The arts of medieval Islam: Fatimids, Turks, Mongols and Mamluks

About this course

The course examines how political change and shifting cultural influences shaped Islamic material culture from the 10th to 14th centuries. It considers Fatimid luxury crafts, Seljuk ceramics and metalwork, Mongol-era adaptations of Central Asian and Chinese styles, and Mamluk architecture and decorative arts. Lectures use slide images to explore objects, buildings and craft industries, while group discussion considers their visual language and influence on European art and design. Handouts support the teaching and are made available digitally.

What you'll learn

• Identify three medieval dynasties that contributed significantly to Islamic art.
• Describe three place-specific craft industries and the objects associated with them.
• Analyse Central Asian or Chinese elements in selected examples of medieval Islamic art.

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course is intended for learners who can follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Participation involves attending live lectures and contributing to group discussion. Learners should be familiar with Google Classroom or willing to learn how to use it for course materials.

• Includes group discussion alongside lecture-based teaching.
• The lectures are live and are not recorded for later playback.

Before you go

• Digital handouts are shared through Google Classroom.
• Learners may wish to bring a notebook and a folder for printed handouts.