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Islamic Middle East

Room 42, The Jameel Gallery

The V&A holds over 19,000 items from the Middle East and North Africa, ranging from the early Islamic period (the 7th century) to the early 20th century.

These vibrant collections include holdings of metalwork, ceramics, architectural woodwork and textiles, in particular from Iran, and also from Turkey, Egypt, Iraq, Syria and the countries of North Africa. Highlights include the Ardabil Carpet, the world's oldest dated carpet and one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important.

Where to find this collection

Room 42, The Jameel Gallery

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kaftan — Kaftan, about 1590, Bursa, Turkey

minbar — Mamluk minbar, 1468 – 96, Cairo, Egypt

composition — (Detail) 22,500, composition, by Hadieh Shafie, 2011, Baltimore, US

beaker and case — The Luck of Edenhall, beaker and case, 14th century, Middle East

carpet — (Detail) The Ardabil Carpet, 1539 – 40, Iran

ewer — Ewer, 1000 – 50, Egypt

pyxis — Pyxis, about 969 – 970, Madinat al-Zahra, Spain

tile panel — (Detail) Tile panel, 17th century, Isfahan, Iran

tapestry — Animals by the Watering Hole, tapestry, by 'Ali Salim, 1985, Egypt

The Ardabil Carpet

Take a closer look at the world's oldest dated carpet and one of the largest, most beautiful and historically important

Calligraphy in Islamic art

Discover the creativity and versatility of the written word in Islamic art

Owen Jones and the Grammar of Ornament

Owen Jones (1809 – 74) was a versatile architect and designer, and one of the most influential design theorists of the 19th century.

Researching the Alhambra Palace

Experts from the Alhambra Palace and the V&A delve into one of the finest collections of Islamic art and architecture

Jameel Prize 5

Discover eight exceptional contemporary artists and designers inspired by Islamic tradition

K. A. C. Creswell's photographs of the Middle East

The Luck of Edenhall

Its unique, superstition-wrapped history makes this antique drinking glass one of the Museum's most intriguing objects

Recreating Palmyra's Arch of Triumph using photogrammetry

Design and make your own Islamic tile and printed pattern

Have a go at creating patterns inspired by Islamic art