Ali: Did you mean...?

A beautified calligraphic rendition of the name of Ali, the fourth Rashidun Caliph (r. 656-661 CE).

The Songhai Empire (aka Songhay, c. 1460 - c. 1591) replaced the Mali Empire (1240-1645) as the most important state in West Africa (covering modern southern Mauritania and Mali). Originating as a smaller kingdom along the eastern bend of...

The Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE) was responsible for setting up the basis of the Islamic empire and expanding its borders beyond the Arabian soil. These leaders were selected by the consent of the people and based on their own merits...

A painting from manuscript of the "Rawdat al-safa" (Persian for "Gardens of Purity") made in Iran c. 1571 - 1572 CE. The painting depicts Ali (r. 656 - 661 CE) and Aisha (c. 613 - 678 CE), who led the opposing factions at the Battle of the...

Shiite calligraphy depicting Caliph Ali (r. 656-661 CE) as the Lion of God.

Gold dinar of Mamluk sultan al-Mansur Ali minted in Cairo in 1258/59 CE.

The minaret of the Ali Mosque Manar, Isfahan, Iran (1118-1157 CE). Erected during the reign of Seljuk sultan Sanjar (118-1157 CE). Decorated by two balconies. The shaft below the balconies embellished with interlocking stars in recess, altering...

The minaret of the Ali Mosque, Isfahan, Iran. Erected during the reign of Seljuk sultan Sanjar (118-1157 CE). Decorated by two balconies. The shaft below the balconies embellished with interlocking stars in recess, altering to a diamond pattern...

The Abbasids were an Arabic dynasty that initially ruled over most of the Islamic empire (save some western parts) after assuming the caliphate in 750 CE, later on, their empire fragmented, however, they retained spiritual supremacy as caliphs...

Rose-and-nightingale paintings and patterns (gul-u-bulbul) are a subtheme of the bird-flower (gul-u-morḡ) genre in Persian art. Bird-and-flower paintings are of Chinese origin and include pictorial elements such as flowers and plants, birds...