Academic Resources
Resources for Special Topics in Islamic Art
General Publications (PDFs):
Architecture in Islamic Arts
Publication (PDF):
Selected AKM objects from this exhibition:
- Dala’il al-Khayrat Prayerbook AKM382
- Architecture in Islamic Arts
- Depiction of the Masjid al-Haram (Holy Sanctuary) at Mecca AKM529
- Plate with Architectural Decoration AKM589
- Tile Planel AKM827
- Sa’di and the Idol of Somnath AKM284.12
- Shapur Besieges A Fortress Of The Ghassanid King Ta’ir AKM17.1, AKM17.2
- Album Page AKM136
- Captial AKM663
- Beam Building AKM725
- Story Haftvad and the Worm AKM164
Arts of the Book & Calligraphy
Publication (PDF):
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
Emperors and Jewels: Treasures from the Indian Court, from the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait
3D exhibition tour: View 3D Tour
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
- Shah Jahan his three sons and Asaf Khan AKM124
- Portraits Jahangir and Shah Jahan AKM135
- Genealogical Chart Jahangir AKM151
- Portrait Akbar Old Age AKM149
- Ewer AKM966
Lectures:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Dr. Navina Najat Haidar explores the dynamic history of India’s seventeenth-century Mughal age and its culture of jewels. View Lecture
Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange Across Medieval Saharan Africa
Publication: Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Exchange across Medieval Saharan Africa
3D exhibition tour: View 3D Tour
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
- Bowl AKM684
- Biconical Bead AKM618
- Manuscript Mia Layla Wa Layla AKM513
- Folio from a Quran Manuscript AKM293
- Ring AKM597
- Pen Box AKM609
- Bowl AKM610
Lectures:
- Curator Dr. Kathleen Bickford Berzock from Northwestern’s Block Museum of Art introduces the exhibition Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: View Lecture
- Dr. Mariam Rosser-Owen, Curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, explores the cross-cultural relationships that produced some of the most beautiful objects of the medieval period: View Lecture
- Examining some of the masterworks from the exhibition Caravans of Gold, Aga Khan Museum Curator Dr. Michael Chagnon discusses the interconnected world of the medieval era and the powerful role of western Africa within it: View Lecture
- Dr. Augustus Casely-Hayford, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, draws on the rich material heritage on display in the exhibition Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time to reveal how art has carved out history and empires: View Lecture
Enchanted Lines: Drawings from the Aga Khan Museum Collections
Publication: Enchanted Lines: Drawings from the Aga Khan Museum Collections
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
The Moon: A Voyage Through Time
Publication: The Moon: A Voyage Through Time Edited by Christiane Gruber
3D exhibition tour: View 3D Tour
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
- The Night of Power Shab-i Qadar AKM13
- The Maiden Gulandam and an Ardent Admirer AKM44
- Portrait of Sultan Selim-iii AKM220
- Quran Folio AKM222
- Lustre Pointed Dish AKM559
- Planispheric Astrolabe AKM611
Lectures:
- Discover the many meanings of the moon within Islamic art and culture with Dr. Christiane Gruber, exhibition co-curator. View Lecture
- Astronomer and public speaker Dr. Jamil A. Shariff discusses how the moon has benefitted the development and continued existence of life on planet Earth. View Lecture
- Artist and scholar Bettina Forget delivers a talk bridging art, space science, and the timely topic of women’s representation. View Lecture
A Guide to Shahnameh (Book of Kings) Folios in the Aga Khan Museum
This resource is in development. For now, please browse folios from the collection organized by period of production.
14th Century:
- For folios from the First “Small” Shahnameh, Second “Small” Shahnameh, Freer Shahnameh, The “Inju” Shahnameh of 1341 and other manuscripts Click here.
15th Century:
- For folios from the “Big Head” Shahnameh and other manuscripts Click here
16th Century:
- For folios from the “Shah Isma‘il II” Shahnameh, Shah Tahmasp Shahnameh and other manuscripts Click here
17th Century:
- For folios signed or attributed to Mu‘in Musavvir and from other manuscripts Click here
Syria: A Living History
- Publication (PDF): Syria: A Living History. Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
Lecture Series
- Browse Lecture Series; Syria – A Living History View Lecture
The World of the Fatimids
Publication (PDF): The World of the Fatimids Catalogue
3D Exhibition Tour: View 3D Tour
Selected Aga Khan Museum objects from this exhibition:
- Ivory Horn Oliphant AKM809
- Tiraz Textile with Red Inscription AKM670
- Narrow Tiraz Panel with Cursive Inscription AKM675
Lectures:
- Dr. Farhad Daftary on the spiritual foundations of the Fatimids. View Lecture
- Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis, Director and CEO (formerly Director of Collections and Public Programs) at the Aga Khan Museum, offers insights into the origins, aspirations, and cultural achievements of the Fatimid dynasty. View Lecture
Other Aga Khan Trust for Culture Resources:
Aga Khan Award For Architecture
- Main site: https://www.akdn.org/architecture
- Gallery: https://www.akdn.org/architecture/gallery
Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme
Aga Khan Program For Islamic Architecture
- Main site: https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-trust-culture/aga-khan-program-islamic-architecture
- Resources on Islamic Architecture: https://www.archnet.org
Aga Khan Music Initiative
- Main site: https://www.akdn.org/akmi
- Performances: https://www.akdn.org/akmi