Geometry and Islamic Art

Islamic Art is such a beautiful example of a marriage between art and math. Islamic Art consists of complex geometric designs. The patterns are infinite repeats which is symbolic of the infinite nature of Allah (God). As shapes intersect new patterns and shapes are formed. These intricate designs are breathtaking and complex, yet even students with very little artistic talent can be successful in creating a beautiful Islamic inspired design.

First a few samples of Islamic Designs:

Arabesque: rhythmic linear patterns which consists of scrolling and interlacing foliage and curved lines.

Girih designs are made up of 5 shapes- a decagon, an elongated hexagon, a bow tie, a rhombus, and a pentagon. See below:

Examples of Girih Patterns:

There are a few ways that you can have your students create and Islamic inspired design. 

First here is a link to a website that they can use to create a girih pattern of their own.

Below are a few worksheets you can give your students so they can create a design. I have also included a sheet that will help your students with shapes and their names.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) has published a fantastic resource on Islamic Art. Click here for a link to the museum's publication page to download the PDF.

Islamic art also incorporates calligraphy, perhaps older students would be interested in expanding the lesson to include calligraphic designs. The image below could be included in a lesson on symmetry. 

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I was a bit hesitant to include Islamic art as is it a religious topic. However I am certain that if the artwork is discussed within the context of geometry and Islam as a culture then it would bypass the religious aspect of the work. It is important to me to find as many practical and real-life uses for math as I can. I think that for a child who doesn't naturally speak the language of math, practical applications are a great way to open the door the world of mathematical thinking.