{Persia Part 4

zir-bamm: When the phrase is repeated one octave higher or lower.

  “going to its corners”: Modulation; changing from one

melody to another.

Rumi, Hafez and Sa’adi: Prominent Persian poets.

To increase ornamentation, many long notes are strummed or trilled.

Bellwork: Define Terms

Much of the art of Islam, whether in architecture, ceramics, textiles or books, is the art of decoration – which is to say, of transformation. The aim, however, is never merely to ornament, but rather to transfigure.

The vast edifices of mosques are transformed into lightness and pattern; the decorated pages of a Qur’an can become windows onto the infinite.

Essentially, this is a reflection of the Islamic preoccupation with the transitory nature of being. Substantial structures and objects are made to appear less substantial, materials are de-materialised.

The purity and orderliness of patterns and symmetries could evoke a sense of transcendent beauty which, at best, would free and stimulate the intellect (rather than trap it in the illusions of mere representation).

Reading AnalysisThe Philosophy behind Islamic Art

Scholars Will:

Grammar: Learn more facts about Persian Music and culture

Logic: Finish working on Persian Rug

Outcomes

Sufism—Whirling Dervish video

Move to a spot in the room where you have more space, or move the chairs a bit.

Whirl around to the music with your arms extended

Imagine doing that for 10 minutes!

CFU: Try it!

Melodic modification includes all of the following:

addition of accessory notes addition of ornaments Witholding the stress note (shahed) as

long as possible.

Ornamentation—Melodic Modification

Sufism is:

“Dedication to worship, total dedication to Allah most High, disregard for the finery and ornament of the world, abstinence from the pleasure, wealth, and prestige sought by most men, and retiring from others to worship alone.” -Ibn Khaldun

Nafs are desires such as anger, lust, and the many addictions that afflict us.

If one is not recognizing or experiencing God's "closeness" or presence, the responsibility for this condition lies with one's own self.

One of the emphases of Sufism is upon the struggle to overcome the dominance that one's nafs.

The nafs are what separate one from God.

Principles of Sufism

For 30 seconds think about

A theological question: In your opinion:   How does isolation bring one closer to God?   Conversely, how can living with others bring you

closer to God?

For 1 minute discuss your answer with your partner.

Think, Pair, Share

Name one:

String instrument you hear

Drum you hear

Wind instrument you hear

The rhythmic motive in this song is s----------------d

Which instrument plays the melody along with the singers?

Active Listening #3Sufi Hymn

Nafs are desires such as anger, lust, and the many addictions that afflict us.

Songs like these are sung during zikrs—devotional ceremonies designed to lead to states of ecstasy.

Just the factsListening #6 Sufi Hymn

Reading:The poetry of Rumi

Complete your carpet

Don’t cut the yarn too short! You can always cut more off later.

Make sure the yarn is very compact.

CFU: Persian Rug Project