When we see art from the world of Islam, we might have questions about the culture that created it. Many people would probably be interested in knowing more about the religion of Islam, while others might take a particular interest in art’s relationship to astronomy or astrology, for example, or to weapons and warfare.

Focusing specifically on the cultural background for art in the Islamic world, this section illustrates fourteen themes of special relevance. Each theme is illustrated with a selected group of objects, accompanied by an explanatory text.