SYNCRETISM OF ISLAMIC ART AND FOLK APPLIED DECORATIVE ART: HARMONY IN MINIATURE, ORNAMENT, AND MUSIC
Keywords:
Islamic art; folk applied art; syncretism; miniature painting; ornament; naqsh; music; Central Asia; cultural fusion; unity in diversityAbstract
This article explores the syncretic fusion of Islamic art with local folk applied decorative arts, focusing on the harmonious interplay of miniature painting, ornamental patterns (naqsh), and music. Using a historical-comparative approach, it examines how Islamic aesthetics absorbed and reinterpreted pre-Islamic folk motifs, techniques, and melodies. The Introduction outlines the historical development of Islamic art alongside indigenous traditions. The Methods describe the research approach and sources (including SCOPUS-indexed literature). The Results provide evidence of syncretism in miniatures, ornaments, and musical traditions, while the Discussion interprets these findings in light of the unifying principles of Islamic culture. The study finds that Islamic artistic civilization thrived not by erasing local heritage, but by integrating and harmonizing it – yielding a rich cultural tapestry where visual and musical arts resonate with shared patterns and spiritual meanings. Conclusion: Islamic art’s syncretism with folk arts fostered a unique cultural legacy of “unity in diversity,” as seen in the enduring appeal of Central Asian miniatures, geometric arabesques, and maqām music. This research contributes to understanding how Islamic art achieved unity in multiplicity through the creative blending of diverse artistic traditions.
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