Palaces in the Desert: The Umayyad Empire

Film

The new religion of Islam was spread across North Africa as far as today's Spain and eastwards into Central Asia. This geographic extension was led by the first dynasty of rulers, the Umayyads. During their time, important works of art were created, like the dome of the rock in Jerusalem or castles like Mshatta, whose façade is one of the Museum’s exhibits. Today these works are seen as the formative accomplishments that mark the beginning of Islamic arts.

Video: Museum für Islamische Kunst / Stefan Matlik