilizations. Sometimes, a paintbrush stroke, the touch of marble, or a pattern on a tile tells us about thousands of years of knowledge, philosophy, and beauty. Among all these artistic languages, maybe the most universal, hypnotic, and mathematical is the pattern tradition of Islamic art. Endless geometric shapes, plant motifs dancing with each other (arabesques), and beautiful calligraphy… This rich heritage has decorated palaces, mosques, and books for centuries and still amazes those who see it.
So, do you have to travel all the way from Morocco to Uzbekistan, or from Spain to Turkey, to discover, understand, and get inspired by this amazing art? Luckily, technology can bring even the oldest treasures right to your fingertips. That’s where the website Pattern in Islamic Art (patterninislamicart.com) comes in, opening a digital door to this fascinating world. This article is not just a website review—it’s also an invitation to discover the beauty and deep knowledge that this digital treasure offers.
What is “Pattern in Islamic Art”?
Pattern in Islamic Art is, as its name suggests, a huge online archive that brings together images from the rich decorative architecture of the Islamic world. The creator, David Wade, spent years collecting his own photos from many parts of the Islamic world. He also gathered drawings from different publications and valuable photos from guest contributors, bringing all these together on this platform.
When you first visit the site, what greets you is simple and focused on purpose. It is free from flashy ads and distracting pop-ups; it’s like a calm space, meant only for knowledge and visuals. As Wade points out, the site wants this great art tradition to be better known, and to inspire not just art historians, but also designers, art lovers, and anyone who values beauty.
The Heart of the Site: Rich and Detailed Archive
The most important thing that makes a website valuable is the quality and depth of its content. Pattern in Islamic Art really goes beyond expectations here. The visual archive, which is the backbone of the site, is very neatly organized, so you can browse without getting lost.
Search by Region: One of the best features is browsing the archive by region. Under sections like Morocco, Andalusia, Turkey (Anatolia), Iran, and Central Asia, you can explore the unique pattern styles of every area. This doesn’t just help you see patterns, but also helps you understand how cultures shape art. It’s a wonderful way to learn.
Detailed Information Panels: Every image on the site is more than just a picture. When you click, a panel opens beside it with details about the pattern. You can see the name of the building, the city, the region, and if possible, the date and dynasty. It also lists which architectural feature the pattern is on (like a mihrab, a dome, or a door) and what material (tile, stone, wood, etc.) is used. This turns the site from a simple image gallery into a helpful academic reference.
Decoration Categories: You can also filter by decoration type, like geometric, calligraphic, or plant-based arabesque. This is a big help, especially for designers or students researching specific pattern types.
Not Just Images—It Shares Knowledge, Too!
One of the things that separates Pattern in Islamic Art from similar sites is that it doesn’t just show “what” exists, but also tries to tell us “how” and “why” it exists.
Drawings and Analyses: The “Drawings, Diagrams & Analyses” section opens up the secrets of Islamic art’s complex geometry. Here, you can find the work of people like Jules Bourgoin (a French researcher from the 19th century) and E. Hanbury Hankin (an English botanist) who dedicated their lives to understanding how these patterns were made. These analyses show that those complicated patterns are actually built step-by-step using only a compass and ruler. For a designer, this section is more than inspiring; it’s a real lesson in the technique behind the art.
Texts and Essays: The “Texts & Essays” area focuses more on the philosophy and history. It explains the rise of Islam, the cultural influences that shaped its aesthetic choices, and the effect of Greek philosophy on Islamic culture. After reading, you realize that the patterns you see are not just decorations, but hold a deep worldview, scientific wisdom, and philosophy.
Who is This Site For?
Pattern in Islamic Art is a resource that can help many kinds of people.
- Designers and Artists: From graphic designers to textile artists, architects to ceramic artists, anyone creative can find endless inspiration here. There are thousands of motifs and ideas for things like logos, fabric designs, or building facades.
- Art Historians and Academics: The detailed information panels are a great starting point for academic work. You can compare patterns from different times and places, follow a dynasty’s artistic style, or study how a certain motif changed over time.
- Students: If you study art, history, or design, this site is a fun and interactive resource beyond your textbooks. It helps make abstract ideas feel real and beautiful with strong examples.
- Curious People and Art Lovers: Even if you don’t have any professional reason, if you love beauty and aesthetics, you can enjoy hours here. Getting lost in the rhythm of the patterns is a relaxing digital experience.
Patterns of the Infinite: Top 10 Islamic Geometry Books
If this site sparks your curiosity and you want to go even deeper, there is another helpful resource: “Patterns of the Infinite: Top 10 Islamic Geometry Books.” This list pulls together the best books for exploring Islamic geometric design. These books give you step-by-step guides, photos, and the history behind the art. Whether you’re a beginner or want to master advanced ideas, checking out this top 10 list will help you keep learning and discovering more about the magical world of Islamic geometry.
Pattern in Islamic Art is an amazing project that combines David Wade’s passion and hard work with the shared cultural heritage of humanity. This site proves that Islamic art is not just a thing from the past, but still adds so much to today’s design and sense of beauty. Its user-friendly design, rich content, and both visual and intellectual depth make it stand out.
If you want to take a journey into the magical world where history, math, and art come together, Pattern in Islamic Art should be your first stop. Grab a cup of coffee and let yourself flow into the rhythm of this digital treasure. You won’t regret it.
