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Islamic Art

12 February - 31 December 2025 г.
The course has already started
252 days
Before the end of the enrollment
  • Russian

    course language

  • 8 weeks

    course duration

  • from 4 to 5 hours per week

    needed to educate

  • 1 credit points

    for credit at your university

  • Cost 3 600 Р

    for studying

This course takes you on a historical tour of art in different parts of the Muslim world from antiquity to today. It covers architectural styles in regions like the Near and Middle East, Central Asia, India, and Europe; explores manuscripts and calligraphy traditions; examines miniature painting techniques along with Islamic artistic principles used in ceramics production as well as jewelry making, carpet weaving and so much more.

The course was developed in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum.


Dear learners, please note that only part of the materials is available for free. All course materials will be available after certification payment.


Dear learners, the course will be released module by module, with a new module appearing every two weeks. The release schedule is as follows:

Module 1 — February 13
Module 2 — February 26
Module 3 — March 12
Module 4 — March 26
Module 5 — April 9
Module 6 — April 23
Module 7 — May 7
Module 8 — May 21

About

The course explores the rich and diverse artistic traditions of the Islamic world. Islamic art spans a vast geographical area and reflects the cultural and historical influences of the regions where Islam has flourished.

Learners will be introduced to:

  • the architectural heritage of the Near and Middle East, Central Asia, India, and parts of Europe,
  • the art of calligraphy,
  • the intricate world of Islamic miniature painting,
  • the techniques of glassmaking, bronze work, ceramics, jewelry, weaponry, textiles, carpets, and more.

The course takes students on a journey through the history of Islamic art, from antiquity to the present day, demonstrating how the unique artistic language of the Islamic world is shaped by the belief in a single, indivisible God, Allah, the creator of earthly beauty, which is seen as a reflection of the heavenly beauty of Paradise.


  • The course is intended for a broad audience with an interest in art, history, and culture.
  • Features expert interviews and masterclasses with specialists in Islamic art.
  • Developed in collaboration with the State Hermitage Museum.

Format

The course is taught completely online.

Course program

  1. Islamic art in the World
  2. Word and Writing
  3. Holy Quran, Pillars of Islam, and Art
  4. Book and miniature
  5. Religious and public buildings in the East
  6. Palace and Home: Applied art
  7. East and West: Cultural Dialogue in Art
  8. Modern Art of the Islamic World

Education results

By the end of this course, students will:  

Be able to:  

  • navigate the history of Eastern civilization through the lens of Islamic art monuments;  
  • identify and distinguish various forms of Islamic artistic practices.  

Have knowledge of:  

  • the history, traditions, and key movements of art developed within the Islamic cultural sphere;
  • fundamental terminology across different artistic disciplines, particularly those related to artistic techniques.  

Possess:  

  •  a set of broad cultural competencies that enhance their worldview;
  •  a specialized vocabulary relevant to the course’s cultural focus.

Education directions

Аврутина Аполлинария Сергеевна

Доктор филологических наук, доцент
Position: Профессор кафедры теории и методики преподавания языков и культура Азии и Африки СПбГУ, директор Центра исследований современной Турции и российско-турецких отношений СПбГУ

Пиотровский Михаил Борисович

Доктор исторических наук, академик РАН, член РАХ
Position: генеральный директор Государственного Эрмитажа, декан восточного факультета СПбГУ

Certificate

It is possible to get a certificate for this course.

The cost of passing the procedures for assessing learning outcomes with personal identification - 3600 Р.