Explain how Islamic art reflects cultural diversity. Give examples to illustrate your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Islamic art includes calligraphy, styles of writing the Qur'an, styles of geometrical tile work decorating the walls of mosques, the use of colour in mosque decoration, the use of domes and shape, as well as the use of plants, water and shape in gardens.
2. [10] There have been many different Islamic Empires and Caliphates, each with different styles of art which may be referred to as cultural diversity. These included the Ottoman Turkish Caliphate; the Mughals in India; the Safavid Shi'i rulers in Persia/ Iran; various different styles exhibited in mosques in Africa and China, and throughout the Islamic world.
3. [10] The Qur'an refers to diversity, and this may be interpreted as justification that Muslims should embrace differences as long as they are within the framework of Islamic beliefs. The Qur'an 30.22 states: 'And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.'
4. [10] Examples of cultural diversity include the very tall, thin minarets in Ottoman mosques, compared to the rounded, dome topped minarets, often in sandstone and with open sides for ventilation in the heat of the summer, provided by the Indian Mughals. The mosque in Djenne, Africa, is constantly being renewed with its sand base in an annual festival, making it a living piece of culture. Xian Mosque in China represents local style with its pagodas which form minarets and the prayer hall.
5. [10] Calligraphy may be with straight, bold kufic lines; or rounded, flowing naskh, and various other subcategories often reflecting the learning and style of the calligrapher. These may support the cultural styles of a society and help to making the Qur'an more accessible to readers in different parts of the world.
6. [10] Specific decorations such as colourful tiles have been developed, mastered by central Asian Muslims, with colourful blues and greens representing peaceful and calming colours to help focus the mind of the Muslim on their faith.
7. [15] Art may include calligraphy, styles of shape and architecture, beauty and aspects of expressing the word of God from the Qur'an and it's meaning in geometrical shape.
8. [15] To a great extent, Muslims may invent as was done in the past.
9. [15] Umayyads, Ottomans and other empires, invented their own styles, so there is no reason why Muslims should not create new styles to represent the present.
10. [15] Modern Muslim cities and countries have sponsored new styles, such as in Qatar with the 'spaceship' minimalist mosque representing modern art style, and including bold, simple lines of calligraphy. Therefore, modern, minimalist art can be applied to Islamic architecture to create new styles.
11. [15] If a new style of art and architecture can inspire a Muslim to take up more interest in the practice of their faith and develop a sense of awe, such as by looking at calligraphy and thinking about the beauty of God's word; then such new styles of art are a good thing to be encouraged.
12. [15] The Qur'an can be beatified and Muhammad's directions applied in decoration of mosques appropriate to their function. This has always been the focus of Muslims, and many would argue there is no need to change style to do this.
13. [15] Islam has a great heritage and this could be valued and celebrated. The younger generations can learn much from learning about the past and appreciating the hard work Muslim artists and calligraphers have put in whilst dedicating their lives to beautifying Islam, not inventing things new.
14. [15] To create something new might possibly lead Muslims to innovation (bid'ah), a sin. Therefore, any new feature in art should be carefully checked to ensure that it does not transgress Islamic prohibitions in representing figures of humans or animals.
15. [15] Balanced conclusions should refer back to the terms of the question and come to a personal decision about how far this should be considered appropriate for Muslims in the modern age.