Muqarnas-An Annual on the Visual Cultures of the Islamic World
Scope & Guideline
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Islamic Visual Culture
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Interdisciplinary Research:
The journal promotes research that integrates history, art history, archaeology, and cultural studies, providing a holistic view of Islamic visual cultures. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
Trending and Emerging
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - 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. - 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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