Information Package / Course Catalogue
Symbols in Turkish Islamic Art
Course Code: İL472
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 2
Prt.: 0
Credit: 2
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The course aims to examine the fundamental geometric shapes, vegetal and animal motifs, and the symbolic meanings of colors used in Turkish-Islamic arts. It is intended that students understand the historical, cultural, and religious contexts of these symbols and analyze their use in works of art. Within the scope of the course, students will also reflect on the symbolic world of traditional motifs and evaluate their relevance and reinterpretation within the context of contemporary art.

Course Content

This course examines the symbols used in Turkish-Islamic arts in terms of their meanings and contexts. It explores the symbolic meanings of fundamental geometric shapes, vegetal and animal motifs, and colors. In addition to traditional motifs such as the tulip, rose, carnation, bird, and tree, the course focuses on geometric forms like the six-pointed star and circle, as well as conceptual themes such as fertility, life, and ideology. The historical development of these symbols, their functions within cultural and religious contexts, and their use in artworks are analyzed. Furthermore, the course evaluates the reflections and reinterpretations of these symbols in contemporary art.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Identifies the fundamental geometric shapes used in Turkish-Islamic arts and explains their symbolic meanings.
2.Explains the historical and cultural significance of vegetal and animal motifs.
3.Analyzes the symbolic use of colors in Turkish-Islamic art.
4.Interprets symbols featured in artworks and develops analytical skills.
5.Evaluates the relationship of symbols with religious, ideological, and social contexts.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Gülşen, P. (2021). Colors: History-Culture-Art-Psychology. Istanbul: Destek Publishing.
2.Çam, N. (2000). Art in Islam, Islam in Art. Istanbul: Akçağ Publishing.
3.Ferrari Kançal, N. (2016). Representation: Islamic Visual Culture Between Theory and Practice. Istanbul: Klasik Publishing.
4.Alantar, H. (2007). The Language of Motifs (1st ed.). Istanbul: İTHİB.
5.Duran, G. (2021). Ali Üsküdari: Master of Illumination and Ruganî, Flower Painter. Istanbul: Kubbealtı Publishing.
6.Gibson, C. (2017). How to Read Symbols (4th ed.). Istanbul: YEM Publishing.
7.Esin, E. (2004). Iconographic Motifs in Turkish Art from Central Asia to Anatolia. Istanbul: Kabalcı Publishing.
8.Mülayim, S. (2015). Iconographic Transformations in Turkish Art: Witnesses of Change (2nd ed.). Istanbul: Kaknüs Publishing.
9.Ünver, A. S. (n.d.). 50 Turkish Motifs. Istanbul: Doğan Kardeş Publishing.
10.Tansuğ, S. (1988). The Visual Language of Art. Istanbul: Remzi Bookstore.
11.Çaycı, A. (2017). Meaning and Symbolism in Islamic Architecture (1st ed.). Konya: Palet Publishing.
12.Kılıç, S. (1991). Qur'anic Symbolism (1st ed.). Ankara: Kılıç Bookstore.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Symbols in Turkish Islamic Arts and Their Relationship with Theological Sciences
Week 1 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 2 - Theoretical
Fundamental Geometric Shapes and Their Symbolic Meanings (Triangle, Square, Rectangle, and Circle)
Week 2 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 3 - Theoretical
Religious Symbols in Turkish-Islamic States (Oil Lamp, Kaaba, Crescent, etc.)
Week 3 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 4 - Theoretical
Sufi Order Symbols in Turkish-Islamic States (Headgear, Battle Axe, Staff, etc.)
Week 4 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 5 - Theoretical
Cultural Symbols in Turkish-Islamic States (Flag, Turkish Bath, Coffee, etc.)
Week 5 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 6 - Theoretical
Symbols of Sovereignty in Turkish-Islamic States (Double-Headed Eagle, Robe of Honor, Tughra, etc.)
Week 6 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 7 - Theoretical
Animal Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic Arts (Wolf, Horse, Bird, etc.)
Week 7 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 8 - Theoretical
Geometric Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic Arts (Turkish Triangle, Six-Pointed Star, Golden Spiral, etc.)
Week 8 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 9 - Theoretical
Floral Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic Arts (Tulip, Rose, Carnation, etc.)
Week 9 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 10 - Theoretical
Tree Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic Arts (Plane Tree, Fig Tree, Cypress, etc.)
Week 10 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 11 - Theoretical
Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic Architecture (Mosque, Dome, Mausoleum, etc.)
Week 11 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 12 - Theoretical
Symbols in Turkish-Islamic Textiles (Elibelinde, Ram’s Horn, Waterway, etc.)
Week 12 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 13 - Theoretical
Color Symbolism in Turkish-Islamic States
Week 13 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 14 - Theoretical
Symbolic Narratives in Turkish Islamic Arts and General Evaluation
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Converting Visual Data Pertaining to the Relevant Topics into a PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory143270
Term Project1112
Reading1213
Individual Work1213
Midterm Examination1819
Final Examination112113
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
PÇ-19
PÇ-20
OÇ-1
3
3
4
OÇ-2
3
4
4
OÇ-3
3
4
4
OÇ-4
3
4
4
OÇ-5
4
4
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026