The complex geometry of Islamic design - Eric Broug
3,328,430 Views
38,572 Questions Answered
TEDEd Animation
Let’s Begin…
In Islamic culture, geometric design is everywhere: you can find it in mosques, madrasas, palaces, and private homes. And despite the remarkable complexity of these designs, they can be created with just a compass to draw circles and a ruler to make lines within them. Eric Broug covers the basics of geometric Islamic design.
The way Islamic geometric patterns are embellished/made more beautiful differs per region. In Mughal India, they used marble and colored stone. In Mamluk, Cairo, they made many patterns in wood. In Ilkhanid, Iran, they used different ceramic glazes. In Marinid, Morocco, they used small ceramic tiles. Craftsmen made deliberate choices about how they presented their geometric patterns, often taking into consideration the distance of the observer. Take note of the differences and similarities of some Islamic geometric patterns and imagine yourself in the shoes of the craftsman who made them. What was he trying to achieve? What do you think may have determined his design choices?
Sign in to answer questionAbout TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Eric Broug
- Director Jeremiah Dickey
- Animator Peyton Skyler
- Script Editor Emma Bryce
- Narrator Addison Anderson
