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Traditionally, one of the best-kept secrets of Western cultures has been the contributions of Islamic thought and creativity to the betterment of human society. Buried deep in the passages of history books may be references to the fact that Muslims held safe the light of knowledge during the "Dark Ages" of Europe, and that they were forerunners in the fields of philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, art, literature and architecture. But this information is certainly not well-known in the West.

Muslims living in the United States are largely cut off from the grand legacy of their heritage. Awash in the culture of the West, it is easy to lose sight of (or in the case of children, never glimpse in the first place) the wonders and beauty, the sensitivity and deep meaning of Muslim works of heart, mind, and hands.

On this page, the American Moslem Foundation would like to showcase some of the historic works of Islamic art and architecture. We hope you will enjoy this experience.

Click on a thumbnail image to see a larger version and description.

**Top image: Jug with scale pattern, 17th Century, Turkey

Script: Plaster frieze, c. 1250, Turkey.


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