For several centuries, Arab rulers from Baghdad to Cordoba were famed for their patronage of music and musicians. Their courts boasted full orchestras for entertainment, while noted musicians competed for the ruler’s favour.
An Azerbaijani carpet depicting Al-Urmawi
A manuscript copy of Risalah al-Sharafiyah fi al-Nisab al-Ta’lifiyyah, one of al-Urmawi’s 2 famous works, 16th century, Adilnor Collection
Al-Urmawi’s Risalah al Sharafiyyah fi Nisab al-ta’lifiyyah; Treatise on Music
Iranian stamp depicting Al-Urmawi
Ludwig Deutsch – The Mandolin Player
A sample page of Al-Shirāzī’s Durrat al-Tāj. Suleymaniye Library, Ayasofya, MS 2405.
Another sample page of Al-Shirāzī’s Durrat al-Tāj. Suleymaniye Library, Ayasofya, MS 2405.
Page from Majalla fî al-Musiqî by Fathullah Shirwanî’s. Topkapi Palace Library, Ahmed III, MS 3449.
Another sample page of Fathullah Shirwanî’s Majalla fî al-Musiqî. Topkapi Palace Library, Ahmed III, MS 3449.
A drawing of a musical instrument al-Qattara in a manuscript. Topkapi Palace Library, Hazine, MS 2164.
Scene of musicians playing. Topkapi Palace Library, Hazine, MS 1793.
A page from Al-Tuhfa al-Shahiya fi al-hay’a (The Gift to the Shah on Astronomy) by Al-Shirāzī (Iran or Eastern Mediterranean, 14th century.
A page from Al-Tuhfa al-Shahiya fi al-hay’a (The Gift to the Shah on Astronomy) by Al-Shirāzī (Iran or Eastern Mediterranean, 14th century.
Painting by Gaye Özen depicting the Ottoman physician Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu during treatment with his pupils. The figure also depicts music therapy and cauterization by a physician.
Painting by Nil Sari depicting the treatment of an insane patient by musical therapy.
A miniature picture depicting an insane patient during a musical therapy session at the Bayezid II’s Hospital.
A few scenes by İnci Özen from the Dar al-Shifa of Anbar bin Abdullah during the Seljuk reign in Turkey. The figure is depicting the gate and the music therapy by the physicians.
18th century manuscript on musical composition and rhythm showing a rababah. Topkapi Palace Museum Library, H 1793.
Extract from Abû Ma’shar al-Balkhi’s Kitâb al-mawalîd.
Lute player, Iraq 10th century
Extract from a scene of music (Hadith Bayâd wa Riyâdh), 13th centur
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