About
Explore the geometric patterns from the Al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem, a site whose architectural richness reflects centuries of Islamic craftsmanship. The construction of its various buildings spans multiple caliphates—Umayyad, Mamluk, and Ottoman—resulting in a unique layering of artistic traditions. Across these eras, craftspeople and artisans applied geometric principles using a wide array of materials, including woodwork, marble, glass, and stucco carving, creating a visually unified yet historically diverse sacred space.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
The Qur’an, 30:22
This course demonstrates how geometric principles were applied to shape a beautiful and cohesive place of worship over different periods and architectural contexts. Through this lens, students will explore how patterns from the same geometric “family” can manifest as stars, rosettes, or other motifs, and examine how patterns from distinct Islamic periods often share underlying construction techniques.
In this iteration of the course, we will study how the architectural elements of different parts of the Al-Aqsa complex relate to one another, highlighting their geometric connections. We will delve into patterns from Masjid Al-Qibli and compare them with related designs from Masjid Ibrahim in Hebron, which originates from a similar period. The course also includes an exploration of the Dome of the Rock and geometric patterns found in windows currently housed in the Al-Aqsa Museum, offering a broad and interconnected view of this holy site.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our online programmes.
When will the workshop take place?
This workshop will take place on Wednesdays, 15, 22, 29 April and 6, 13 May 2026, 10:00 – 13:00
Times are given in British Summer Time (GMT+1).
What materials do I need?
- a range of pencils, 6B – 4H
- rulers – the tutor recommends having both a 15 and 30 cm ruler
- A standard compass. We recommend the Mars Staedtler 551 02 Comfort Bow Compass.
- A3 paper
- A3 tracing paper
- Masking tape
- eraser, sharpener
- Optional: Colour pencils or markers
Online Learning
How do I attend the online class?
This class will take place on Zoom, an online meeting platform. A link for joining the Zoom meeting will be sent before the start date.
Handouts and recordings of sessions will be made available via Thinkific, our online learning platform, for a period of 3 months after the end of the workshop.
What if I have questions during the workshop?
Students will be able to ask questions via chat or unmuting themselves. Students will also have access to our online learning platform, Thinkific, where we share supplementary content.
I live in a different time zone, can I still attend?
We encourage you to attend the course in real time to really benefit from instruction; however, if you are unable to attend live due to the difference in time you can catch up via recordings on our online learning platform, Thinkific. These recordings are available for a limited time after the course.
Recordings cannot be purchased separately if the course is fully booked or if the course has already started.
Tips:
You must download the Zoom app and create a free account before the class begins, so that you can use the full range of features:
- You can create your free account here
- You can download the Zoom app onto your computer or device here
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
No refunds, unless cancelled by the School. If you cancel up to 1 week before the workshop starts, we can offer a transfer to another workshop of equivalent value, subject to availability.
Tutor Biography
Mohammad Abdul Aziz is a geometer and scholar in Islamic sciences, theology and jurisprudence. He is a graduate of the Institute of Islamic Education, Dewsbury, receiving the titles of Qari’ and Alim. In 2020 he graduated with a Masters in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts from The King’s Foundation School of Tradition Arts, where he focused on Islamic geometry and the spiritual aspect of the art.
