A hexagonal tile from Iznik in Turkey, circa 1535

Why Is It Important?

Hexagons and six pointed stars are very important symbols in Islam. Muslims consider both to be representations of Heaven and perfection. In Islam, as in Christianity and Judaism, it is believed that God created the world in six days.

Cultural Links

Stars have a long history in being associated with gods. The Greeks and Romans considered the stars to be divinities, a belief they inherited from the ancient religions of Babylon and Persia. Astrologers from all ages studied the stars to try and understand the gods. The best known story is that in the New Testament of the magi of the East following a star to the birthplace of Christ.

Next : Figurative Persian tiles, 17th Century.

Previous : A 13th Century star tile from Kashan, Iran.

End Arab Hall Tour.