The Meaning Of Islamic Art (Two Volume)

For over a century, Western scholars have catalogued Islamic art – but none have truly unlocked its soul. What do the arabesques, the calligraphy, the geometric patterns mean? K. K. Aziz, a historian of international repute, spent 20 years answering this question. The result is this landmark 2‑volume work – possibly the first of its kind in the world.

The Meaning of Islamic Art is a monumental exploration of the religious symbolism and social relevance of Islamic art. Professor K. K. Aziz, a distinguished Pakistani historian with a global academic career, argues that Islamic art is not merely decorative – it is a spiritual language, rooted in the beliefs, values, and traditions of Islam.

Over 1,208 pages (across two hardback volumes), Aziz examines the layers of meaning underlying Islamic symbols – whether borrowed from other traditions or inherent in Islam itself. He emphasises the predominantly spiritual nature of this art, representing the non‑worldly aspirations of the believer. A consistent theme is the intimate connection between Islamic art and Sufism, and the close proximity between the art and the society that produced it – a unique feature of Islamic civilization.

The author draws on nine languages and a vast range of sources: Islamic religious texts, philosophy, theology, psychology, and eschatology, as well as the values of other faiths. The work is immaculately documented, richly illustrated, and carries an invaluable comprehensive bibliography. The language is simple and accessible, making profound insights easily understandable.

About the Author
Khursheed Kamal Aziz (1927–2009), better known as K. K. Aziz, was a distinguished Pakistani historian, academic, and author of over a dozen books. Born in December 1927 in village Ballamabad near Faisalabad, he was educated at Forman Christian College, Government College Lahore, and the Victoria University of Manchester. He taught at Government College Lahore and the Universities of Punjab, London, Cambridge, Khartoum, and Heidelberg. He also served as Deputy Official Historian to the Government of Pakistan, Chairman of the National Commission on Historical and Cultural Research, and Special Policy Adviser to Prime Minister Z. A. Bhutto. His other works include A Bibliography of Islamic Art and Pakistan in Perspective.

The Meaning of Islamic Art (2 Volumes) is available now at Kitab Markaz. We deliver across Pakistan and worldwide – so this landmark study of Islamic art's spiritual heart can reach you, wherever you are.

Format: Hardbound