Muqarnas-An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World

Scope & Guideline

Pioneering Research on Islamic Visual Cultures

Introduction

Welcome to the Muqarnas-An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Muqarnas-An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0732-2992
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Converge1985, from 1987 to 1991, from 1996 to 2022
AbbreviationMUQARNAS / Muqarnas
Frequency1 issue/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

Muqarnas-An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World focuses on the intricate and diverse artistic expressions and cultural practices within the Islamic world. The journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of visual culture through various methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
  1. Interdisciplinary Research:
    The journal promotes research that integrates history, art history, archaeology, and cultural studies, providing a holistic view of Islamic visual cultures.
  2. Focus on Islamic Art and Architecture:
    A core area of the journal is the study of Islamic art and architecture, including detailed analyses of specific works, styles, and the cultural contexts in which they were created.
  3. Cultural Exchange and Influence:
    The journal emphasizes the interconnectedness of Islamic cultures with other civilizations, exploring themes of cultural exchange, appropriation, and influence throughout history.
  4. Historical Contextualization:
    Research published in Muqarnas often situates visual artifacts within their historical contexts, examining the socio-political and economic factors that influenced their production and reception.
  5. Material Culture Studies:
    The journal explores the significance of material culture, including textiles, manuscripts, and decorative arts, highlighting their roles in daily life and religious practices.
Recent issues of Muqarnas reveal emerging themes that reflect current scholarly interests and the evolving landscape of Islamic visual culture studies. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and methodologies.
  1. Urbanism and Architecture in Islamic Cities:
    Recent publications emphasize the study of urbanism and architectural practices in historical Islamic cities, reflecting a growing interest in how these spaces were constructed and their socio-cultural significance.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Visual Culture:
    There is an increasing trend towards interdisciplinary research that merges art history with other fields, such as anthropology and sociology, providing richer analyses of Islamic visual culture.
  3. Postcolonial Perspectives:
    Emerging studies are adopting postcolonial perspectives, critically examining the legacies of colonialism on Islamic art and architecture, and exploring themes of identity and representation in contemporary contexts.
  4. Digital Humanities and Visual Analysis:
    The journal is seeing more articles that utilize digital tools and methodologies for visual analysis, demonstrating a commitment to innovation in the study of Islamic art and its dissemination.

Declining or Waning

While Muqarnas has consistently explored a wide range of topics within Islamic visual culture, certain themes appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. This decline may reflect shifting academic interests or the maturation of previously underexplored areas.
  1. Colonial Perspectives:
    Themes focusing on colonial interactions and their impacts on Islamic art and architecture have become less frequent, possibly indicating a shift towards more contemporary or localized studies.
  2. Traditional Iconography:
    Research centered on traditional iconography and symbolism in Islamic art has decreased, suggesting a move towards more dynamic interpretations of art that consider modern influences and contexts.
  3. Static Historical Narratives:
    There is a noticeable decline in works that present static historical narratives of Islamic art, as scholars increasingly favor more nuanced, fluid interpretations that account for change over time.

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