Islam

This emblem is the official seal of the University of California, featuring an open book and the motto 'Let There Be Light.' Established in 1868, the seal symbolizes the university's commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment through education and research.

This emblem serves as the visual identity for 'The Wisdom of the East' series, published by John Murray. It features a stylized rising sun casting rays over water, a classic metaphor for the 'Orient' and the dawning of knowledge. The simple, bold lines are characteristic of early 20th-century book design and branding.

This plate presents detailed architectural plans for the shrines of El-Badriyeh and Irdjâl el-Amûd, as well as a sketch of the enclosing wall of el-Mansûri. These technical drawings are crucial for understanding the spatial organization and structural elements of Palestinian Muslim sanctuaries as documented by Taufik Canaan in 1927.

This portrait depicts the Persian philosopher and theologian Al-Ghazali in traditional scholarly attire, holding a book to symbolize his intellectual contributions. The woodcut-style illustration serves as a visual introduction to the author of this influential spiritual autobiography.

This decorative title page for a 1913 German edition of 'Masterpieces of Oriental Literatures' features a striking red border inspired by Islamic architectural and textile patterns. The design incorporates stylized cypress trees and an arched frame, common motifs in Persian and Ottoman art, which visually signal the cultural origins of the 'Mesnevi' and other works contained in the volume.

This circular calligraphic seal is a characteristic feature of Islamic manuscripts, serving as a mark of ownership or authentication. The intricate script is expertly arranged within a circular frame, reflecting the high status of calligraphy as an art form and its practical use in documenting the history of a book.

This decorative frontispiece for a 1913 German edition of Rumi's Mesnevi features an elaborate red border. The design incorporates stylized cypress trees and intricate floral patterns, reflecting the Orientalist aesthetic and the influence of Islamic art on European book design during the early 20th century.

This 4x4 grid, known as a magic square or 'wafq', features specific Arabic letters arranged according to mystical principles. Such diagrams were central to the occult sciences in the Islamic world, where they were believed to possess protective qualities or the power to manifest specific spiritual outcomes.

This 3x3 grid represents a magic square, a mathematical arrangement used in the medieval Islamic world for talismanic and medicinal purposes. The surrounding text suggests its use as a charm to aid in childbirth, reflecting the historical belief in the power of sacred geometry and numerology.