Though the periodisation and characterisation of the Islamic Golden Age is the subject of debate, scholars agree that during the 8th century to the 13th century, the study of astronomy flourished. Baghdad, Iraq became a major center for astronomy, spurred by a new translation movement, especially from Greek to Arabic. This talk will touch on several aspects regarding Islamic art and architecture’s relevance to the field of astronomy across time and space, focusing on material culture that includes scientific instruments, observatories, and the popular decorations of celestial and zodiac iconographies.
(Title from Sura al-Najm (Star Chapter) of the Qur’an (53:1)
Please, note:
- the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
- the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
- This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
- Guests can access all videos at a small fee; videos for members are free of charge
- if you wish to become a member – please, learn about our membership plans
Sorry, this event has ended.
You can purchase the access to the video below.
Alternatively, please Become a Member
and enjoy all videos free of charge.
To register for new events, please, check our Schedule.
SPEAKER – LEENA GHANNAM
Leena Ghannam is an art historian, artist, and writer whose work focuses on artistic encounters in the Middle East and North Africa, medieval images and perception, spoliation, museum repatriation, and archeology of urban spaces. In 2025, they graduated from the American University in Cairo with a master’s in Islamic Art and Architecture. They are the Caption Coordinator and Newsletter Editor at the open-access project “Khamseen Islamic Art History Online” at the University of Michigan. Leena has worked as an assistant curator and researcher in collaboration with several institutions and SWANA cultural projects, including the Islamic Arts Biennale in Saudi Arabia (2025), Google Arts and Culture, the Barakat Trust, Megawra (The Built Environment Collective), the Nadim Foundation, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Wayne State University Art Collection. She was also employed as a long-term research assistant for the “Tracing Purple Porphyry” project under the direction of Dr. Linda Gosner.
Leave a Reply