An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.
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The fundamental role of the Qur’an in Islam drove the growth of the Arts of the Book, as well as art and design in the Islamic world. Following the death in 632 CE. of the Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon Him], his orally transmitted revelations from God were collected and transcribed by his secretary Zayd ibn Thabit. Under the early Successors or Rashidun Caliphs, they were collated into the order that we know as the written verses of the Qur’an. From this time, the evolution of the arts of Arabic calligraphy and illumination under the early Caliphates and ruling dynasties of rapidly spreading Islamic Empires.
In this intensive study-day, we shall examine the history and development of the Art of the Qur’an as a manuscript, and its influence on secular books on literature and the sciences. There will be detailed insights into the practices of the Islamic scriptorium and library workshops, the role of patronage in facilitating the production of fine manuscripts, important centres of production, and the evolution of the Arts of the Book during the Medieval period.
We shall begin by looking at early mosque Qur’ans written in monumental Kufic script on parchment (8th - 10th c.) and the formative development of Qur’anic illumination. Tracing the introduction of cursive Arabic scripts and their variations, we'll consider the transition to paper, following the development of layout, illumination and style under successive Islamic dynasties in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.
Progressing to the 14th - 15th cent., we shall examine the foundation and administration of important royal library workshops at Tabriz and Herat, and the impact of Qur’anic codicology on the development of secular book design and the language of illumination. There will also be a focus on the materials and processes used by artists of the ateliers, with a handling collection of study objects, pigments, and examples of historically authentic illumination techniques.
What will we cover?
• The impact of Qur’anic design on Islamic visual culture. • The development of secular book design and illustration. • The development of Arabic script as an art-form.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Discuss the importance of Qur’anic design giving at least 2 examples of its impact on Islamic visual culture. • List 3 examples of aspects of secular book design in the Islamic or Persianate world. • Identify three different Arabic scripts.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This focus day can be enjoyed as a stand-alone study day. It can also be attended as an additional enrichment for students attending longer courses on the arts in the Islamic world. You might also be interested in: • VB257 - Islamic Art in the medieval world • VB438 - Arts of the Empire Builders: Timurids, Safavids and Mughals.
Anita Chowdry is a London based visual artist, educator and researcher. Her particular interest is in the arts of the Islamic World and South Asia, and the materials and processes that went into them. She has an M.A. in Art and Science from Central Saint Martin’s UAL, and is currently engaged in the codicological study of a group of 15th Century Turcoman manuscripts at the Bodleian Library, Oxford. Anita has over 30 years’ experience teaching art and process to adults and professional groups, covering major institutions in the UK and abroad.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/study-day-the-art-of-the-qur-an3058816Study day: The art of the Qur’anhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-the-art-of-the-qur-an-vb637-1200.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Ancient & medieval world22851136117719041228511771136<p>An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.</p>003058810Study day: The art of the Qur’an7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/t/study-day-the-art-of-the-qur-an-vb637-1200_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSunKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-10-11T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB6377979Study day: The art of the Qur’an635179Anita Chowdrystudy-day-the-art-of-the-qur-an/vb637-2627<p>An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-11 00:00:00<p>The fundamental role of the Qur’an in Islam drove the growth of the Arts of the Book, as well as art and design in the Islamic world. Following the death in 632 CE. of the Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon Him], his orally transmitted revelations from God were collected and transcribed by his secretary Zayd ibn Thabit. Under the early Successors or Rashidun Caliphs, they were collated into the order that we know as the written verses of the Qur’an. From this time, the evolution of the arts of Arabic calligraphy and illumination under the early Caliphates and ruling dynasties of rapidly spreading Islamic Empires.</p><p>In this intensive study-day, we shall examine the history and development of the Art of the Qur’an as a manuscript, and its influence on secular books on literature and the sciences. There will be detailed insights into the practices of the Islamic scriptorium and library workshops, the role of patronage in facilitating the production of fine manuscripts, important centres of production, and the evolution of the Arts of the Book during the Medieval period.</p><p>We shall begin by looking at early mosque Qur’ans written in monumental Kufic script on parchment (8th - 10th c.) and the formative development of Qur’anic illumination. Tracing the introduction of cursive Arabic scripts and their variations, we'll consider the transition to paper, following the development of layout, illumination and style under successive Islamic dynasties in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.</p><p>Progressing to the 14th - 15th cent., we shall examine the foundation and administration of important royal library workshops at Tabriz and Herat, and the impact of Qur’anic codicology on the development of secular book design and the language of illumination. There will also be a focus on the materials and processes used by artists of the ateliers, with a handling collection of study objects, pigments, and examples of historically authentic illumination techniques.</p><p>An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.</p>• The impact of Qur’anic design on Islamic visual culture.<br>• The development of secular book design and illustration. <br>• The development of Arabic script as an art-form.• Discuss the importance of Qur’anic design giving at least 2 examples of its impact on Islamic visual culture.<br>• List 3 examples of aspects of secular book design in the Islamic or Persianate world.<br>• Identify three different Arabic scripts.This course is suitable for all levels.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.This focus day can be enjoyed as a stand-alone study day. It can also be attended as an additional enrichment for students attending longer courses on the arts in the Islamic world.<br>You might also be interested in:<br>• VB257 - Islamic Art in the medieval world<br>• VB438 - Arts of the Empire Builders: Timurids, Safavids and Mughals.Art historyAncient & medieval worldvirtual637951VB637NONESun11/10/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetAnita ChowdryBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-11T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Culture, history & humanities7979Study day: The art of the Qur’anstudy-day-the-art-of-the-qur-an/vb637-2627<p>An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-11 00:00:00<p>The fundamental role of the Qur’an in Islam drove the growth of the Arts of the Book, as well as art and design in the Islamic world. Following the death in 632 CE. of the Prophet Muhammad [Peace be upon Him], his orally transmitted revelations from God were collected and transcribed by his secretary Zayd ibn Thabit. Under the early Successors or Rashidun Caliphs, they were collated into the order that we know as the written verses of the Qur’an. From this time, the evolution of the arts of Arabic calligraphy and illumination under the early Caliphates and ruling dynasties of rapidly spreading Islamic Empires.</p><p>In this intensive study-day, we shall examine the history and development of the Art of the Qur’an as a manuscript, and its influence on secular books on literature and the sciences. There will be detailed insights into the practices of the Islamic scriptorium and library workshops, the role of patronage in facilitating the production of fine manuscripts, important centres of production, and the evolution of the Arts of the Book during the Medieval period.</p><p>We shall begin by looking at early mosque Qur’ans written in monumental Kufic script on parchment (8th - 10th c.) and the formative development of Qur’anic illumination. Tracing the introduction of cursive Arabic scripts and their variations, we'll consider the transition to paper, following the development of layout, illumination and style under successive Islamic dynasties in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain.</p><p>Progressing to the 14th - 15th cent., we shall examine the foundation and administration of important royal library workshops at Tabriz and Herat, and the impact of Qur’anic codicology on the development of secular book design and the language of illumination. There will also be a focus on the materials and processes used by artists of the ateliers, with a handling collection of study objects, pigments, and examples of historically authentic illumination techniques.</p><p>An intensive study day on the development of the Qur’an as a book and the role of patronage at important centres of production. We also look at the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, layout, and illumination; with a survey of evolving styles, the impact on secular book design, and the methods and materials of making.</p>• The impact of Qur’anic design on Islamic visual culture.<br>• The development of secular book design and illustration. <br>• The development of Arabic script as an art-form.• Discuss the importance of Qur’anic design giving at least 2 examples of its impact on Islamic visual culture.<br>• List 3 examples of aspects of secular book design in the Islamic or Persianate world.<br>• Identify three different Arabic scripts.This course is suitable for all levels.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.This focus day can be enjoyed as a stand-alone study day. It can also be attended as an additional enrichment for students attending longer courses on the arts in the Islamic world.<br>You might also be interested in:<br>• VB257 - Islamic Art in the medieval world<br>• VB438 - Arts of the Empire Builders: Timurids, Safavids and Mughals.Art historyAncient & medieval worldconfigurable
19041136Ancient & medieval worldhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/ancient-medieval-world1/2/285/1177/1136/19041/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Ancient & medieval world
