Traces the history of Islamic art from the 7th to the 19th centuries & covers such subjects as the art of the book, lacquer & oil painting, ceramics, metalwork, arms & armor, carpets & textiles, architectural ornament, decorative arts, & coinage.

Explores the impact of Islam on the cultural heritage of diverse communities around the world, focusing on how works of art and architecture have been influenced and inspired by Islamic traditions, beliefs, and practices.

Published on the occasion of the exhibition The Art of the Qur'an: Treasures from the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Istanbul, held at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C., October 15, 2016-February 20, 2017.

Treasures of Islam presents a vivid portrait of the culturalheritage of Islam and its great treasures - an illuminatingcommentary places the creations of Muslim craftspeople in the appropriate geographical, historical and artistic contexts and explains the significance of the faith?s use of colour andtexture, through calligraphy, sculpture, architecture and manyother art forms. Although Islam is the most recent of the majormonotheistic traditions to have emerged, it has produced oneof the most glorious cultural legacies of any of the great faiths.For more than a millennium Islam?s faithful followers havecreated a rich legacy of sacred art and architecture, from lucid religious texts to some of the most spiritually upliftingbuildings ever constructed.

Shows examples of lacquer, miniatures, illustrated manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, arms, armor, textiles, carpets, coins, and architectural ornaments produced between the seventh and nineteenth centuries

Refine your heart and mind with the wisdom of Islamic spirituality "To live a meaningful life--one that brings us joy, contentment and fulfillment--we have to do the inner spiritual work of becoming a more complete human being." --from the Introduction Over the centuries, Islamic sages have gleaned timeless spiritual insights and practices from sacred texts, meditation and knowledge of the heart--gems that have been passed down from generation to generation. This book invites you--no matter what your practice may be--to access the treasure chest of Islamic spirituality, particularly Sufism, and use its wealth to strengthen your own journey. The riches include guidance drawn from the Qur'an, sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and Sufi poets such as the thirteenth-century Rumi on cultivating awareness, intentionality and compassion for self and others. This book also features entertaining wisdom teaching stories, especially those of Mulla Nasruddin, Islam's great comic foil, to expand the mind and heart. It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, you will find these gems worthy additions to your own treasure chest within.