Art of Orientation

By Idries Trevathan

Book Description

Journey into the sacred architecture that has shaped Islamic spiritual life for over fourteen centuries. Art of Orientation invites readers to discover the profound cultural and spiritual significance of the mosque through a carefully curated collection of 116 artifacts spanning the breadth of the Islamic world.

This illuminating exploration traces the remarkable evolution of Islamic sacred spaces, beginning with the simple mud-brick sanctuary that housed the Prophet's community in Medina and following the architectural journey to the magnificent stone monuments that grace cities like Cairo and Istanbul. Each artifact serves as a window into the rich tapestry of Islamic civilization, revealing how spiritual devotion has expressed itself through art, design, and sacred geometry across diverse cultures and centuries.

Leading scholars and cultural historians contribute fresh perspectives on these remarkable objects, offering readers contemporary insights into the deeper meanings embedded within Islamic artistic traditions. Their essays illuminate not just the physical beauty of these pieces, but the spiritual principles and community values they represent.

For those seeking to understand how sacred spaces nurture spiritual growth and community connection, this comprehensive study offers a unique lens into one of the world's great religious traditions. The book demonstrates how architecture and art can serve as bridges between the earthly and divine, creating environments that inspire contemplation, prayer, and spiritual transformation.

Through its scholarly yet accessible approach, Art of Orientation reveals the enduring power of sacred design to uplift the human spirit.