Lamps And Lanterns. The History Lesson

by Sophie She

Lamps And Lanterns. The History Lesson

20 Mar 2024

In Islamic Art, lamps and lanterns shine as enduring symbols, illuminating the profound depth of cultural heritage and craftsmanship. These luminous artefacts, adorned with captivating patterns and infused with symbolic depth, actually encapsulate an elegance that transcends eras.

Lamps, with their intricate designs and meticulous detail, stand as remarkable ambassadors of tradition. Crafted from brass, copper, and glass, they embody artistic brilliance and spiritual resonance. Each lamp narrates a story through its geometric intricacies, echoing the mesmerising motifs of Islamic art.

Light as a symbol

The symbolic importance of light in Islam permeates its theology, literature, and cultural heritage. In Islamic tradition, light represents truth and divine knowledge, epitomised by God as the ultimate source of illumination. The Quranic chapter titled "The Light" emphasises God's role as the guiding light for believers. Metaphorically, light signifies knowledge, with wise individuals likened to lamps. Additionally, in folk tales like Aladdin from the Thousand and One Nights, lamps hold magical properties, housing genies capable of granting wishes.

The history

During the earliest days of the Islamic community, artificial lighting found its way from Syria to illuminate the Prophet's mosque in Medina. This marked a departure from the previous practice of using open palm-leaf fires for illumination. Legend has it that the Prophet himself commended this initiative and bestowed the Syrian merchant with the name "siradj," meaning lamp.

Umayyad and Abbasid Eras (7th–13th Century)

By the middle of the 7th century, artificial lighting had made its way into the Sacred Mosque of Mecca and the revered Kaaba. Under the Umayyad caliph al-Walid I and later the Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun, mosques across the Islamic territories were adorned with countless lamps and chandeliers, not only for illumination but also to facilitate reading of sacred texts.

These early lighting fixtures often featured simple designs, were suspended from ceilings, and were a common sight in mosques across Islamic territories, casting a warm glow over congregations.

Furthermore, secular lamps drew inspiration from the Roman and Byzantine traditions in the initial stages of Islamic civilisation. Made of clay, these lamps served as commonplace lighting fixtures, employing an oil-fed wick for illumination in everyday settings.

Mamluk Era and later (13th–16th Century)

Numerous blown glass lamps, often adorned with gold and enamel, were primarily used for illuminating majestic mosques, particularly during the Mamluk era (1250–1517).

The purpose of mosque lamps extended beyond practicality to encompass symbolism. The light they emitted symbolised truth, embodying values such as honesty, clarity, simplicity, and joy.

Source: Barry Wood "Mosque lamp" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024

Silver chandeliers with glass lamps became popular, adorning the interiors of mosques with their intricate designs. In addition, blown glass lamps adorned with gold and enamel were hung from ceilings, adding both elegance and illumination to sacred spaces.

But later utilised in Muslim households, Islamic lamps have graced both sacred and secular spaces, casting a warm glow that defies time.

Ottoman Era (16th–20th Century)

In the days of the Ottoman sultans, ceramic mosque lamps became prevalent, particularly those crafted in the renowned pottery of Iznik (Byzantine Nicaea). These opaque lamps, commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, adorned sacred spaces, casting their light either decoratively or towards the ceiling.

Source: art.thewalters.org

These lamps, with intricate designs, offered indirect illumination by directing their light upwards towards the ceiling. Invention reflected the artistic sophistication of the period. Some examples included ceramic lamps adorned with floral motifs or geometric patterns, adding a touch of beauty to mosque interiors.

Meanwhile, lanterns served as streetlights and the illuminators of homes’ exteriors.

Ramadan in lights

But what comes first to mind when you say “Arabic Lamp”? Most of us will imagine fanous.

Fanous are colourful lanterns that, over time, evolved into a global symbol representing the holy month.

Its origins trace back to ancient Egypt, where stories tell of the Fatimid dynasty's arrival of Caliph Al-Muʿizz li-Dīn Allah in 358 AH. The people of Egypt greeted him with lanterns, marking the beginning of Ramadan's association with illuminated streets.

Photo: Rawan Yasser

While the exact origins of the fanous vary, some accounts suggest its use to light the path for the Caliph's nighttime strolls through Cairo. Over time, it became customary for households to hang lanterns outside, as mandated by rulers like Caliph Al-Hakim.

Despite the availability of modern lighting, the fanous persists as a cultural emblem, adorning Ramadan tents and city streets, fostering a festive ambience befitting the holy month.

Even the modern creation of Islamic lamps is a nod towards ancient techniques and artisanal dedication. Through metalworking, glassblowing, and engraving, skilled hands bring forth creations of unparalleled beauty. Each lamp is an individual, meticulously crafted to captivate the senses.

by Sophie She