Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam, now increasingly under threat from both Islamic fundamentalists and modern secularists. Michon skillfully unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world's second largest religion. Beautifully illustrated throughout, INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL ISLAM is divided into four parts: the traditional Islamic city and its holistic vision of life, which seeks to cater for the body, soul and spirit; the religious message of Islamic art - particularly in calligraphy and psalmody; music and spirituality; and the way of Sufism, the inward or mystical dimension of Islam.

Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam. Jean-Louis Michon, a UNESCO advisor tasked with preserving the architectural and artistic heritage of Islam, unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world''s second largest religion.

For hundreds of years, the inner spiritual core of Islam has been the focus of Sufi thinkers. These essays allow the reader to understand the wisdom and history of Sufism.

Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam, now increasingly under threat from both Islamic fundamentalists and modern secularists. Michon skillfully unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world's second largest religion. Beautifully illustrated throughout, INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL ISLAM is divided into four parts: the traditional Islamic city and its holistic vision of life, which seeks to cater for the body, soul and spirit; the religious message of Islamic art - particularly in calligraphy and psalmody; music and spirituality; and the way of Sufism, the inward or mystical dimension of Islam.

Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam. Jean-Louis Michon, a UNESCO advisor tasked with preserving the architectural and artistic heritage of Islam, unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world''s second largest religion.

For hundreds of years, the inner spiritual core of Islam has been the focus of Sufi thinkers. These essays allow the reader to understand the wisdom and history of Sufism.