Hawzah News Agency- Dr. Mehdi Bahrami, a member of the University of Religions and Denominations’ delegation to Austria, delivered a speech at the Department of Islamic Theology Studies at the University of Vienna on "The Role of Shia Theological and Mystical Components in Islamic Art."

After explaining different opinions about the meaning and concept of Islamic art, Dr. Bahrami stated, “4 theories have been proposed regarding Islamic art. Some art historians believe that there is no such thing as Islamic art because Islamic art does not explain a particular style of art. Some believe that any form of art which has been created in Islamic lands regardless of their content can be called Islamic art. Others argue that any art created by Muslims is considered Islamic art. Some others also believe that any art that has an Islamic content or theme can be called Islamic art.”

He further said, "In any case, what we consider as Islamic art, no matter how we explain it, we cannot deny it in the world of art.”

“There is no doubt that there is a glorious art with Islamic themes and concepts in Islamic history and civilization. In addition, there is no doubt that Islamic thought has had a great impact on the creation of such art, and this impact has not only been on the content and theme, but even the very form of the artistic work and has created special forms in the field of civilization; therefore it has become what we now call Islamic art.” Dr. Bahrami concluded.