(Persian: Book of Kings) – the national epic of Iran, composed in 1010 by the poet Firdausi and comprised of over 50,000 distiches (couplets).

 – the direction of prayer in Islam (towards Mecca).

a term used to describe two types of architectural decoration prevalent in Syria, Egypt and Lebanon in particular. The first comprises rectangular stones covered in single colors of plaster (orange, w [..]

(1565–73) - fort complex in Agra, India, built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar; an inspiration for the Mughal Suite.

a technique of interior architectural decoration prevalent in late-Ottoman Syria, in particular, where it was used to decorate rooms within elite courtyard homes (see the Damascus Room at Shangri La). [..]

 – the lower entry area of a late-Ottoman Syrian reception room known as a qa‘a  (see the Syrian Room at Shangri La).

A four-generation family of potters based in Kashan, Iran, and active during the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods (c. 1200–1320). These potters often signed and dated their works, which include the DDFIA’s [..]

 a house.

(Arabic: “In the name of God”) – this phrase opens all but one chapter of the Qur’an.

 – a type of gold brocaded silk velvet (see example 83.6.1) produced in Turkey c. 1600–1750 and generally attributed to the city of Bursa; typically used as upholstery, such as cushion covers.