Ali: Did you mean...?

Islam arose as a religious and socio-political force in Arabia in the 7th century CE (610 CE onwards). The Islamic Prophet Muhammad (l. 570-632 CE), despite facing resistance and persecution, amassed a huge following and started building...

The Kalash people, also called Kafir (Non-believer), Black Robe and Siah Posh, live in the three sub-valleys of Kalash; Bumboret, Rumbor and Birir, in the modern-day District Chitral, Pakistan. The Kalasha are ancient tribe of Pakistan and...

Kings and Generals historical animated documentary series on the early history of Islam, as we discuss the events that led to the schism within the Muslim community, as Islam split into two branches - Sunni and Shia Islam. This happened in...

Nighttime in a City, Persian manuscript folio attributed to Mir Sayyid ‘Ali, Tabriz, Iran, c. 1540. Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Goelet, formerly in the collection of Louis J. Cartier.

The ruins of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, built by the Sumerian king Ur-Nammu and his son Shulgi of Ur, c. 21st century BCE. Photo taken in 2005 CE near Ali Air Base in Iraq.

Four medals showing beautifully designed names of the first four Rashidun Caliphs Abu Bakr (r. 632 - 634 CE), Umar (634 - 644 CE), Uthman (644 - 656 CE) and Ali (656 - 661 CE). In the Dome of the New Mosque, in the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul...

A drawing of a 3rd century CE Sasanian rock relief in Naqsh-e Rustam, Iran. The relief shows on the right Ardashir I (r. 224-241 CE) and on the left the supreme Persian and Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda. The god is giving the king his ring...

"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album Painting by Govardhan Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50 This portrait of Akbar from the Shah Jahan album by Govardhan depicts a lion and a calf...

Examples of illuminated calligraphy and ornamentation from two Mughal folios. Ink with opaque watercolour and gold on paper. The calligraphy is by Mir 'Ali, 16th century, Iran; borders, (left) about 1610 – 20, (right) c. 1630 – 50, Mughal...

Persian mirror case with bird-and-flower motif, painting by Ali Ashraf, 1751. Brooklyn Museum.