Art of ancient Central Asia

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Discover the establishment and the development of Islamic art in Central Asia.
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  • Start Date: 21 Feb 2026
    End Date: 21 Feb 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: RA662
    Tutors:  Roberta Marin
    Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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In stock
SKU
235711
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00

What is the course about?

In this Saturday course, we will examine the establishment and the development of Islamic art in Central Asia. We will also consider the important role played by the Silk Road not only in the commercial activities but also in the movement of ideas.

What will we cover?

In the morning, we will cover the pre-Islamic times with the great Sasanian Empire (224-651) and the Turk-Asiatic legacy. We will continue with an in-depth analysis of the artistic world of the Abbasids (750-1258) and the Great Seljuks of Iran (1040-1157). In the afternoon, we will explore the art and architecture of the Mongol dynasties. We will start from the influential role played by Genghis Khan (1162-1227) and his immediate successors to the advent of Ilkhanids (1256-1353) and Timurids (1370-1507), whose conversion to Islam provided a new impulse to the artistic scene of Iran and Central Asia.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- discuss the arts and artefacts produced in Central Asia;
- locate artwork and artefacts in their historical, political, religious, cultural context;
- establish skills of critical and visual analysis.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge is required.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching is intended to be interactive. PowerPoint presentations with a wide range of slides will accompany the prepared talks. Questioning is welcomed throughout. Handouts with a selected bibliography and other helpful information for further self-study will be provided on Google Classroom.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No other cost. Please bring writing material and your eagerness to learn a lot about Central Asia and its articulated history.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Any other Ancient civilisation course. See website for details.

Roberta Marin
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.