Horizontal sundial, with a depiction of the Ka’ba in the centre.
Constructed for the latitude of Istanbul, this is one of the more unusual examples of instruments.
The inside of the box with a compass and compass rose in twelve directions, divided into degrees, with painted medallion view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This instrument, was made exclusively for Medina.
3/ Qibla Finder, possibly late 18th century or 19th century
View of the Holy Sanctuary at Mecca
Medium: lacquer-painted wooden base & lid & metal fittings
The interior of the base depicting the Ka'ba, encircled by names of various cities, the interior of the lid with a larger view of Mecca.
5/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Turkey
The interior of the cover with the Kaaba at the centre surrounded by the maqams of the four Sunni schools of law with a view of Mecca. The base with a compass with cruciform steel needle and glazed cover.
The qiblanuma literally means 'showing the direction to the Ka'ba'. The inside lid shows, shows the minarets of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, with the Ka'ba in the courtyard
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
7/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Turkey
Inside of the cover painted with a central medallion representing aerial view of the al-Masjid al-Ḥarām mosque in Mecca. Inside of the box with a compass & painted medallion view of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Made exclusively for Medina.
8/ Qibla Finder, 1700-1825, Turkey
Qibla Finders are used to find the direction and time of prayer by Muslim worshippers. According to the central tenets (or five pillars) of Islam Muslims must pray five times a day.
A white metal miniature bowl with cover engraved with a floral band around a central similar floral spray, the cover unscrewing to reveal the circular complete dial pivoting around the centre painted with the Ka’aba.
The interior of the base with the Ka'ba at the centre surrounded by the maqams of the four Sunni schools of law, around these in small naskh are the names of various cities.
11/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Turkey
The interior of the base depicting the Ka'ba, encircled by names of various cities, the interior of the lid with a larger view of Mecca.
12/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, India
A small bone Mughal qibla finder with a view of Al-masjid Al-haram to the interior of the cover, the base with a compass with cruciform steel needle and glazed cover.
13/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Turkey
The interior of the base depicting the Ka'ba, encircled by names of various cities, the interior of the lid with a larger view of Mecca.
14/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Iran
A Persian lacquer Qibla indicator and sundial
of circular form, the lid and interior with patterns of interlaced floral and foliate motifs.
15/ Qibla Finder, 19th century, Turkey
The interior of the base depicting the Ka'ba, the interior of the lid with a larger view of Mecca.
Courtesy of Millon
16/ Qibla Finder, 1883, Turkey
Rotating disc on the compass has a picture of the Kaaba. Around it are the names of the 4 points of the compass, on the opposite side, are a number of cities, extending from Tunis in the west to Samarkand in the east.
The David Collection
17/ Qibla Finder, AH 1151/1738 AD, Turkey
Made by Barun Al-Mukhtara, Constantinople. The base has a European map showing the landmass north of the equator with a magnetic compass, below with a list of countries and cities with their coordinates.
If you like this thread, check out our forthcoming Islamic Art & Culture Digital Festival happening online on 28 & 29 November.
Join us for a celebration of Islamic art, heritage & culture
Algeria known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean” is at the crossroads of three worlds Mediterranean, Arab & African.
A thread on the beautiful Islamic architecture & rich heritage of Algeria…
1/ Dar Mustapha Pacha, Algeria
A Moorish palace, located in the Casbah of Algiers. It houses the National Museum of Miniatures, Illumination and Calligraphy.
It was built by the future Dey Mustapha Pacha between 1798 and 1799.
2/ Sidi Ahcen, Sétif, Algeria
Built by Sidi Ahcen in 1203, beautiful details of the architecture.
Scholars of Islamic culture contributed significantly to botany, herbals & healing, improving knowledge of plants. They classified plants into those that grow from cuttings, those that grow from seed, & those that grow spontaneously
A thread on botany & art in Islamic culture…
1/ The Holy Qur’an provided the initial impetus for the investigation of herbs by Islamic writers, as plants are named in the depiction of Paradise & are used as signs of the Creator’s power and majesty. Inspired by their faith, Muslims worked extensively in this area
2/ Muslim scholars also commissioned botanical studies due to the need for research on medicinal plants, to respond to medical needs & contribute to the physical & mental health of the community. They created the context of the advent of pharmacology in Islamic civilization
This is the dance of Jupiter & Mars, as they orbit around the sun. A spectacular display of geometry!
Islamic geometry has a spiritual dimension, reflecting the order of the universe.
Here are 21 contemporary Islamic artists, inspired by the wonders of the cosmos…
A thread…
1/ Artist Neslihan Enkinci creates contemporary Islamic art inspired by the cosmos. This work is called ‘The Loop’ it reflects the entire universe and life as a never-ending cycle…
2/ Artist Julia Ibbini uses algorithms and new technologies to create Islamic geometric paper cut works inspired by the universe…
Perched on top of a steep cliff & surrounded by breathtaking Mediterranean views, Sidi Bou Said is a charming town in northern Tunisia, named after a 13th century Sufi saint, while a French baron is widely credited for its blue & white colour scheme
A thread on Sidi Bou Said…
1/ With its distinctive blue-and-white color scheme, cobbled streets and jaw-dropping glimpses of azure waters, the cliff-top village of Sidi Bou Saïd is one of the prettiest spots in Tunisia
2/ Named after a 13th-century Sufi saint, its distinctive architecture is a mix of the Ottoman and the Andalusian, a result of the influx of Spanish Muslims in the 16th century
In Muslim countries, tea is more than just a hot drink. It is very important to the heritage, traditions and cultures in which it originates.
To start the weekend, we celebrate the art of tea, with 24 different types of tea from across the Muslim world…
A thread…
1/ Moroccan Mint Tea
Made by steeping green tea with a generous handful of spearmint leaves, it is sometimes also made with other types of mint or herbs, and traditionally served in small glass cups
2/ Persian Chai
Black tea, called chai in Farsi, is one of the most popular drinks in Iran. It is so popular that it is more than just a drink – it is part of Persian culture. Black tea leaves are boiled with cardamom pods for the perfect Persian chai
Ancient mud mosques in the Muslim world are spectacular & sustainable. They keep us cool in summer & warm in winter, & withstand extreme weather. In search of more sustainable buildings, architects are returning to this overlooked construction material
A thread on mud Mosques…
1/ Larabanga Mosque, Ghana, early 1400s
Founded by one of the Prophet’s (PBUH) Companions, Ibrahim Ayuba al-Ansari, who was sent there from al-Madinah. Built in the Sudanese architectural style, it is the oldest in the country & one of the oldest in West Africa
2/ Khatmiyah Mosque, Kassala, Sudan, 18th century
At the base of the Taka Mountains is this spectacular mosque, centre of the Khatmiyah Sufi sect. It's a lovely mudbrick building with a pointed octagonal minaret and a photogenic arcade of columns in the main prayer hall