Download Islamic Words and Definitions

Words and definitions
Riza-i ‘Abbasi: (pronounced rih-ZAH-ee AH-bah-see) an accomplished painter who
worked for the Safavid court (see definition for Safavid). His idyllic paintings were
popular in the 1580s, perhaps because they mirrored the Utopian ideals promoted
during the Safavid period in Iran (1502–1736)
Akbar: a Mughal (see definition for Mughal) ruler in India who took a great interest in the
arts. He ruled from 1556 – 1605.
Arabesque: scrolling, geometric form
Arabic: the language of the Qur’an. Many Muslims do not speak Arabic as their native
language, but many can read and recite the words of religious texts written in Arabic.
Baraka: (pronounced BAH-rah-kah) the Arabic word for blessing
Cobalt: a blue color produced by using cobalt oxides
Deccan: southern region of India
Faridun: (pronounced fair-ih-doon) the name of an Iranian mythical king. In the
Shahnamah (see definition for Shahnamah), Faridun is described as having defeated
the tyrannical king Zahhak and ruling Iran for five hundred years.
Huqqa: (pronounced HUK-kah) a water pipe for smoking tobacco
Ilkhanids: (pronounced ill-KHAH-nihd) Mongol rulers in Iran who converted to Islam and
became great patrons of the arts. The Mongols, people from modern-day Mongolia and
Central Asia with a distinct cultural identity, invaded the Middle East in the 1200s.
Islam: religion based on the revelations believed to have been received by the Prophet
Muhammad from God. Islam means “submission,” as in submission to God
Islamic Art: The DIA defines Islamic Art as being made in areas governed by Muslims or
where Islamic culture has had significant influence. Islamic Art relates to people of many
cultures and regions that have come under the influence of the culture and lifestyle of
Muslims.
Iznik: (pronounced IZ-nick) a town in Turkey where a floral ceramic style developed
during the Ottoman Empire (see definition for Ottoman)
Juz: (pronounced juz) a section of the Qur’an
Lusterware: ceramics painted with ground metallic minerals to make them appear to
shine like metal
Mamluks: former slaves from Turkey and the region near the Caucasus Mountains in
Eastern Europe. They were brought to Egypt where they converted to Islam and became
the ruling class of Egypt and parts of the Middle East between 1250 and 1517
Mecca and Medina: the holy cities of Islam. There, in the early 600s, the Prophet
Muhammad is believed to have received revelations from God, which he taught to his
companions, the first Muslims
Mosque: a place of worship for the followers of Islam
Mughal: (pronounced MU-gul): a Muslim dynasty that established an empire that ruled in
India from 1526-1857. They were descendants of Mongol rulers; “Mughal” is actually the
Persian word for “Mongol.” The Mughals built the Taj Mahal.
Muslim: “one who submits [to God],” follower of Islam
Ottoman: a Turkish dynasty that established an empire that lasted from about 1300 to
1924 in territories stretching from Hungary to Yemen, and from Algeria to Iraq. The
Ottomans governed from Istanbul, in today’s Turkey.
Oxides: elements that have been exposed to oxygen. They are often used in the
creation of ceramic glazes
Prophet Muhammad: the founder of Islam. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad
received divine revelations from God.
Qur’an: the holy book of Islam; records the revelations received by the Prophet
Muhammad
Ramadan: the month when Muslims believe God revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet
Muhammad
Safavid: (pronounced SAH-fah-vihd) a dynasty established an empire that ruled over
what are present-day Iran and Iraq, as well as parts of Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan,
and the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe from 1501–1736
Saz leaf: an invented leaf design with serrated edges found on many objects made
during the Ottoman Empire (see definition for Ottoman); the saz leaf does not occur in
nature
Shah: Persian word for king or leader; used primarily in today’s Iran
Shahnamah (Book of Kings): (pronounced SHAH-nah-mah) the national epic of Iran
which tells the mythical and historical past of its leaders; “Shah”=king; “namah”=story or
book
Shah Jahan: the ruler of the Mughal Empire from 1628 – 1658 (here “Shah” is a name,
not a title)
Sultan: title of certain Muslim rulers; mainly used in Turkey but also in southern India
Sultanate: kingdom or lands ruled by a sultan (see definition for sultan)
Talismanic: description for something believed to contain protective qualities; used to
ward off evil
Timur (also known as Tamerlane): the Mongol conqueror of Iran and much of central
Asia in 1370
Zahhak: the name of an Iranian mythical king. In the Shahnamah (see definition for
Shahnamah), Zahhak is described as a tyrannical king who is overthrown by the hero
Faridun (see definition for Faridun)