Masterpieces of Islamic Art

Kevin Lygo, Nada Al-Hudaid, William Dalrymple

Celebrate the first thousand years of Islamic art through stunning masterpieces and enduring sacred traditions in this visually inspiring journey across cultures and centuries. 

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Islamic art in this celebration of a thousand years of creative expression. Elegantly structured around the twelve months of the Islamic lunar calendar, Masterpieces of Islamic Art brings together an impressive array of works from across the Islamic world including the Arabian Peninsula, Central and Southeast Asia, as well as the Western Mediterranean. From the monumental Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali to ornate Iznik tiles, vibrant Persian miniatures, and exquisite Mamluk metalwork, this collection offers daily inspiration and insight into a vast artistic heritage.

Each chapter focuses on a specific artistic discipline, deepening the reader’s understanding of the diverse cultures, dynasties, and devotional practices that shaped these remarkable creations. Special attention is given to religious events, festivals, and traditions from both Sunni and Shia perspectives, bringing a deeper understanding of the sacred calendar that continues to shape millions of lives. The book also foregrounds historically overlooked Muslim artists, architects, artisans, and calligraphers by giving them the artistic recognition they deserve. Informative, visually opulent and culturally enriching, with a foreword by writer and historian William Dalrymple, this lavish presentation is more than a collection—it’s an invitation to see Islamic art as a central, vibrant force in our global heritage.

Contributors

Kevin Lygo

Author

Kevin Lygo is an expert in Islamic and Byzantine art who has traveled across Europe and the Middle East extensively. He has previously edited the publications Portraits of the Masters: Bronze Sculptures of the Tibetan Buddhist Lineages and Pages of the Qur’an: A Study of Islamic Calligraphy. He is director of television at ITV and was formerly director of television at Channel 4.

Nada Al-Hudaid

Author

Nada Al-Hudaid is a social and visual anthropologist who specializes in Islamic art, material religion, and migration. She has a PhD from the University of Manchester and is affiliated with Lund University’s Center for Theology and Religious Studies.

William Dalrymple

Foreword By

William Dalrymple is an award-winning writer and historian. He is a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society and cofounder of the Jaipur Literature Festival.