The first wing, inevitably, houses a permanent exhibition on China, and temporary displays of other cultures (Islamic calligraphy at the moment).

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If you are a pious Muslim, let it be known that a focus on uncontroversial subjects such as Islamic architecture, calligraphy and poetry will keep the money coming.

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Bowler, a Thailand-based Australian, has run half a dozen of the tours in recent years, during which participants are taught the basics of Islamic practice, study Islamic history and calligraphy, pray in mosques and live and eat with Muslim families.

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Sultan Mehmet II, the conqueror of Constantinople, wanted his portrait painted and since Islamic painting focused on calligraphy and miniatures, being painted by a top Venetian portraitist was the ultimate luxury.

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In the Nasrid Palaces, a palace complex within the palace complex, the combination of building materials (wood, stone, ceramics and plaster) with traditional Islamic forms (intricate calligraphy, stuccoed ceilings and interwoven geometric patterns) reaches a point close to perfection.

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Any representation of the human form has traditionally been discouraged in Islamic art, helping Arabic calligraphy to thrive in its place.

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Lavish costumes are on display in the Dormitory of the Expeditionary Force, important Islamic relics are housed in the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms and fine examples of Ottoman calligraphy and portraiture are exhibited in the Quarters of Pages in Charge of the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms.

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Calligraphy and the arabesque a continuous leaflike design dominate Islamic art, yet there are many figurative works here as well.

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